Page 108 of Secrets on Ice

I panic, my heart is racing, face burning with embarrassment and guilt. “Cass, it’s not … we got really drunk last night and kind of did something stupid. It was a one-and-done thing. It didn’t mean anything. It was just the alcohol talking.”

Sully nods quickly, rubbing his face. “Yeah, it was stupid. The alcohol was talking.”

“Ew, get dressed and meet me in the kitchen,” she says, shaking her head and walking out the door.

I burst into tears as I grab one of Sully’s tees from the ground and throw it on because all my clothes are …. Shit, where we left them scattered through the apartment.

Sully sits up, pulling me into his arms as I cry. “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he murmurs, rubbing my back. “Breathe, Em. It’s going to be fine.”

“I can’t believe she saw us.” I sob into his chest. “She’s going to hate me. I betrayed her. I slept with her brother. What the hell was I thinking?”

“You didn’t betray her,” he says softly. “Cassidy loves you. She’s shocked, but she’ll be okay. We’ll talk to her together. It’s going to be fine.”

I pull back, wiping my tears. “How are you so calm? She just saw us naked in your bed.”

He smiles, that sweet, reassuring smile that always makes me feel safer. “Because I know my sister. She’s dramatic, but she’s not going to turn on you. And I’m not going to let this ruin your friendship. We’ll figure it out.”

I nod, still shaky, but his calm voice helps. We dress quickly, me in his T-shirt and a pair of his shorts, him in sweatpants. He pulls me into a quick hug before we leave the room.

“Ready?” he asks.

“Not really,” I admit.

He squeezes my hand. “We’ve got this.”

We walk out to the kitchen together, hearts pounding, ready to face whatever comes next.

Tears slip down my cheeks as I look at my best friend. “I’m so sorry, Cass.”

Cassidy stares at us for a long moment, then does something completely unexpected. She starts laughing. Not angry laughter, but genuine, doubled-over, clutching-her-stomach laughter.

“Oh my god.” She gasps, wiping tears from her eyes. “I’m so proud of you,” she says, rushing over and giving me a tight hug.

I blink. “What?”

“Not you,” she says, pointing at Sully. “You’re still gross. But Ember. I never thought you would ever move on from that toxic relationship you had with Kevin. I mean, it’s kind of fitting that you moved on with the help of my brother because it’s not like it’s the first time that’s happened,” she says, talking about our past. “You seem to always be there, helping Ember pick up the pieces.” Her eyes narrow on him.

He rubs the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable.

“Look, it’s gross that you popped your divorcée cherry with my brother,” she says, still laughing. “But I’m happy for you. Now that you’ve had your rebound, you can get out there and start living your single life.”

Sully and I just stare at her, stunned.

“We are going to have too much fun being single together,” she says, hugging me. “Now, I think we all deserve a round of coffees. I’m going to rush downstairs to the café and grab them while you guys clean up in here.” She winces, looking at our clothes scattered on the floor.

She leaves, still laughing as she closes the door behind her.

I look at Sully, completely lost for words.

He rubs the back of his neck, looking as stunned as I feel. “Well, that went better than I expected.”

I let out a shaky laugh, wiping the last of my tears. “I thought she was going to kill us, or at least kill me.”

He smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Cassidy’s always been full of surprises.”

We stand there in awkward silence for a moment, the reality of what just happened sinking in.

I bend down to pick up my dress from the floor, suddenly very aware that I’m still wearing Sully’s T-shirt and shorts. “I should get changed.”