Taming the Ice #21 Ace Andrews

Chapter 3-Waterfalls

Ari

Ugh, why do I always end up feeling like s**t whenever Pete and I go out? It’s not even from the drinking…it’s just the emotional stuff that leaves me feeling blah afterwards. I hate being this type of girl. The jealous, insecure, and negative person I seem to become whenever another girl approaches him.

Resting my forehead on the glass window, I peered outside, seeing the raindrops sliding past as soft music filled the car around me. My thoughts were weighing me down. The possibilities of what Pete might be doing right now flooded my mind as the sound of Ace singing suddenly filled the car.

“f**k, I love this song,” He exclaimed, turning the volume up more as I blinked my eyes rapidly.

“Really? TLC?” I mumbled, letting my gaze wander towards Ace as a big smile pulled across his lips.

“It’s a f*****g classic. My sister listened to this s**t on repeat when I was younger. Don’t go chasing waterfalls!” He began to belt, making a laugh bubble up inside of me as I slapped my hand over my mouth, trying to stifle it.

Ace might’ve looked like he could’ve been in a boy band, but he definitely didn’t sing like it.

Before I knew what was happening, he began to really get into it. I watched humorously as he rolled his body, practically gyrating against the steering wheel as I let out a gasp.

“Can we have less magic mike and more driving please? You’re going to get us into an accident,” I mumbled, feeling my cheeks start to redden.

“You don’t like the show I’m putting on for you? Need me to sing louder?” He threatened. I shook my head no adamantly as that laughter I was trying so hard to keep down finally came bursting out.

“Please no. You’ve traumatized me enough.”

Ace let out a deep chuckle, his head turning as he glanced between me and the road.

“There’s that smile,” He stated, making me realize I really was smiling as I quickly put a stop to that.

“Can you just focus on the road? It’s starting to rain pretty hard now,” I mumbled, crossing my arms in front of my chest.

Turning my head away from Ace, I started to remember why I was in his car to begin with as those dark feelings began to settle back in.

“Not a TLC fan then. Noted,” Ace added, turning the music off as we both just sat there in silence now. And that’s when I felt bad…I mean, it wasn’t Ace’s fault I was in such a shitty mood… He was actually doing me a huge favor.

“Sorry. I just…I’m not having a very good night,” I confessed, my eyes dropping into my lap. I knew I probably shouldn’t say much to Ace because no matter what, it would most likely get back to Pete.

They were best friends after all. Like known each other since diapers type of best friends. So I knew I needed to be somewhat guarded around Ace.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked, and I just shrugged. I didn’t really want to…and yet all of this s**t felt like it was starting to boil over.

“I’ll be fine.” I lied, mustering the best smile I could while looking towards Ace. Those gray eyes peered back at me. Noting the weird emotion that crossed them I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking before he looked back at the road.

My eyes began to wander, taking in his strong profile and sharp jawline that seemed to tick beneath my studying gaze. I didn’t really know Ace. I mean, not on a deeper level. The interactions I’ve had with him have always been friendly. But other than that, I don’t know much about him.

He seems like such a happy go lucky type of guy. From what Pete tells me, he has always been like that. An easy going, charismatic and well liked person. He must have it so easy. It must be nice to have it all.

The rest of the car ride went by in silence. My mood seemed to darken more and more by the second as I felt like a dark cloud was now hovering above me. I wondered if Ace felt it too because he didn’t say a single thing until he pulled up to the apartment building.

“Thanks for the ride.” I whispered, feeling like I must’ve ruined his night too. God, he must hate me as Pete’s girlfriend. I bet he thinks someone like Cassidy would be such a better fit for him. Someone so bubbly and outgoing. I used to think that’s the type of girl I was…but now, I don’t even know who I am anymore.

Ace just nodded once. The fact that he didn’t joke around or say something stupid made my stomach twist as I quickly opened the door before jumping out. Waving over my shoulder, I ducked my head down and ran towards the building, wanting to just crawl into my bed and cry.

Peeking over my shoulder, I expected to see Ace’s car gone, but instead, it was still sitting there idling by the curb. Maybe he was on his phone or something…

Stepping into the building, I instantly let out a deep breath I must’ve been holding. These weird feelings were jumbled up inside of me as I lifted my hand, wiping the rain from my cheeks and nose.

