Page 66 of Cold as (N)ice

“I think I should,” the woman said distractedly, rising to her feet as Stephen plopped down beside her, smiling and obviously winded.

I’m tired and need something to drink. Is that my plate? I’m starving – and did you know that Paige is going to learn how to play hockey? I want to, too. I think it would be fun. Can I play hockey like this?He gestured, pointing at his ears in awareness.

Her eyes stung as she smiled at him.

You are perfect and can do anything you want to, my love. We’ll talk to Barrett tonight. I’m sure he will be thrilled to show you how.

Cool!He gestured, picked up a slider, a tiny hamburger, off her plate – and shoved it in his mouth before signing to someone behind her.We’ve gotta talk about hockey – but first, I think we’re playing tagand shot out of his chair, running and chewing.

Irene heard Barrett’s gentle laugh nearby and saw him walk over to her once again as he sat down. His eyes were warm, his smile even more so, as his hand moved under the table to clasp hers, putting it on his leg.

“I missed you,” he murmured. “While you look incredible in my jersey, is it so wrong to wish I could take it off of you?”

“At this moment – yes,” she chuckled, smiling. “But later, all bets are off.”

“Tease,” he whispered affectionately, as he leaned forward, kissing her cheek as she closed her eyes at the sensation. “You know, at first I thought this would be boring tonight, but I see why these events are good now.”

“Oh?”

“Yep. You get to meet people, we get to hang out outside of work, the kids can run free like little heathens, and our son is going to sleep like a log tonight,” he chuckled knowingly as he gave her a heated look.

“Is that all you think about?” she smiled tenderly, completely in love.

“Puh-lease,” he pshawed theatrically and then gave her a sly look. “I think about it all the time, in various places, and let my imagination run. I mean, look at you… Irene, you are breathtaking – on the inside and the outside – and I couldn’t be happier.”

“Oh Barrett…”

“And if you don’t stop looking at me like that – we’re gonna go check out the shocks on that new minivan,” he growled slightly, leaning forward to kiss her again as she laughed throatily, her voice echoing among the people mingling between the tables.

He stood up and pulled her with him.

“You’re kidding…” she hesitated.

The moment Barrett grasped her hand, his fingers firm yet warm against hers, Irene felt her stomach tighten. His gaze—sharp, unwavering—locked onto hers, making the world around them blur into insignificance. The conference center, the noise of people moving just beyond the walls, the responsibilities weighing on her shoulders—all of it faded in the force of his stare.

“Do I look like I’m kidding?” he retorted, his voice taut with resolve, his expression unyielding.

Her breath hitched as she swallowed silently, holding his gaze.

He released her hand abruptly, and before she could blink, he was pointing at her, then at the ground. The silent command was unmistakable:Stay here.And then he turned, striding away with purpose, straight toward Lafreniere.

Irene’s pulse pounded as she watched the exchange unfold. She couldn’t hear what was said, but the woman beside Lafreniere, the one with long brown hair and glasses, suddenly gaped at her, eyes going wide with understanding. Heat crawled up Irene’s neck in mortification—she knew.But before Irene could react, Barrett was already returning to her, his steps determined, his presence an unshakable force.

“I’m no good with kids—twenty!” Lafreniere hollered at Barrett’s retreating back.

“Twenty-five!” Barrett shot back over his shoulder.

“Ten!”

Irene blinked.Were they… bidding?A ridiculous thought, but there was no denying the exchange had an auctioneer’s rhythm. Before she could fully process, Barrett’s hand was on hers again, tugging her along.

“What was that?” she demanded, struggling to keep up with his long strides.

“Negotiating – and he’s babysitting for ten minutes,” he replied, as if that explained anything at all.

“What?” Her feet stuttered to a stop, jerking him back slightly. “Wecan’tdo that. And theyknow?” Her voice pitched higher, panic rising. “Oh my gosh, Barrett…they know?!”

His lips quirked, but he didn’t deny it. “He might have guessed…”

---