Juicy Rebound (IceCats 1)

But I was given that pleasure.

We became fast friends. It was so easy, and he was funny as hell. We had such a drive to push each other to achieve our dreams. We helped each other in school, on the ice, and we played the field of ladies like champs. He was my wingman, and I was his. I was there for him when he struggled with grief over his dad, and he was there for me when Lana left me. There hasn’t been a time where I didn’t think Ryan had my back. He is just a great guy. When Amelia came to Bellevue on a gymnastics scholarship, I remember how excited Ryan was. His baby sister would be in the same school, and he could keep an eye on her. For his dad. It was sweet, and I was excited to meet her.

I just didn’t expect to find her totally irresistible.

Ryan, of course, shut it down quickly. No one could date his sister. I understood where he was coming from, even though I didn’t have a sibling. You always hear of those protective big brothers, and Ryan fit that role perfectly—to the point it drove Amelia insane. But in his defense, most of the guys at Bellevue weren’t the dating kind. Surely, he could see I would be great for her. He didn’t. Couldn’t. He wouldn’t even entertain the idea, and since he was my best friend, I tried to resist her.

But then she kissed me.

I was completely hers, ready to give her my life, but then she chose Drew. It saved me from a very uncomfortable conversation with her protective older brother. But at the time, I wanted to have that talk just for the chance to kiss her again. While the conversation I’m about to have is going to be difficult and a bit nerve-racking, there is no way in hell I can give up Amelia now. I can’t. I love her, and nothing will change that. I just hope I don’t lose my friendship with Ryan over her.

That would make holiday dinners a bit awkward.

As I gawk up at Ryan and his soon-to-be wife’s new house, I can’t help but think how everything has changed. But at the same time, I can’t help but be jealous of the asshole I call my best friend. He bought a damn mansion for his wife. The house is massive. Huge marble steps lead up to dark cherrywood double doors that have two huge Christmas wreaths on them. The gray and white bricks of the house complement the cherrywood in a stunning way. There is a huge window above the doors that shows off an enormous chandelier. This is my first time at their new home…and wow. I blink a few times and then shake my head. All I’ve got is a little bungalow. Amelia likes it, though. I think.

I pull out my phone and text Amelia.

Me: Hey, you like my place, right?

Amelia: Considering it’s the twin to mine, I’d say so.

Me: You don’t want bigger?

Amelia: What’s in your pants is big enough.

When she sends me the winky face emoji, my grin takes up my face.

Amelia: Gotta go. My TEAM of girls just walked in. Text you in a few.

She then sends me the kissy face emoji, and my heart aches in my chest. Funny how a simple emoji can make my heart race. She loves the gym. It’s only day two, but she is in heaven. We spent the night going over everything and how excited she was to get started. Pretty sure neither of us slept. She went over lesson plans and how she can’t wait to get on the equipment. Her excitement filled me with such overwhelming emotion that it was killing me not to scream into the phone that I loved her. I can’t wait to see her and tell her those words. I’m not even scared she might not love me back, because she will.

Once she lets herself.

Right as I’m about to text her back, the doors open, and Ryan looks down at me. He holds out his arms. “Yes, it’s mine.”

I roll my eyes. “No shit, asshole. You sent a picture when you bought it,” I say, climbing the steps as I tuck my phone into my jacket pocket. We wrap up in a tight, backslapping, man hug. It’s been a few months since I’ve seen him, and I’ve missed the fucker.

He pulls back, squeezing my shoulder. “Good to see you. You’ve put on some muscle.”

I nod. “Four pounds since I saw you last.”

“You buy that bulking shit Sofia said to get?”

“Yeah. It works, obviously.”

He grins. “Yeah, she’s a smart cookie.”

“She is,” I agree as we head into the foyer. The house reminds me of my parents’ house here in Nashville. Huge, expensive, and show-off worthy. The walls are a nice gray that goes really well with the white brick fireplace. “Man, do you even live here?”