Page 115 of Melting the Ice

“Sure,” I said, keeping my expression neutral. I felt a touch bad for him. A small touch.

He sighed and walked into the kitchen, filling a glass, before coming in to sit at the opposite end of the couch from me.

I turned toward him.

“He looked really good out there tonight. Even got a fucking goal. And I saw him looking up toward the suite you were in more than once. You looked really happy too, when I spotted you a few times.” He took a sip of his water and swallowed audibly, then set his glass down.

“I’m so fucking sorry, Josie. I hate that I reacted that way. You don’t deserve that. I’ve watched Mom and Dad, especially Mom,be so hard on you. You don’t need that shit from your brother, too. Micah’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember, and I never expected you two to be a thing. But I can tell he’s happy, and you seem really happy.”

“I am,” I replied, keeping my emotions in check. I didn’t want him to think all was forgiven that easily.

He picked up his glass and tapped his thumb against the side. “But you have to admit that you don’t really settle down and stay put, and Micah is going to be in Denver for a while if he doesn’t get traded. His contract is pretty tight for at least the next six years. I don’t want either of you to get hurt.”

“You didn’t seem to be thinking about my feelings when you reacted to catching us this morning.”

He set the glass down again and shifted toward me.

“I didn’t, and I’m so fucking sorry. I was in shock, and I reacted badly. Like, as bad as possible. It was very unexpected. You two are complete opposites. But the way he stood up to me, how he supported you without thought.” He paused, a small smile on his lips. “Man, he loves you, and I’m so happy that you found that.”

“Thanks,” I murmured, warmth filling my chest at Ray’s words. I would never get over how easily Micah jumped to defend me. Defend us.

“Can you forgive me for being a grade A dick?”

“Maybe. Look, I know that Micah and I couldn’t be more different, but we fit. I’m in love with him, and we are making it work. I love living here and don’t want to leave, and not just because of him. I’ve built a life that I love, and I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. Problems and issues may pop up, but we’re both invested in us, and that’s all that matters right now. I just need you to accept that your best friend fell for your sister and she fell right back.”

“Fuck, Josie. I really am an asshole.” He dropped his head, shaking it slightly, before meeting my gaze again. He looked sincerely remorseful. “You know, I just don’t want you to feel trapped here.”

I smiled. He did care about me and always had, but he sucked at showing it. “I get that, but I can figure it out if that happens. Micah and I will figure it out. I love him, Ray. I really do.”

He nodded. “I get it, and I really am sorry for being a dick.”

“As you should be.”

“So, are we good?”

“We’re getting there.”

“Can I hug you now?” He looked nervous.

“Yeah.” My throat was tight, and I was glad that we talked this out before he left tomorrow.

He tugged me across the couch and into a hug. “I just want you to be happy, and I’ll get used to my best friend giving you moony eyes.”

I pulled back. “Thank you, Ray.”

Chuckling, he tapped me on the nose. “It’s weird but kind of amusing seeing how smitten he is over you. I’ve never seen him like that. And you deserve all of it.”

I grinned. “Yeah, he’s pretty amazing.”

He grimaced. “Should I get a hotel room for the night?”

I laughed. “Maybe. No. I’m kidding. It’s one more night, and we want to hang out with you. But I’m not going back to Harper’s tonight.”

“I get it. But maybe just don’t scar me or anything. Walls are thin.” He shuddered. “Oh, this is gross.”

“We’ll be good. So, how about a beer, and I’ll text Micah to say you’re still my brother.”

He gave me another quick hug. “I’d love that.”

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