Page 66 of Secrets on Ice

“I don’t think I’m ready.”

Cassidy stills. “Really?”

I shrug. “I don’t know … it’s all … a lot.”

Her face softens. “It is, and I get it, but honestly, I feel like that kiss changed me and not because it was good but like it severed the last thread of feeling I had for Trevor. It was my fuck you.” I nod. I get what she means. “But it’s okay if you’re not there yet. I’m happy to kiss right now. Sleeping with someone might be too soon, or maybe I might change my mind because honestly, when he kissed me, I might need a change of underwear.”

“Cass!”

“Hey, it’s been a while.” She grins. “Come on, let’s go back inside and see if that sexy giant footballer is still waiting for you.” Cass raises a brow at me.

“He has so many better options than me.” I groan.

“And yet he’s been chatting with you all night.”

“I’m a great conversationalist,” I tell her.

“Come on,” she says, dragging me back into the reception.

Ledger is exactly where he said he'd be, leaning against the bar with his whiskey, and his whole face lifts when he sees me coming.

"There she is. I was starting to think I'd been abandoned." He smiles.

"Sorry, best friend emergency," Cassidy states.

"Everything okay?” Ledger asks, sounding concerned.

“All good. Sorry to have taken Em, she’s all yours now.” She practically pushes me toward him. Real subtle, Cass. “I’ll catch up with you later.” Then she’s gone.

“Don’t worry, she’s always like that,” I tell him as I turn to the bar and order myself a glass of champagne for some liquid courage.

Ledger and I continue chatting and laughing for a large portion of the night, about anything and everything. I’m really enjoying myself.

“Oh no, poor guy.” He chuckles.

I follow his line of sight, and I see a beautiful, buxom blonde giggling and touching Sully’s arm.

“That’s my sister Annabelle, and it looks like she has her sights on one of the hockey guys, Sully, isn’t it?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I answer as I watch Sully flirt with the woman.

“I love my sister, but she is a handful.” He chuckles.

“My brother was the same,” I say flatly.

“Do you think I should say something?” Ledger asks.

“Um, as a sister, I would hate that,” I tell him.

His eyes narrow on Sully before they turn back to me. “Should I be worried about your brother coming over and telling me off for flirting with his sister?” He smirks.

“You’re flirting with me?” The words tumble out before I can catch them.

“Um, yeah, I thought that was obvious.”

My cheeks heat up. “Oh, I’m sorry, I had no idea. I … um …” I become flustered. “I’m recently separated from my husband.”

“Oh.” Ledger stills.