Page 43 of Ice Cold Hearts
Oliver shrugs.
I scowl when I catch Ian smiling as he’s tugging on his pants.
“What?” I snap.
“You don’t find it odd that we had a house guest last night and now all three of us just so happen to be missing our shirts?” He shakes his head at my dumbfounded expression. “I might not have Oliver’s problem-solving skills, but I do know a good bit about feelings. Taking a shirt or a hoodie from someone you like is one of the oldest tricks in the book.”
My brows knit closer together. “Why would she want a dirty shirt?”
Oliver scoffs. “Damn, Alexei, you should probably ask the wizard for a heart and a brain if you can’t figure that one out.”
“Nice.” Ian grins.
“She likes us, you idiot,” Oliver says.
“I’ve had plenty of women in my bed, and not one of them ever took an article of clothing from me,” I protest.
“Because you kick them out before the bed has a chance to get warm or you race out of there like you’ve just robbed the place. And they call me a playboy.” Oliver rolls his eyes.
He leaves the room shaking his head and grumbling halfheartedly about the tabloid rumors that always seem to follow him.
Ian shrugs. “This one might stick around for a while. Accept it.”
How are they so nonchalant about this? Don’t they get that the best things always crash and burn at the end? Honestly, I’m surprised our friendship hasn’t done that already… stubborn assholes.
What do I even say to her? Hey, noticed you left here with my clothes. Does this mean you like me?
Fuck, when did I turn back into a middle schooler?
Ian sighs. “Just text her already.”
“How could you possibly know what I’m thinking?” I grumble.
“Because once you get past the moat, the dragon, and the forty-foot walls you’ve built to keep everyone out, you’re a pretty easy guy to read,” Ian says, quirking his mouth up into a half smile.
I try to glare at him but it’s spoiled by a small smile.
His half smile turns into full on gloating when I pull out my phone and open our group chat.
Alexei - You left. Why?
Oliver - Yeah, where did you go, Shirt Thief? Are you off to sell your spoils on the seedy side of the internet? If I don’t get a percentage, I’ll be pressing charges.
Ian - Are you okay? Did something upset you?
Emily - Good morning to you too, Sleepyheads.
Emily - I woke up early and was missing my baby. Went home. Took her to breakfast. French Toast, if you’re wondering.
Emily - Everything’s fine, Ian. You’re a sweetheart for asking. Looking forward to a repeat of last night sometime soon.
Oliver - Answer the question, Criminal.
Emily - If you recall, SOMEONE destroyed my dress last night and I wasn’t about to walk out of there buck naked.
Oliver - One of our shirts would have functioned perfectly well as a mini dress or whatever you’re calling them now. You took all three… could it be you’re feeling sentimental?
Emily - No!