Page 1 of Ice-Cold Truth

Chapter 1: Elyse

The apartment is quiet as I lug my suitcase through the door, the wheels rumbling over the hardwood floors. Sam said he’d be at practice, but I expected his roommate Jack to be around.

Glancing around, I take in the spacious living area with its sleek leather couches and massive windows overlooking the city skyline. Modern art adorns the walls, and everything looks meticulously organized. Not a single item is out of place.

A faint sound reaches my ears, like rushing water. I freeze, straining to pinpoint the source. It’s coming from down the hall.

The shower. Jack must be home after all.

Heat creeps up my neck as I blush imagining him under the spray, his muscular body wet and steam fogging the glass door. I give myself a mental shake, chastising my wandering thoughts. Get a grip, Elyse.

Still, my gaze drifts to the closed bathroom door, curiosity piqued. Jack Ford, captain of the Seattle Firebirds, Sam’sroommate…and the subject of an embarrassing crush I’ve had for years.

I’ve watched him play countless times, usually on TV, admiring his talents on the ice, the sheer power and grace of his movements, but seeing him in person, or even just the idea of him nearby, makes me feel like a giddy fangirl.

The shower shuts off, and I freeze, holding my breath. Footsteps approach, and the door opens, billowing steam into the hallway. He emerges, a towel slung low around his hips, streams of water trailing down his broad chest and sculpted abs. My mouth goes dry as I take in the sight of him—solid shoulders, defined muscles, and that delicious muscular vee disappearing beneath the towel. He runs a hand through his damp, sandy hair, and our gazes collide, his steel-gray eyes widening in surprise. A flush stains his cheeks as he registers my presence. For a beat, we’re frozen, the air crackling with an unexpected charge.

“You must be Elyse.” The deep timbre of his voice sends a shiver down my spine. “Sam mentioned you were coming to stay.”

I swallow hard, willing my voice to work. “Y-yes, that’s me. It’s nice to finally meet you, Jack.”

A tiny smile tugs at the corner of his lips. “Likewise. Sorry about the…” He gestures vaguely at his state of undress.

“No need to apologize.” The words tumble out before I can stop them. “I’m the one who should apologize for barging in unannounced.”

His gaze holds mine for a beat too long, and I feel heat creeping into my cheeks. Get it together, Elyse. This is Sam’s teammate, his roommate, and his friend. He’s off-limits.

“I’ll let you get dressed.” I avert my gaze, turning on my heel. “It was nice meeting you.”

“You too, Elyse.”

The way he says my name, low and husky, makes me shiver. I hurry down the hall, my heart pounding against my ribs. So much for keeping my cool around Jack Ford.

Once in the guest room, I collapse onto the bed, burying my face in the pillow. What was I thinking, gawking at him like some lovesick teenager? This living situation just got a whole lot more complicated.

A soft knock at the door startles me. “Come in,” I say, sitting up and smoothing my hair. Please let it be Sam. He said he’d only be a few minutes later than me when I’d insisted on taking a cab from the airport instead of waiting for him to get off and pick me up.

The door opens, and Sam pokes his head in, his dark hair tousled. “Hey, sis. Did you get settled okay?”

I nod, grateful for the distraction from my wayward thoughts. “Nice place you’ve got here.”

“Yeah, not bad, right?” He grins, stepping inside. “Jack’s an okay roommate, I guess. For a hockey meathead.”

“Takes one to know one.” I laugh at his teasing tone. “Speaking of Jack…” I hesitate, unsure if I should voice my concerns.

Sam arches an eyebrow. “What about him?”

“Nothing, it’s just…” I shake my head. “Never mind, it’s silly.”

“C’mon, Elyse, spill it.” He plops down on the bed beside me. “You can tell your big bro anything.”

I chew my lip, debating. Finally, I sigh. “I may have…developed a little crush on Jack over the years. From afar, of course.”

Sam’s brows shoot up. “A crush? On Jack Ford?” A slow grin spreads across his face. “This should be interesting.”

“Sam.” I swat his arm. “It’s not like that. He’s your friend and teammate. I’d never act on it. I almost forgot about it till I came into the apartment to the sight of him in a towel!”

“Why not?” He shrugs. “Jack’s a good guy under that brooding exterior. You could do a lot worse.”

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