Page 96 of Expose on the Ice

The world falls away as our lips meet. It’s like coming home after a long, exhausting journey. Lily’s arms wind around my neck, pulling me closer as she deepens the kiss. I pour everything I can’t say into that moment – my gratitude, my admiration, my love.

When we finally break apart, both breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. “Lily,” I murmur, my voice rough with emotion. “That article… you nailed it.”

She bites her lip, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “Was it okay? I mean, I know it was a lot, and?—

I nod, taking her hands in mine. “You do not know what it means to me. For the first time in years, I feel… seen. Understood.”

“Carter,” she whispers, squeezing my hands.

“It’s not just the article,” I continue, the words tumbling out now that I’ve started. “It’s everything. The support I’ve gotten since it came out…”

I tell her about the flood of messages from teammates, each one expressing their support and admiration. About Coach Carson pulling me aside to tell me how proud he is of my strength. About Mark assuring me that my place on the team is secure, no matter what.

“And my family,” I say, my voice catching. “Mom’s out of the hospital now. Dad… well, his lawyer thinks he might be out soon.”

Lily’s eyes shine with unshed tears. “Oh, Carter. I’m so happy for you.”

“Even the cops seem to be backing off,” I add with a wry chuckle. “Apparently, public opinion is firmly on my side. Who knew?”

“You deserve to have people know the truth, and the real you,” Lily says fiercely. “I love you too, Carter. God, I love you.”

“I guess you’re okay, for a journalist,” I grin, wincing when Lily punches my arm playfully, hitting a bruise. “I love you too, Lily.”

LILY

I launch myself at him, throwing my arms around his neck and pressing my lips to his. Carter stumbles back a step, chuckling against my mouth before returning the kiss with equal fervor.

His brawny arms wrap around my waist, pulling me flush against his body. I can feel the heat radiating from him, his muscular chest pressed firmly against mine.

My breath catches in my throat as I inhale his familiar scent – a mix of cologne and something uniquely Carter. The world around us seems to fade away, leaving only the two of us in this perfect moment.

The kiss deepens, and I lose myself in the sensation of Carter’s lips moving against mine. My fingers tangle in his hair, relishing its softness. His hands roam over my back.

I nip at his lower lip, drawing a low groan from him that sends shivers down my spine. Carter’s hands slide lower, grazing the sliver of skin exposed between my shirt and leggings. I want him to touch me more.

“Lily,” Carter murmurs against my lips, his voice husky. “Maybe we should get out of here and head somewhere a little more private…”

I pull back slightly, suddenly remembering we’re still in a very public place. My cheeks flush as I glance around, relieved to see the track is still mostly empty this early in the morning, but that we’ve earned a few sideways glances from the few people who are walking dogs or exercising.

“Right,” I say, a little breathless, wanting him now and forever. Then I smirk. “But, I don’t know. I’m all sweaty from my run.”

Carter leans in, his lips brushing my ear as he whispers, “I don’t mind if you don’t. Besides, I was thinking we could share a shower.”

A shiver runs through me at his words, and I feel heat low in my belly. “Well, when you put it that way…”

Carter grins, grabbing my hand and practically dragging me towards the parking lot. I laugh, my heart light with happiness and anticipation. As we reach his car, he presses me against the passenger door, stealing another kiss.

“Take me wherever you want to go,” I say.

CHAPTER 39

CARTER

As soon as the apartment door clicks shut behind us, I spin Lily around and press her against it, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. My hands roam her body. Lily’s fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer as she arches into me.

I break the kiss, trailing my lips down her neck as my hands find the hem of her running shirt. “God, I’ve missed you.”

“Show me how much,” Lily challenges, her eyes dark with desire, desperate for me. “Please, Carter, show me…”

---