Page 11 of In Bed with the Ice Queen

“Absolutely,” Mark replied. “We’ll brainstorm some strategies to handle the meetings and strengthen our connection with their team.”

Helena returned to her desk, feeling a spark of energy woven through her earlier frustration as she jotted down notes. Maybe this trip could bring something good after all. It could be the opportunity to solidify their partnership and set a strong foundation for the future.

As the door clicked shut after Mark left, Helena leaned back in her chair, sighing heavily. She fiddled with a pen, twirling it between her fingers. The idea of meeting her new employees wasn’t terrifying… Well, maybe a little. She had always been more comfortable closing deals in glass towers than mingling in a room full of strangers, much less on a beach.

Yet somewhere buried beneath her annoyance, there was a small spark of interest. Helena took a sip of her coffee, savoring the rich flavor. She could feel the tension in her shoulders slowly easing. Perhaps this trip could turn into something meaningful. She could be a leader who connects with her team, not just a name on a door plaque.

Shifting in her leather chair, she recalled the meeting with Thompson Industries last week. The room had been filled with sharp suits and bright ideas, but it was Sloane Callahan who had captured her attention. Helena couldn’t shake off the memory of Sloane leaning in closer after the meeting, her voice low and teasing. "We could be more than just business partners, Helena."

Helena’s cheeks flushed at the thought. Why would Sloane say that? Did she somehow know Helena was into women? It certainly wasn’t public information. The question looped in Helena’s mind like an unwelcome song stuck on repeat. Her heart fluttered at the memory of strands of Sloane’s golden-brown hair falling gracefully around her face, the way her eyes sparkled with mischief, and the subtle hint of flirtation in her tone.

And the way her gaze had dropped to Helena’s breasts and then she had licked her lip.

Helena had felt a bolt of desire between her legs at that point and it hadn’t entirely gone away since.

She had kept her personal life tightly wrapped and separate from her business life. Not that there had ever been much of a personal life. Sure, a bit of dating, some friends with benefits on occasion, but women often seemed to want more than Helena was prepared to give. She realized early on that she wasn’t cut out for a relationship. She clearly made a terrible girlfriend.

With a huff, Helena tried to focus on her work. But then her curiosity got the better of her. She opened her laptop andtyped in Sloane’s name, hoping to find out more. A quick search turned up empty on Facebook. No profile, no clues—nothing. Frustrated, she leaned back in her chair, her head spinning with thoughts about the merger and Sloane’s mysterious invitation.

“Ugh, fine.” She opened Instagram instead. It was a treasure trove of visuals, and soon enough, she discovered Sloane’s profile. She waded through a few images, intrigued by what she saw. There were photos of Sloane doing yoga, her toned body showing off years of hard work and dedication. Her ass in tights was a pleasure to see, indeed. Helena felt a flutter in her stomach as she marveled Sloane’s fit body. She frowned, glancing at the date on the photo, realizing it was two years old. Maybe she’s not as in shape now, Helena hoped to herself.

She navigated to the tagged photos and felt a jolt of surprise. Sloane was at a pride parade dressed in a vibrant outfit, and her face radiated joy.

“Is she that out that she would attend a pride?” Helena pondered, biting her lower lip.

Clearly Sloane Callahan is gay. Helena hadn’t necessarily thought it before, but why would she have hit on Helena if she wasn’t into women. But, going to a pride and allowing yourself to be photographed… in Helena’s mind, that wassupergay. Gayer than she had ever imagined.

Helena herself had always made sure to be out of town when gay pride was in town. Sure, she might date women, but it was all behind closed doors.

She quickly rationalized that tons of allies attend those pride events. It wasn’t a big deal that Sloane was there. Maybe she was just attending with a friend.

Helena felt annoyed at her growing obsession with this woman she barely knew.

She exhaled and came back to the present, feeling the pressure of the merger looming over her like a heavy blanketonce more. Her father's expectations weighed heavily on her shoulders. He had entrusted her with the company, and now she had to show up, play nice, and seal the deal with Thompson Industries and Sloane.

Despite trying to stay focused on her task,, Helena’s mind drifted again to Sloane.

Just then, the office door creaked open, pulling Helena from her thoughts. Sarah clutched a stack of papers. “Helena, that meeting is starting in ten minutes," she announced, her tone brisk but friendly.

“Right!” Helena replied, pushing aside her thoughts of Sloane. She took a deep breath, straightening her jacket as she gathered her papers. “Thanks, Sarah. You always know when I need a reminder.”

“Of course. And remember,” Sarah added with a playful smirk, “try not to think about Hawaii too much until you get there. Focus on the task at hand.”

Helena chuckled lightly, shaking her head. “Easier said than done.”

As Helena walked out of her office, she felt a mix of excitement and nerves swirling inside her. Would Sloane Callahan be in Hawaii? Would she smile coyly again, or would it all come crashing down when business turned back to business?

6

SLOANE

Sloane adjusted her seat belt in the cozy first-class chair as the airplane rumbled down the runway at Los Angeles International Airport. She knew the business trip in Hawaii would mean long hours, but it also promised sun, sand, and maybe just a bit of relaxation in between meetings. With a sigh, she leaned back, taking in the luxurious space around her.

After she felt satisfied she caught her breath, she pulled out her tablet to review the merger documents one last time, but she was distracted by the plane taking off..

Just as Sloane was about to go back to her work, she caught a glimpse of vibrant red hair out of the corner of her eye. It wasn't just any red hair; it was that unmistakable bob cut belonging to Helena. Sloane froze for a moment, her heart doing a little flip. She had known that Helena would be attending the trip, but she hadn’t expected to see her on the same flight.

Trying to keep her cool, Sloane ducked behind the seat in front of her, hoping to hide. The last time they chatted, Sloane had attempted a silly forward advance, and Helena’s polite but clear rejection had stung a little more than Sloane had anticipated.

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