Page 69 of Ice Devil

“Oh, really? I was beginning to wonder.”

“You know how the playoff is, Sloane. It changes in a heartbeat.”

I was about to toss out that we’d known for two days the teams that had advanced to the semifinals. What good would that do?

“Right.” I shoved my hands into my trouser pockets and followed him into the office. While he closed the door, I slumped down into the chair opposite his desk. I was eager for him to do all the talking. Remaining standing would only keep him on edge.

He took his time walking around to the other side, easing onto his big leather chair he’d made a big deal out of purchasing. A king always needed a big boy’s chair. Right?

“I do have more things on my agenda than the game of hockey.”

Why should I bother saying anything? Maybe he was hopeful I’d stroke his ego. Not a chance.

He flicked his gaze toward me and sat back, twisting in his seat. For two thousand dollars, you’d think the chair wouldn’t squeak. Oops. I’d been wrong about much bigger things than his chair.

Including the man.

“I wanted to let you know you truly impressed the hell out of the executive team the other night.”

“Oh, really?” I crossed my legs as a guy would do, with my ankle of one leg placed on my knee of the other. I even steepled my hands with my elbows on the armrests. Just to annoy him.

He nodded, taking a few seconds to drop his gaze to my bright red Converse tennies. Just as he looked away, I noticed he’d rolled his eyes. I caught everything.

“Yes. The group found you insightful about the industry, politics, sports, and music. Everything tossed your way you aggressively attacked. You also looked extraordinarily beautiful. Stunning in fact.”

Was he blushing? Ah… I think he was.

I allowed myself a smile. “One of the men said that? Or did that come from Margaret? She did seem very attracted to me.”

He appeared chuffed, fighting to keep from smiling. “I said that and have always said that about you.”

“I thought my mouth had gotten me into trouble.”

“Well, when you insulted anyone who owned a yacht, I did think Mr. Walker was going to have a heart attack. Did you see his face?”

We both laughed and for a full minute, being around him felt similar to what we’d shared years before. When I’d been young and eager to learn the ropes from what I’d thought was a brilliant man.

“Yeah, well, I meant what I said.”

His laughter finally faded along with his smile, an even more awkward moment settling in. “You are an exquisite woman. More so when you’re dressed the way you were.”

Now we were finally getting to the good stuff.

“You mean dressed like arm candy? If I remember correctly, Matt, since you hadn’t given me the benefit of the doubt in telling me I’d have extracurricular activities so I could pack accordingly, you were actually the one who selected the dress I wore.”

Which had pissed me off to the point I’d almost lost my cool.

“You called me Matt.” Wow. The man was pleased as punch.

“Don’t get used to it. Answer the question.”

“What are you insinuating, Sloane?”

Now he was giving me the puppy dog look. To which, I offered him one that should drill him into the ground. “The dress. You had that all planned?”

“The girl at the hotel suggested the shop. Yes, I knew about the dinner. I told you why I waited to tell you.”

His insistence held such a false ring, I burst into laughter.