Fire and Ice: A New Adult Erotic Romance Read Online Free PDF Page A

other hand against his midsection as if he’s sprinted through the entire lodge, searching for us.
    “Athena?” I call out. “Is she okay?” I can see no other reason for the panic that tenses David’s shoulders.
    “Yes, yes, she’s fine, but—”
    “But what?” My mind canvases all potential problems. Dinner was superb, the cake gorgeous and melt-in-your mouth. All that’s left is dancing, drinking, hooking up. I can’t imagine what might go wrong. Then it hits me. Not what, but who.
    “Tell me Caleb isn’t doing anything.”
    “I, well … about that,” David begins.
    He doesn’t have to finish; whatever it is, it’s bound to be awful. Whatever it is, only I can stop it. I squeeze George’s fingers, just once, and cast him a quick glance. Oh, it’s almost unbearable—the concern in his dark eyes, the worry that carves lines around his mouth.
    “I’m sorry,” I tell him. And I am so very sorry, for hurting George, for wasting months of my life, for allowing someone to cast their shadow over me. “I need to go. I can’t let him … I mean, it’s Athena’s wedding.”
    I pull away, hike up the skirt of my bridesmaid dress, and dash down the hall. I don’t turn around. I know if I do, I’ll throw myself into his arms. But that won’t help. That will only make me a party to Caleb’s poisoning.
    At the edge of the dance floor, I let my skirt plummet and the velvet swishes around my ankles. I march across the parquet. I still long for a sword, but for this battle, I don’t need one.
    I am going to find Caleb.
     

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Seven
     
     
    CALEB IS STANDING at the dessert buffet, talking to Miriam. Innocently talking, he’d protest, if I felt the slightest urge to ask. I don’t. Still, my throat tightens. Whatever he’s said to her will get back to Athena. And God only knows what he’s said. To Miriam. To others. How could I’ve been so stupid to leave him alone, unsupervised?
    I’ve trudge through this muck so many times, I simply don’t want to explain, even to Athena. I know she’ll let me off easy. Her little sister. And maybe that’s the problem. I’m the problem. The easy way isn’t an option anymore.
    I collect odd glances as I cross the dance floor. Couples stop gyrating as I pass, and a certain amount of dread fills my stomach.
    I approach the dessert table. Caleb fumbles with the plate of cheesecake he’s holding, then sets it down. Miriam plants a hand on her hip and thrusts it in my direction.
    “I didn’t know you two were getting engaged,” she says, a lilt to her voice.
    I point my chin at Caleb. “Neither did I.”
    “I meant it as a surprise,” he says, “but I’m having a hard time keeping a secret.”
    To her credit, Miriam looks like she might gag. “I’ll leave you two, I’m sure you have loads to talk about.” She sashays past, pausing long enough to whisper in my ear.
    “He has a very hard time keeping a secret,” she says, “and you’ve had a very hard time keeping your hands off the best man.”
    Oh . That explains the looks everyone is giving me. Yes, that makes sense. Caleb has painted himself as the devoted fiancé, while I’m the tramp who’s busy hooking up with the best man.
    “So I’m the slutty little sister.”
    Miriam raises an eyebrow. “You said it, not me. But here’s my response: catch and release.”
    I follow her gaze to where George is standing, near the open bar on the opposite side of the dance floor.
    “That.” She nods toward Caleb. “Makes him.” A nod toward George. “Fair game.”
    None of this is necessary. I’m already clear on her intent. If I weren’t the spectacle of the moment, everyone at the reception would be clear on her intent. And she’s off. Poor George, I think. He has no idea he’s in season.
    I turn my attention to Caleb. He gives me a smirk. Transport me back in time, and I would tell you his smile is ironic and knowing. He sees through everyone’s hypocrisy. Today I wonder