Page 42 of Ice-Cold Truth

Leaning into his touch, I allow myself a moment to enjoy being near him before reluctantly pulling away. “We should get going. I want to catch Dervin before the morning meeting.”

He nods, already heading for the bedroom to get dressed. I busy myself with packing my briefcase, double-checking that I have all the pertinent files and notes. A short while later, he emerges looking effortlessly handsome in a crisp button-down and slacks, his hair artfully tousled. He catches my appreciative gaze and winks roguishly.

“See something you like, Counselor?”

“Maybe,” I tease back, falling easily into our playful banter, “But we’d better get a move on before I get too distracted.”

He chuckles, snagging his jacket from the back of a chair. “Lead the way, gorgeous.”

The walk to the law firm is a comfortable silence, our hands intertwined. I steal glances at Jack, marveling at how right this all feels.

He catches me staring and quirks an eyebrow questioningly. “Everything okay?”

I nod, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “More than okay. I’m just…really glad you’re here with me.”

The corners of his eyes crinkle with affection. “Nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Those simple words warm me from the inside out, bolstering my confidence as we walk into the building. In the lobby, Jack tugs me close for one last searing kiss that leaves me dizzy.

“For luck,” he says against my lips.

I can only nod dumbly, utterly captivated by this man. Regaining my composure, I straighten my skirt and lead the way to the elevators, Jack’s solid presence at my back anchoring me.When the elevator stops on the right floor, we make our way to the employee lounge, the same place I first met Dervin just a few weeks ago. It feels like a lifetime.

The lounge is empty save for Kerry, the other intern, who is nursing a cup of coffee and scrolling through her phone. She looks up as we enter, her eyes widening almost comically. “Elyse, hi. And…Jack Ford? The hockey player?”

I grin at her starstruck expression. “The one and only. Kerry, this is my…Jack. Jack, Kerry.”

Jack shakes her hand with easy charm. “Nice to meet you.”

Kerry is practically vibrating with excitement. “Oh, my. I can’t believe you’re dating a Firebird.”

I open my mouth to clarify, but Jack beats me to it, slinging an arm casually around my shoulders.

“Elyse is one of a kind,” he says in a low rumble that sends delicious shivers down my spine. “I’m a lucky guy.”

The sincerity in his tone renders me momentarily speechless. Kerry, oblivious to my inner turmoil, just giggles delightedly.

“I’ll say. I’d better get going—lots of research to do. It was great meeting you, Jack.” She scurries off, leaving Jack and me alone.

I turn to face him, searching his expression. “You didn’t have to do that, you know. Play up the boyfriend act.”

He shrugs, tucking an errant strand of my hair behind my ear. “It’s not an act.”

The tender gesture, combined with the heated look in his eyes, steals my breath away. Before I can formulate a response, the sound of approaching footsteps breaks the moment. I straighten instinctively as Dervin Kobin strides in, his sharp gaze immediately zeroing in on Jack.

“If it isn’t the infamous Jack Ford, captain of the Firebirds.” His tone is clipped, bordering on hostile. “I must say, I’m surprised to see you here, Mr. Ford.”

Jack meets his stare evenly, his arm still draped around me in a protective gesture. “Elyse has filled me in on your…activities regarding the Firebirds organization.”

Dervin’s eyes narrow dangerously. “Is that so? And what, pray tell, has Miss Masterson told you exactly?”

I step forward, placing myself between the two men. “Enough to know that Coach Matthews has been engaging in unethical and potentially illegal conduct that has jeopardized player safety and careers.”

Dervin arches an incredulous brow. “You found proof, Miss Masterson?”

“She did,” says Jack. “From multiple sources, including the team doctor and me.”

He folds his arms across his chest, sizing us up contemplatively. “I see, and I take it you intend to share evidence against Matthews and the Firebirds organization?”

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