Page 69 of Expose on the Ice

"It’s not your fault," Carter cuts me off, his tone softening. He runs a hand through his damp hair, letting out a heavy sigh. "It doesn’t matter now, anyway. The hammer’s about to drop, whether or not we like it."

The resignation in his voice breaks my heart. This man, who’d fought so hard to keep his secrets, to protect himself and his family, is now facing the very thing he’d dreaded for years. He’d made a mistake when he was a kid, but he doesn’t deserve to have everything ruined, when he’d already lost and paid so much.

"You sound like you’ve already accepted it," I say, my hand finding his. "Like you’re not going to fight it."

He nods, his eyes meeting mine. "What choice do I have? There’s no fighting this. It’s time to face the consequences, I guess."

A bitter laugh escapes my lips before I can stop it. "Well, you’re not alone in that. My career is about to go ‘poof’ into thin air as well."

"What do you mean?"

"Frank," I spit the name, "he’s been planning to fire me for weeks. He just kept me around so Tank could get access to my notes."

Carter’s arm tightens around me, pulling me close. "Jesus, Lily. I’m sorry. I know that trying to keep my secret safe has cost you everything…"

"Hey, at least we can face it together," I say, forcing a weak smile. The words are meant to be a joke, but I sound vulnerable.

"Yeah, I guess we can." Carter nods, his expression softening. "What do you say we go lock ourselves away from the world for a while?"

Right then, I realize I don’t need anyone – or anything – else.

CHAPTER 27

LILY

"Holy shit," I breathe, unable to keep the awe from my voice. "This is… incredible."

As I step further into Carter’s apartment, my jaw nearly hits the floor. The place is stunning, a sleek and modern oasis high above the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking panoramic view of Omaha’s skyline, the lights twinkling like stars against the darkening sky.

Carter shrugs, a hint of embarrassment coloring his features. "It’s just a place to crash."

I wander further into the living room, my eyes drinking in every detail. The furniture is all clean lines and neutral tones, looking more like it belongs in an upscale catalog than someone’s home. A massive flat-screen TV dominates one wall, while a state-of-the-art sound system is nestled discreetly in the corners.

"Just a place to crash?" I echo, running my hand along the back of a buttery-soft leather couch. "This place costs more than I’ll make in a decade."

He shrugs. He rubs the back of his neck, looking a little uncomfortable. "It’s just an apartment, Lil…"

I raise an eyebrow, glancing around the pristine space. Everything is so perfect, so untouched. It hits me then – this place doesn’t feel lived in at all. It’s more like a high-end hotel suite than a home. There are few personal effects, and little indication anyone spends much time here.

"Carter," I say slowly, a suspicion forming in my mind, "has anyone else ever been up here? Besides you, I mean."

He meets my gaze, a flicker of vulnerability passing through his eyes before he looks away. "No," he admits quietly. "You’re the first."

The weight of that statement hangs in the air between us. I feel a twinge of sadness for the lonely life he has been leading, refusing to connect with anyone and brushing off anyone who tried to connect with him, all to protect one big secret.

"But why? This place is wonderful. Why keep it all to yourself?" I scoff. "And where do you take all your ladies of the night?"

"Hotel room, car, their place…" He moves to stand beside me at the window. "It’s easier. No expectations. No complications. No risk."

I turn to face him, struck by the loneliness in his words. "That sounds… lonely."

He shrugs again, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. "It’s what works for me. Or… it did."

Our eyes meet in the glass’s reflection, and I feel that familiar pull between us. The air seems to crackle with unspoken possibilities. We’d agreed to take things slow back at my apartment, and had an amazing few days since, but it feels like something has changed.

"And now?" I ask, my heart racing.

"Now…" He pauses, a long second. "I’m not so sure anymore."

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