Page 47 of Ice Devil

With my heart still in my throat, somehow my mouth managed to water from the sight of him, his thick hair still damp from a shower.

“I was hoping I’d run into you,” Beck said with a quiet reverence oozing of sensuality and dark promises. “The plant was a nice touch.”

“How is your dad?”

“A pain in my mother’s ass.”

I could see the relief on his face. “I think that runs in the family with the men.”

He growled while glaring at me. “Such a brat.”

“What are you doing here?” I wanted to laugh at my silly question.

“The last time I checked, I was allowed in. Some sassy reporter made it sound as if I was a player to be looked up to.”

“Oh, really? Where in the world would you get that impression?”

“Did I tell you that I’m also a mind reader?” His deep voice boomed in the empty corridor, the tone sending shivers down my spine. When he finally realized he still had a firm hold of my arm, instead of letting me go, he pulled me into the heat of his body and onto my toes. “Purple today.” He nodded to my tennis shoes.

“I thought I’d show some team spirit. You’re not getting off that easily. What am I thinking?”

He took a deep breath, holding it in his lungs while narrowing his eyes. When he exhaled the intense stream, he purposely did it across my face. “That you’re eager to get out of here.”

I laughed, the sound almost filled with nervousness. “You’re getting warm.”

“And that you want me to come with you.”

“Now you’re overreaching. I’m a reporter and shouldn’t be seen with you.”

Being this close to him was destructive as my thoughts were turning wildly inappropriate.

“Just so you’re aware, I heard a rumor that we could be married. Even more important, we can cure that.”

“Oh? How so.”

“By remaining behind locked doors for one long… hot… night. We can make a clean getaway.”

As soon as I pressed my hand against his chest, I pulled my arm away, even curling my fingers. “The walls seem to have eyes. Plus, there are fans everywhere.”

Every time he grinned, he reminded me of a big kid. Very big and very muscular, but a kid anyway. “Not if we wear a disguise.”

“Now where in the world do you think you’re going to find a disguise in this building?”

“Do you trust me?”

My sigh was heavy and exaggerated on purpose. “A scary question, but yes.”

“Then leave it to me.”

His wink all but did me in.

Less than twenty minutes later, we were headed out a back door toward my car. He’d been right. He’d found disguises alright, hooking up with a couple of fans who followed the team anywhere. They were more than willing, even eager to help us.

There’d been one woman in the group, her skimpy dress fitting the purple and gold theme while reminding me of a milkmaid. At least the garish outfit matched my purple Converse shoes.

“You look hot, baby,” he said gruffly.

“This old thing?” I spun in a circle, someone managing to do so without exposing my butt.