Page 127 of Ice Me Out

“Not again,” I whined, stamping a foot.

“Yep. My dad is in the picture again.”

I’d never seen a more toxic couple. They’d get drunk at family functions; fight, fuss, cuss, and one time bite. They’d wake up the next morning and plan a romantic getaway like nothing ever happened.

“They claim they’re renewing their vows during Christmas. That’ll be fun.”

This is their fourth vow renewal….

“Anyway… good luck with everything. Let me know if you need to lay low. You can always stop by for a visit.”

“It’ll be a cold day in hell before you catch my ass in Moscow.”

“Oh, come on, Vera. It’s not that bad. Is it a little cold?”

“Amongst other things.”

Kandace shrugged and slipped her mask back on. “Suit yourself. Let’s get back. Your man still looks like he wants to rip my face off, and my adoring fans await.”

I glanced over at Hart, hoping she was exaggerating like she usually did. But she wasn’t. I hid my smirk as I sauntered back to my jealous man. He wrapped an arm around my waist, and I stood on my toes, planning on kissing him when he pulled away. My lips landed firmly on his cheek.

Great. I went too far, and now he has an attitude.

“Don’t be like that, Sweet Hart,” I whispered.

“What did you and your cousin discuss? It looked a little tense at one point.”

“Girl talk.”

Before he could respond, Kandace waved at him excitedly as she passed by. “Bye, Hart! See you at Christmas!”

The tenseness in Hart’s jaw slackened. “Christmas?” he said, eyes flicking to me.

“She’s teasing,” I said quickly.

Hart nodded. Then a slick grin appeared. “See you then, Kandace.”

Hart tugged me toward the parked cars before I could protest. Without warning, the sky opened up and drenched us. He yanked off his jacket and tossed it over my head, then scooped me up in his arms. I laughed as he took off running for the Bronco. I couldn’t see a thing, but could hear Monica loudly complaining in the background about the rain and her boots that cost more than our rent.

“Put me down!” Monica shrieked.

I tugged the jacket off my head in time to see Marlon throw Monica over his shoulder and Christiansen slide her purse onto his shoulder, looking like a hockey diva.

“Marlon! Put me down!”

“You’re a screamer,” Marlon replied. “I like that.”

Monica snapped her mouth shut so quickly that the sound of her teeth clicking together could be heard over the rain and the muffled bass in the warehouse.

That’s… different.

A moment later, we were piled in Hart’s Bronco, shivering from the rain while he adjusted the heat. I snuck a peek in the backseat and watched as Marlon and Christiansen dried Monica off with a towel they found in Hart’s gym bag. Our eyes met, and Monica silently communicated what we both knew. She was about to ruin their lives.

I turned away with a small smile and minded my business.

“You hungry?” Hart asked.

I looked over and immediately regretted it.