Page 109 of Melting the Ice

I took another sip. I really wanted either nachos or something sweet.

Cora gasped. “He what? No, he did not. Yeah, Micah’s his best friend, but you’re his damn sister. Also, you better not leave Denver. We like having you here.”

“Is he here tonight? I could just give him a little punch. Maybe purple nurple him or something.” Harper’s eyes gleamed with anger. “Also, yes, to you not leaving us.”

Ally barked out a laugh. “Purple nurple him? Who even says that?”

Harper shrugged. “I grew up playing hockey. I’ve got all sorts of insults and threats at the ready.” She met my gaze again. “Just say the word.”

“Okay, okay. Can we get back to Josie’s morning? So, what did Micah say to Ray?” Cora asked.

This time, warmth filled my chest, and I couldn’t help smiling. “He immediately stood up for me and called Ray out. It was awkward and messy and really freaking hurt, and it was also amazing. Ugh. I got overwhelmed and left. But not before Micah pulled me into his arms and told me he loved me for the first time.”

Ally sighed. “Good. About damn time.”

I laughed softly. “We’ve only been dating or whatever for two months, if that.”

“Doesn’t matter. And I’m glad he put his foot down with Ray. Your brother deserves a kick in the ass.”

“Is he here? I’ll do it now,” Harper said, stepping forward.

“Okay, calm down, Feisty,” Cora said to Harper. “So, are you okay?”

“Yeah. I mean, I guess. I just had to get out of there, you know?”

They all nodded.

“And I have no plans to move away or anything. It just hurt to hear my brother voice those thoughts out loud, even if maybe in the past they were justified.”

“Nope. Absolutely not. We’ve talked about this. You are successful in your own right doing what you love. People would kill for that.” Cora’s tone brooked no argument.

“One hundred percent. And you’ll talk to your brother when you’re ready. He needs to stew a bit in his shitty attitude,” Ally said.

“Now, how about we finish our drinks and go downstairs to blow kisses to our men so they win tonight?” Cora said.

“Actually, I want to see him,” I said.

“Ray?” Cora asked.

“No. Micah. I know warm-ups start in like twenty minutes. But I never gave him a good luck kiss.”

“Don’t worry. I got you.” Cora grabbed her phone and texted someone. “Can’t have Micah missing part of his home-game routine.”

A few seconds later, her phone dinged.

“Millsy’s sending Micah to the dressing room since the rest of the guys are in the locker room. You can head down now,” Cora said.

I grinned. “You ladies are the best.”

“And don’t you forget it if you ever think of leaving Denver,” Harper called out as I headed for the door.

I was going to kiss that man within an inch of his life so he had no doubts about my feelings.

My brother would wait.

Chapter 22

MICAH

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