Page 99 of Expose on the Ice

Carter’s eyes twinkle mischievously. “Why don’t we show her?”

I hold up the phone, angling it to capture both of us in the frame of the picture. Carter’s chin on my shoulder, a broadgrin spreading across his face. I can’t help but mirror his smile, feeling giddy with happiness.

Just before I snap the picture, Carter turns his head and presses a kiss to my cheek. The resulting selfie captures the moment perfectly – me with a surprised but delighted expression, and Carter looking at me with pure adoration.

I add a thumbs-up emoji to the photo and send it off to Jess.

EPILOGUE

LILY

Iwake up to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains of our bedroom. Our bedroom. The thought still brings a smile to my face, even after three months of living with Carter. Three wonderful, passion-filled months.

Stretching lazily, I turn to look at the man sleeping beside me. Carter’s face is relaxed in sleep, a far cry from the guarded expression he used to wear. I resist the urge to trace the line of his jaw or go beneath the covers and find his cock with my mouth, not wanting to wake him just yet.

Instead, I slip out of bed and pad to the kitchen. The apartment that once felt so impersonal now bears touches of both of us. My favorite mug sits next to his protein shaker on the counter. A framed photo of us hangs on the wall.

As I start the coffee maker, our shared addiction, I stare out the window, lost in thought. A moment later, I hear Carter stirring in the bedroom, and after he’s padded out to join me, Carter’s arms wrap around my waist from behind.

“Morning, beautiful,” he murmurs, his hands creeping north to cup my breasts.

I lean back into his chest, savoring the warmth of his body. “Sleep well?”

“Always do with you next to me,” he replies, pressing a kiss to my neck.

We move around the kitchen in comfortable synchronicity, a dance we’ve perfected over the past months. Carter grabs the eggs from the fridge while I reach for the pan. As he whiskes, I pour our cups of coffee.

“First practice of the season today,” I say, sliding his mug across the counter. “Are you nervous?”

Carter shrugs, but I can see the excitement in his eyes. “Nah. Got my good luck charm, don’t I?”

I roll my eyes but can’t hide my smile. “Smooth.”

As Carter plates our breakfast, I check my phone. My heart skips a beat when I see the news: “Star’s Editor-in-Chief Dismissed Amid Scandal.”

“Holy shit,” I breathe, scanning the article.

Carter looks up from his eggs. “What’s up?”

I show Carter the screen, grinning. “Frank’s been fired. Looks like my expose on his unethical practices is going to lead to a shake-up at the Star.”

Carter’s face splits into a wide smile. “That’s outstanding, Lil! I’m so proud of you. You finally got the bastard.”

Just then, my phone buzzes on the counter. Jess’s name flashes on the screen. I pick it up, answer, and put the call on speaker. “Hey, Jess,” I say.

“Oh my god, Lily!” Jess’s excited voice fills the kitchen. “Have you seen the news? Frank’s out! Your latest story did it!”

I laugh, catching Carter’s eye across the counter and sharing a smile with him. “Yeah, I just saw. It’s surreal.”

“Surreal? It’s fantastic!” Jess exclaims. “You took down that sleazeball. You’re like a journalistic superhero or something.”

“I don’t know about that,” I say, feeling my cheeks heat up.

“Don’t be modest,” Carter chimes in. “You worked hard on that story. You deserve this win.”

“Is that the delicious voice of Carter Knox I hear?” Jess teases. “You two lovebirds having breakfast?”

I roll my eyes. “Yes, Jess. We’re having a perfectly normal breakfast like perfectly normal people.”

---