Page 65 of Ice, Love, & Other Penalties

“I trusted him, you know?” I say, not sure if it’s a way to explain why this is as much as he can get or . . . I don’t know why I’m doing it, but I continue, “With everything. He knew my fears and my dreams. I let him in too deep and then . . . gave him something I thought he’d cherish. It’s hard to trust again. And you . . . You’re temporary. We both agreed that’s what this is. I’d prefer to go to your living room and let you fuck me than tell you my secrets.”

“Then, we’ll watch a movie,” he proposes.

“What?”

“We can play a board game?”

“I don’t understand,” I state in confusion. “I’m offering anything, a blow job, fucking me anyway you want, and your answer is . . . let’s play a board game?”

He nods. “You’re not ready to give me what I really want, and I won’t push you.”

I’m horny and burning from the inside out after the kiss he gave me. I need a release. I’m soaking wet, ready to . . . do anything, and he’s rejecting me? “But?—”

“Honestly, I think you want to find a new way to disappear from me. I won’t let you,” he states.

“Tyberius, be reasonable,” I argue.

“I heard there’s a new rom-com streaming,” he says, walking toward the family room.

“You’re insufferable.” I walk after him.

“You’re maddening, but maybe that’s one of my favorite things about you. I love how you make up your mind and it’s hard to convince you that there are other ways.”

I halt in my tracks. “What do you mean by that?”

Ty glances over his shoulder. “Is there a problem with your hearing? Or was I speaking too fast?”

“You . . . You shouldn’t have favorite things about me or . . . I—” I press my lips together. “Don’t make this difficult, please. I really like you and Myra. She needs stability and I’m the only one who can give it to her right now.”

“Some things can’t be helped,” he says.

“I have to go.”

“Indie,” he calls after me, but I’m running toward the garage. “Babe, stop.”

“No,” I say, as I jump in my car making sure my purse and keys are inside. “We said no feelings, Ty.”

“I couldn’t help myself and I won’t apologize for it. Or for loving you,” he states and my heart stutters when I hear that, and still, I leave.

This—emotions and . . . love. I can’t handle it. More so from a guy like him. Someone who cares too much and gives his everything to those he loves. What if I let myself fall and then he leaves? It’ll destroy me.

When I get home. I run to my bedroom and take a shower to calm down. I wish Rigby were here but it seemed so easy to leave him with Myra. How stupid is that?

After I put on my pajamas and dry my hair, I look at my phone. There’s a text from Ty, at least tell me you got home safe, please.

I should ignore him, but since I don’t want him to drive by, I respond, I’m here.

Ty: Are Rigby and Dave with you?

Indie: Remember we left Rig at Gabe’s? Dave is here though.

Ty: I can go and get him for you.

Indie: I don’t want to see you.

Ty: I can’t believe you’re mad because I’m falling in love with you.

Indie: Stop saying that.

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