Page 40 of Ice Melts

Jess’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t argue. After a beat, she nodded. “Fine. Two weeks.”

Sarah turned to leave, but Jess’s voice stopped her at the door.

“And Cooper?”

Sarah glanced back.

Jess held up the article again, her expression unreadable. “Good work. Really.”

Sarah’s chest warmed, but she didn’t let it distract her. She just nodded. “Thanks.”

And with that, she walked out of the office, feeling lighter than she had in years.

Danielle was waiting, practically vibrating with curiosity. “What happened? Are you fired? Did she yell at you? Are you famous now?”

Sarah laughed, shaking her head as she gathered her things. “She liked it.”

Danielle blinked. “Wait. What?”

“She’s running my story,” Sarah said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “But I gave my two weeks.”

Danielle’s jaw dropped. “You what?”

Sarah grinned, feeling the freedom settle in her bones. “I’m done, Danielle. I’m moving on.”

Danielle stared for a second longer, then a slow smile spread across her face. “Dang, Cooper. You’re my hero.”

Sarah laughed, waving over her shoulder as she walked out of the newsroom for the last time.

As the door closed behind her, she felt the weight of the past fall away, replaced by the exhilarating promise of something new.

And she couldn’t wait to tell Travis. But first, she’d let him focus on his game.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The hum of the arena was a low, vibrating tension, like the whole place was holding its breath. The bright overhead lights reflected off the polished ice, casting sharp shadows in the locker room where Travis sat, hunched over, lacing his skates with more force than necessary. His jaw was tight, his shoulders stiff, and the usual pre-game adrenaline that buzzed through his veins felt heavier today, like it was weighed down with something else.

Sarah.

He hadn’t heard from her. Not a text. Not a call. No hints. Nothing.

And it was killing him.

He was supposed to be focusing on one of the biggest game of his life—the finals. Some of their players were suspended for illegal activity. So much relied on him in the next few hours. The Stanley Cup was within reach, but all he could think about was whether she’d written the article. Whether she’d chosen him.

The locker room was buzzing around him, but the noise felt distant, like he was underwater. Guys were cracking jokes,slapping each other’s helmets, doing their usual rituals. But they kept their distance from him today.

They knew.

He was tense, and it wasn’t just about the game.

Logan passed by, giving him a knowing look, but Travis just stared at his skates, willing himself to shut out everything except the ice.

But before he could get into that mental zone, he noticed something odd.

Silence.

A strange hush had fallen over the locker room. He looked up, confused, and saw his teammates gathered around his locker, their faces a mix of smirks and wide-eyed grins.

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