Page 67 of Hot As Ice

“Hey,” I say, interjecting into my friends’ conversation. “My dad’s celebrating his marriage next month. You guys have to come.”

They look at me in surprise, obviously not expecting me to say any of those words.

“Your dad’s married?” Martinez asks.

“Yeah. Just recently.” I huff out a breath. “I have a stepmom now and she’s probably only ten years older than me.”

Ryder laughs. “Yikes.”

“Is she hot?” Sean asks, and I throw a pillow at him.

“Don’t be an asshole.”

He grins. “Sorry, bro.”

“Anyway,” I say, emphasizing each syllable. “You fuckers better be there.”

“We got your back,” Jamie says, clapping me on the shoulder. “Don’t worry.” Jamie knows everything about my childhood and my relationship with my father. The other guys just know that I don’t get along with him, but none of the really gritty details.

“Thanks. Appreciate it.”

“Do I have to wear a suit?” Ryder asks, just to get on my nerves.

I side-eye him. “Don’t piss me off.”

He grins and takes another sip of his beer.

“I’ll wear my lucky suit,” Sean chimes in, completely serious.

Ryder gives him the coldest look I’ve ever seen. “You have a lucky suit,” he deadpans.

“Yeah.”

Jamie squeezes Sean’s shoulder. “Sean has something lucky for every occasion, don’t you, buddy?”

Sean shrugs Jamie’s hand off, looking put-upon. “I hate you assholes.” Then he grins. “Just be grateful I brought all my luck to Concord. I could’ve gone to Greenwood instead!”

Martinez points at him. “That’s right, man. Don’t take shit from these assholes. You’re our lucky charm.”

Sean groans. “Please don’t call me that.”

We all laugh as Sean puts his head in his hands. “Fuck,” he says. “That’s gonna be my new nickname, isn’t it?”

“Yup,” Ryder says, grinning and enjoying every minute of Sean’s discomfort. The guys keep ribbing Sean, but he’s mostly a good sport about it. I check my phone again, willing a text from Stevie to materialize.

I hate that I can’t control this urge.

I’m usually in excellent control of my emotions and actions. Almost from the moment I met Stevie, though, I’ve felt my control slipping more and more. And I don’t fucking like it.

Refusing to torture myself further, I shoot her a text asking what she’s doing.

Stevie

I’m having lunch with Celeste! Text you later

I stare at the message. Already? I know they mentioned having lunch when they met last week, but I didn’t think they’d actually make plans so soon. I…don’t even know how it makes me feel.

Me