Page 111 of Hot As Ice

He laughs. “Someone’s in a mood.”

I don’t respond, but I kind of like him ribbing me. It’s familiar.

We run the next 20 minutes in silence, sticking to our usual route. Another familiarity that is surprisingly comforting. I like having my friend next to me, even knowing he’s going to interrogate me when we reach the end of the pier. I don’t know why but lately I want more people around me than usual. It’s a big part of why I asked Stevie to spend the week with me. Not just to protect her, but to have that connection.

The pier comes into view in the distance.

I pump my legs to go even faster and it becomes a race with Jamie. We’re both laughing as we try to outrun each other. He uses his arm to push me back. “Cheater!” I yell. He turns on his jets and takes off like his ass is on fire. I turn on my own accelerator, but the fucker is fast. He reaches the end of the pier a few seconds before I do. I hate losing.

“Did you think a zombie was chasing you?” I ask, trying to catch my breath.

The asshole just laughs.

“I hate you.”

“Don’t be a sore loser,” he says.

“I’m faster than you on the ice,” I grumble.

He laughs even harder. “Oh no, the great Hunter Cruise can’t handle getting crushed by his left wing.”

I punch him on the arm. “Fuck you.”

“Sorry, Cap, better luck next time.”

I rest my forearms on the railing and look out at the gray water. It’s only 7am. When I left, Stevie was still sleeping. I can’t wait to go back and eat breakfast with her.

“What are your holiday plans?” Jamie asks.

I huff out a breath. “Too many parties and family events.”

“Same.”

“I’ve been seeing way too much of my dad since he got married.”

“Because your stepmom keeps planning stuff for you guys to do?”

“Yep.”

“Bummer.”

“I’d make excuses, but I like her.”

Jamie looks surprised. “Really?”

I shrug. “She’s nice.”

“Hmm.”

I turn my head. “What?”

“I think it’s more than that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I think you’re worried about her.”

What the fuck. How did he guess that?