Page 39 of Expose on the Ice

I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever get another chance to see that side of him again.

I stab at my fruit with more force than necessary, frustration bubbling up inside me. This is exactly what I’d been afraid of – that Carter would retreat even further into himself after openingup. So, not only have I compromised my professional integrity, but I’m also further away from understanding him.

And Istilldon’t have anything to write about.

As I lift my gaze once more, I find Carter looking directly at me. For a split second, I see a flicker of something in his eyes. But before I can decipher it or respond in any way, his expression hardens, and he turns away.

Dismissing me.

CHAPTER 15

LILY

My legs are stiff from the long journey as I step off the team bus. The familiar sight of Omaha’s skyline is a welcome change after several weeks on the road. As I scan the parking lot, a flash of hot pink catches my eye.

"Lil! Over here, babe!"

I groan inwardly. There’s Jess, waving enthusiastically and dressed in what could only be described as stripper chic. Her crop top barely contains her assets, and her miniskirt leaves little to the imagination.

"Jesus, Jess," I mutter under my breath as I make my way over, then smile at her. "Did you forget pants today?"

Ignoring my question, she engulfs me in a hug, squealing, "God, I missed you! How was the trip? Did you uncover all of Carter Knox’s dirty secrets?"

I stiffen at the mention of Carter’s name, memories of our late-night encounter flooding back. "Shh! Keep your voice down," I hiss.

But it’s too late. The team has started filing off the bus, and Jess’s eyes light up like a kid on Christmas morning. "Ooh, introduce me," she chirps.

"Jess…" I sigh.

Before I can stop her, Jess is sashaying towards the players, her hips swaying dangerously. "Hi," she purrs. "I’m Jess, Lily’s bestie."

I watch in horror as Jess works her way through the team, shaking hands and dropping flirtatious comments like confetti. Most of the guys seem amused, some even flirting back. Tank even gives me a wink and a thumbs up.

Then Carter emerges from the bus.

The easy atmosphere evaporates as he approaches, his face an impenetrable mask. Jess, oblivious to the sudden tension, turns her megawatt smile on him.

"And you must be the infamous Carter Knox," she says, extending her hand. "Lily’s told me so much about you."

Carter’s eyes flick to me, then back to Jess. He shakes her hand briefly, his expression never changing. "Has she now?" he says, his voice flat.

Jess’s smile falters for a moment, clearly thrown by his icy demeanor. She glances at me, raising an eyebrow in silent question.

I clear my throat, desperate to diffuse the awkwardness. "Uh, yeah. Jess, this is Carter. Carter, my friend Jess."

"Charmed," Carter says, his tone suggesting he’s anything but. Without another word, he shoulders his bag and strides off towards the parking lot.

Jess watches him go, then turns to me with wide eyes. "Wow," she whispers. "You weren’t kidding about the whole brooding vibe. What’s his deal?"

I sigh, suddenly exhausted. "It’s… complicated."

We walk in silence to her car, and I slump into the passenger seat, grateful to escape the gaze of the players. But the respite is only brief because as soon as Jess slides behind the wheel, I know I’m in for an interrogation.

"Okay, spill," she demands, turning to face me. "What the hell was that about with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broody?"

I groan, rubbing my temples. "Can we not do this right now? I’m exhausted."

"Nuh-uh," Jess says, shaking her head. "You don’t get to drop a bomb like that and then clam up. Something happened between you two."

---