Page 18 of On Ice

Uneasiness fills me because Noah isn’t an idiot. Everyone but me seems thrilled with Luca and his plans. I have to give my friend some reason why I’m the only one not jazzed about Luca swooping in to save the day. But I can’t be honest. Luca’s threats against Noah are still very fresh in my mind.

I meet his gaze. “It’s not that I don’t like him. I just want him to come through with his promises, that’s all. The old owner made a lot of promises too, but didn’t follow through.”

“True,” he murmurs. “You just seem kind of antagonistic toward him.”

“Nah. I have nothing personal against him,” I lie, glancing at the stage. I find Luca watching me, and his dark gaze makes my stomach churn.

Noah follows my gaze. “Did something happen last night when you met Barone in the owner’s box?”

My face warms, and I pray my cheeks aren’t turning pink. “No. What could have happened?” Nothing happened in the owner’s box, but afterward things were definitely not professional. It’s the memory of Luca in my bed that has my cheeks on fire.

Noah shrugs. “I’m not sure. I only know that you’re usually more optimistic about things. I can tell you don’t trust Barone.”

“I simply think we should wait and see, that’s all.” I push my hands in my pockets, hoping Noah will drop the subject of Luca. The more questions he asks, the easier it is for me to slip up and say something I shouldn’t.

“How come you didn’t meet up with us last night?” Noah’s gaze seems to burn into my soul. “I tried texting you, but you never responded.”

Noah and I don’t tend to have secrets from each other. Before I found out Luca was a horrible scumbag, I’d probably have told Noah about my hookup with our new owner. But knowing who Luca is, there’s no way it’s safe for Noah to know any more than is necessary.

“I planned on joining you guys, but I was beat after the game. That and the champagne really kicked my ass. I was going to take a nap to take the edge off, but I absolutely crashed. I sleptall night without even waking up once.” I give a sheepish smile as my lame lie hangs in the air.

“I called and texted like six times.” His expression is dubious. “It was our first win in a while. You should have been with us celebrating.”

“I know.” I wince inwardly. “Sorry, man. I was dead to the world. The building could have burned down, and I wouldn’t have noticed.” I give a cajoling smile, but Noah doesn’t return it. I can feel he doesn’t believe my story and wants to push more.

He sighs. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

I’d have agreed with him before I met Luca. Now I realize there are things you really can’t tell other people for their own protection. But my best friend is looking at me expectantly, and I have to say something about why I’m acting out of character.

I glance at the stage and find Luca still watching me. His black stare sends a shiver through me. Even from a distance his raw aggression tugs at me. I turn my back on him and meet Noah’s worried gaze. “Look, it’s no big deal. I’ll tell you more when I can.”

“So there is something wrong?” Noah leans forward, obvious concern on his face.

“No.” I shake my head. “Nothing is wrong.”

“You sure about that? You’re not acting like yourself.” He touches my arm. “Evan, if you need anything, you know I’ve got your back, right?”

Noah’s loyalty to me makes my heart squeeze, but it’s going to get him killed. I can feel Luca’s gaze burning into my shoulder blades. Luca is already a paranoid, suspicious bastard. If I can’tget Noah to stop asking questions, that won’t be good for either of us.

“It’s just some stuff going on with Dad,” I lie. “He… he’s been drinking again.” Guilt shifts through me as I falsely smear my poor dad’s reputation. He’s a recovering alcoholic who hasn’t touched a drop of liquor in years. He got in a car accident and that sobered him up immediately. I feel like a dick lying about his sobriety, but it’s better than getting my best friend murdered.

“He started drinking again?” he wrinkles his brow. “God, he seemed so solid the last few years.”

“I know. He just… fell off the wagon.” I give a nervous laugh. “Sobriety is a day to day struggle for him.”

I’m going to hell.

“I’m so sorry. I definitely see why you didn’t feel like going out drinking. Are you taking time off to go be with him?”

“Uh, no. He’s back on track now.” I rub the back of my neck, praying Noah just drops it.

“Still, it might be good to keep an eye on him.”

“He’ll be fine. I have my hands full with Mom, and Dad is fine.” I cringe inwardly at the confused look Noah gives me. He probably thinks I’m a uncaring bastard. “He wouldn’t want me to take time off. He knows were in the middle of our season.”

“Right.” His gaze flickers. “Well, I guess you know best. But if things get worse, tell me.”

“Of course,” I say. “You’re the first person I’ll tell.”

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