Page 110 of Secrets on Ice

“Yeah. She said she was proud of Ember for moving on from Kevin and that it was kind of fitting that it was with me, because it’s not the first time I’ve helped her pick up the pieces after him. Then she told me I was gross and left to get coffee like it was no big deal.”

Fish stares at me for a second, then bursts out laughing. “Holy shit. Only Cassidy. So, what does that mean for you two now?”

I lean back against the edge of the pool, staring at the steam rising from the water. “Nothing, she made it clear many times we were just friends with benefits for her. She isn’t interested in dating anyone right now.”

Fish nods slowly. “Understandable, I mean, she’s not quite divorced yet, and the trauma of walking in on her husband with his best friend would be a lot to work through.”

“Shit, Cassidy. Firstly, she walks in on her husband, and now she’s walked in on her brother and best friend.” I rake my hand through my hair.

Fish whistles like, oh shit.

“Fuck, I’ve fucked up,” I tell him.

“No, you haven’t,” Fish says. “But, you have feelings for her, and she is nowhere near ready for that. I’m going to be honest, man, I don’t think now is the time for the two of you.”

The sinking realization hits me, I’ve been living in fantasyland. And as my sister said, I’m just a rebound. I realize I’ve always been her rebound, and maybe that is all I’ll ever be.

“She deserves to be single. To figure out who she is. She’s a work in progress right now, and while, yes, she has let you in, it’s not in the way you want nor deserve,” he says, clapping me on the shoulder.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“It sucks that I am. You’re doing the right thing, man. You’ve got to protect yourself. You deserve someone who’s ready for you, too. Because I know you want that next chapter, and as hard as it may be, maybe you and Ember were never endgame.”

I nod, but the ache in my chest doesn’t ease. “When the hell did you get so wise?”

Fish laughs. “Shh, don’t tell anyone,” he teases. “Look, if you honestly believe that Ember is the right person for you, then give her time. If this time next year she is still single, then make your move.”

I’m not sure if I can wait a year, but I don’t have a choice.

“Anyway, enough about my shit. How about you? How’s married life been treating you?”

“Luckiest man alive.” He grins like a Cheshire cat.

“I’m happy for you.”

“I know you are,” he says.

“Is it hard?”

“What? Being married?” he asks. I nod. “No way in the world. Best thing that ever happened to me. She’s my best friend. She makes me a better man when I am with her. I am genuinely excited for our future.”

This, coming from the biggest playboy on the team.

29

EMBER

Cassidy walks back into the apartment with our coffees. She hands it to me and I take it.

“Where’s my brother?” she asks.

“Gym.”

She nods. “Guess he didn’t want to stick around for this conversation.”

“Guess not,” I answer quietly.

I follow her into the living room, where we both take a seat. My heart is racing as I wait for her to speak.