Page 14 of Ice-Cold Truth

Slowly, I open my eyes, turning my head to study her profile. She’s focused on the flickering images before us, those expressive eyes reflecting the play of light and shadow. She’s stunning. The realization hits me all over again with startling clarity, like a physical force knocking the wind from my lungs.

As if sensing my gaze, she glances over, her lips curving into a soft smile. “What is it?”

I open my mouth, but the words seem to catch in my throat. What can I possibly say? That I’ve never felt this way before? That the very sight of her ignites a blazing need in my chest, an all-consuming hunger I can’t begin to comprehend?

Instead of speaking, I let my actions answer for me.

Cupping her jaw with one hand, I guide her face toward mine until our lips are almost touching. I search her eyes, silently asking permission. Elyse’s pupils are wide, dark pools of longing as she gives the smallest of nods.

That’s all the invitation I need.

Our mouths collide, and her lips are impossibly soft beneath mine. A low groan rumbles up from my chest as I angle my head,deepening the caress. She melts against me, tangling her fingers in my hair as our bodies press flush together.

Heat floods through my veins. I can taste the sweet remnants of cocoa on her tongue. Every sense is overwhelmed by her, surrounding me and consuming me until there’s nothing left but the two of us in this moment.

My hands roam freely, mapping every curve as she arches into me with a breathy whimper, raking her nails along my neck and making me shudder. I growl against her mouth, and the sound seems to spur her on as she nips at my lower lip.

Rational thought has fled. All I can do is lose myself in the heat of her tongue and the sweet lines of her body molded so perfectly to mine.

We’re both panting when we finally break apart, foreheads pressed together as we struggle to catch our breath. Her eyes are heavy-lidded, and her cheeks are flushed an alluring shade of rose as she gazes up at me through those sinfully long lashes.

“Jack…” she says my name like a reverent whisper on her lips as she reaches up, tracing my jaw with trembling fingertips.

I capture her hand, pressing a fervent kiss to her knuckles as I try to find my voice. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this.”

She lets out a shuddering exhale, leaning into my touch. “I think I might,” she says, low and smoky in a way that sends a fresh jolt of desire searing through me. “For me, it was even before seeing you in the towel. On TV…”

Unable to resist, I dip my head once more, capturing her mouth in a series of slow, smoldering kisses. Elyse winds her arms around my neck, holding me closely as our bodies shift in a delicious tangle of limbs.

The movie is all but forgotten as we lose ourselves in each other’s embrace. For once, there are no nagging doubts and no voices of caution whispering their warnings. There is onlythis skin on skin and the electrifying thrum of desire coursing through my veins. She’s awakened a craving, and I feel like I’ll die if I don’t get more of her.

Chapter 6: Elyse

Abeam of morning sunlight hits me in the eyes, stirring me from a deep slumber. My eyes flutter open, and I’m nestled against a warm, solid presence. Jack’s arm is draped over my waist, his steady breathing tickling the back of my neck. For a moment, I allow myself to relish the comfort and security of his embrace.

The tranquil moment shatters as Sam’s voice cuts through the air. “Do you want to tell me something?”

I jolt upright, nearly tumbling off the couch in my haste. Jack stirs beside me, his brow wrinkling before he lets out a little snore. Sam stands before us, arms crossed over his broad chest, with an unreadable expression on his face.

Heat rises to my cheeks as I smooth down my sleep-rumpled hair. “It’s not what it looks like. We just fell asleep talking last night.”

Sam arches an eyebrow, his green eyes flicking between Jack and me. “Is that so?”

I nod emphatically, desperate to dispel any misconceptions. “Nothing happened. I swear.”

Sam studies us for a long moment, his gaze probing. Then, without warning, he slugs Jack on his uninjured shoulder. “Get up, sleepyhead. We’ve got practice in an hour.”

Jack grunts and sits up slowly, rubbing his shoulder as he shoots Sam a disgruntled look. “Thanks for the wake-up call, buddy.”

I watch their exchange, relief washing over me as I realize Sam seems unperturbed by finding us asleep together. He treats Jack with the same rough camaraderie I’ve witnessed between them countless times before.

As Jack rises from the couch, stretching his muscular arms above his head, I avert my gaze, heat creeping up my neck. The memory of his lips on mine and his hands tangled in my hair sends a rush of longing through my veins.

Sam clears his throat, drawing my attention back to him. “I’m going to grab a quick shower. You two behave yourselves.” He points a finger at us, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

I roll my eyes, tossing a throw pillow at him. “Very funny, Sam.”

He catches the pillow with ease, chuckling as he disappears down the hallway. I turn to face Jack, an apology on the tip of my tongue, but the words die in my throat as I meet his intense gaze.

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