Page 10 of Secrets on Ice

Asshole.

“Ember said her and Kevin were trying for a baby.” I still. “I’m going to assume Cass and Trevor were, too. Those two never do anything without each other.”

Fuck. I had no idea. Cass never said anything, and I thought we spoke about everything. “Guess it’s lucky neither are pregnant then.”

Emmett raises his beer to that.

3

EMBER

Jo opens the door to one of the guest rooms. “You can take this one,” she tells me. “Bathroom is through there. There are clean towels in the cupboard, and I put a toothbrush on the counter.”

“Thank you,” I tell her, she’s been great. I love her. I’m so happy that my brother found her and that one day she is going to be my sister-in-law.

“You don’t need to thank me,” she says.

“I know, but I’m going to because we’ve just shown up on your doorstep and kind of crashed your night.”

Her expression softens. “You’re family. I’m glad you came here, it truly was the best place for you both. Now, try to get some sleep, everything will be clearer in the morning.” She gives me a hug. “Call out if you need anything.”

“I will.”

“Cass, your room is across the hall.” I hear her say as she closes the door behind her. The room is familiar because Cassidy and I designed it. Soft grey walls, linen curtains, brass light fixtures, and a gorgeous antique bed. I kind of designed this room for me, if I’m being honest, because it was the room my brother always gave me when I came to visit. I needed something nice if I was going to stay in it.

I drop onto the edge of the bed and stare at my phone. It’s been turned off since the airport. I need to call Mom and let her know what is happening because I wouldn’t put it past Kevin to try to play the fucking victim to her. The second I switch it back on, notifications start filling the screen. All the missed calls, texts, and voicemails.

Kevin.

Kevin.

Kevin.

Trevor.

Kevin.

Mom.

My stomach sinks when I see her name. I press call before I can talk myself out of it. She answers on the second ring.

“Ember?”

“Hey, Mom.”

“Sweetheart, are you okay? Kevin came by earlier looking for you. He was acting strangely, and then Emmett called to tell me you were safe with him, but I didn’t know you were missing. Is everything okay?” I can hear the concern in her voice.

Of course, Emmett called her. He would’ve known she’d worry, but he also probably didn’t want to tell her the reason I was in his guest bedroom.

“I’m safe,” I tell her.

“That’s good, but what’s going on?” she asks.

I close my eyes. There’s no gentle way to say what happened today. “Cassidy and I left Kevin and Trevor.”

Silence.

“What do you mean you left them?” she asks cautiously.