Page 2 of Expose on the Ice

“Well,” I continue, “it just showed up. On ice skates.”

Jessica’s eyes widen, and she shrieks. “Dish it. What? Who? And, more importantly, hot?”

I draw in deeply, trying to rein in my excitement. “I was just assigned to write a year-long series on Carter Knox. You know, the?—”

“The star without a WAG? The scorching-hot mystery man?” Jessica cuts in, her mouth agape. “Lil! That’s incredible!”

I nod, still in awe myself. “I know, right? It’s like… everything I’ve wanted. But also terrifying. I mean, this isCarter Knox, Mr. ‘I’d-Sooner-Eat-My-Own-Skates-Than-Talk-To-The-Media’ Knox.”

Jessica waves off my concerns. “Come on, he’ll be putty in your hands with your wit and charm. When’s the first interview?”

I gulp. “Tomorrow. And he might eat me alive…”

“No way!” Jess grips my shoulders. “Now, let’s talk about the real issue: your outfit.”

“That’s not relevant…”

After a scoff and a raised eyebrow, Jess is digging through my wardrobe, flinging clothes onto my bed with wild abandon. “How about… Ah, this one?”

She brandishes a tiny crimson dress I’d worn once, at a New Year’s party, ages ago. It had been a mistake then, the hemline barely covering anything. And it’sdefinitelya mistake now.

“Too much ass,” I sigh, knowing that will only encourage her.

“Never too much ass,” Jess grins. “And yours is agoodass.”

“Right, because nothing screams ‘serious reporter’ like showing up dressed to try out for the Frost Giants’ ice girls,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“Fair point,” Jessica concedes with feigned gravity. She plunges back into the closet, emerging with a pair of leather pants I’d forgotten I owned. “No ass on display, but plenty ofsuggestion. Pair these with a cute top, and Knox will be all over you in no time.”

“Jess!” I laugh, hurling a pillow at her head. “I’m trying to interview him, not seduce him.”

“Why not both?” she says mischievously. “I bet he’s even hotter without the hockey gear.”

I feel heat rising in my face, recalling the bare-chested beach snapshot. “Let’s stay on track. This is a massive break for me. I’ve got to nail this one.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’d love him to nail?—”

Jessica is cut off by the pillow I launch at her. And, despite her less than helpful wardrobe advice, I appreciate her efforts to ease my nerves. She knows me well enough to notice the anxiety simmering beneath my excitement.

This is the opportunity I’ve been dreaming of, but the stakes are sky-high. What if I botch it? What if Knox stonewalls me? What if I can’t get the story?

I can just imagine Frank’s disappointed stare, as he assigns me to cover the third-division little league baseball championships…

Jessica clearly picks up on my downward spiral, because her demeanor shifts. “Listen,” she says, sitting down beside me on the bed. “You’ve got this in the bag, Lil. You’re a fantastic reporter, and Knox would be a fool not to recognize that. He can help you, but you can also helphimtellhisstory.”

I give a weak smile. “I appreciate it, Jess.”

“No problem.” Jessica rises, a playful glimmer in her eyes. “Now, I’ve figured out the ideal ensemble for you.” She delves into the depths of my wardrobe and retrieves a smart skirt and jacket set. “Businesslike, but with just enough ‘oomph’ to be intriguing.”

I survey the outfit. “Now that’s something I can work with.”

She hands the clothes over to me like they are the crown jewels. “But Iinsistyou wear a low-cut blouse. That can sometimes come in handy…”

“Jessica!” I moan, burying my face in my hands as she howls with laughter.

Next, she starts digging out underwear. My face flushes with embarrassment, but I can’t suppress the smirk tugging at my lips. Trust Jess to transform a serious dread session about my career into an underwear modeling event.

As I watch her show off progressively outlandish lingerie proposals, I feel a blend of anticipation and apprehension swirling in my stomach. This assignment is going to change everything. I just hope I’m prepared for it. The prospect sends a shiver of excitement through me.

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