It didn’t take long to get to Pete and I’s apartment. And once I opened the door, seeing the dark empty space, that loneliness came flooding back to me. Why does it always end up like this?

After locking the door, I kicked off my shoes and walked through the house, not even bothering to turn on the lights. I crossed into the bedroom, heading for the bathroom as the smell of Pete’s cologne drifted towards me.

I guess I should text him and tell him I got home safe…

Pulling out my phone, I turned it on and clicked on my messages. He hadn’t even bothered to send me anything since I left…I was about to send a message, but instead began to feel annoyed.

Why do I need to text him first? He should be the one texting me.

“Freaking jerk,” I mumbled, tossing the phone onto the bed before walking into the bathroom and stepping inside. I decided to take a quick shower, hoping it would calm me down a little but ended up getting more fired up the longer I waited.

How long was he going to be out for? What was he even doing right now? He said he wanted to make sure the guys were getting home safe, but he didn’t even care if I did? Unless Ace called him after dropping me off…

“Ugh! I hate this!” I groaned, switching the shower off I stepped out and wrapped a big fluffy towel around my body.

Moving towards the mirror, I swiped my hand along the glass, clearing away the fog as I looked at my reflection. Letting my eyes drag up to my face, I noted my damp curls, picturing Cassidy’s long straight hair instead.

Does Pete like straight hair more? He does complain when my curls get in his face when we cuddle…that’s why I always tie it up before bed.

Next I moved to my eyes. The brown color made me feel plain compared to the bright blue Cassidy had. I used to think my eyes were special because they looked just like Dads. But now, I can’t see a single bit of resemblance. Not with how dull and lifeless they look. Dads were always so bright.

Cassidy was taller than me…curvier than me…more fit and confident than me. I can’t blame Pete for looking at her. I let out a sigh, unable to look at myself any longer as I started to do my nighttime routine.

Once I was done with my moisturizer, I put on one of Pete’s shirts and some panties. Afterwards I crawled into bed, reaching for my phone yet again.

I expected a text…maybe even a missed call but instead was met with nothing. It was 1 a.m. and he still hadn’t checked in.

I felt sick to my stomach. What could he be doing? Thoughts of Pete flirting with Cassidy began to flood my mind as I started to spiral. He wouldn’t cheat on me again. Not after we moved in with one another. He promised. Pete said he was committing to me and only me. After college, I was supposed to follow him to whatever team he was drafted to in the NHL.

Closing my eyes, I tried my hardest to push those horrible thoughts from my mind. Maybe I should just give in. I mean, I know Pete has needs…and we have been living together for a few weeks now. What more do I need for him to prove his loyalty? I just have to trust him. I was the one who decided to give him another chance. Maybe I was trying to punish him subconsciously like he said.

I don’t know how long it took, but I must’ve eventually fallen asleep. Because the next thing I knew, I felt the bed dip as two strong arms wrapped around my waist.

Pete dragged me towards him, pressing his naked chest to my back as he let out a deep sigh.

“What time is it?” I mumbled.

“Just past 2.” He whispered, his deep voice rumbling against me.

I could tell he must’ve showered before getting into bed, which made this weird feeling rise up inside of me.

“Did all the guys get home safe?” I asked, staring off into our dark room as I bit down on my lip nervously.

“Mhm.” He hummed, clearly still very intoxicated as the smell of alcohol wafted towards me.

We just laid there in silence. His heavy breathing made me think that maybe he fell asleep as I decided to just let it go for now. He was probably too drunk to hold a conversation anyways.

Pete pulled me closer. His arms locked around me tight as he buried his face in the crook of my neck, making it so I couldn’t move.

“There’s something I want to talk to you about.” He slurred, causing my stomach to drop as this horrible feeling began to rise up inside of me. Oh god…what was he going to say?

“W-what?” I breathed, the sound barely a whisper as my heart raced uncontrollably. Did something happen with him and Cassidy? I knew leaving him there would be a bad idea. Why didn’t I just stay?

“I think we should have an open relationship.”

A what?!