Page 24 of In Bed with the Ice Queen

She grabbed her notes to try to distract herself.

Sloane stepped out into the bright sunshine and headed toward the beach where the luau was being set up. Bright flowers hung between the tiki torches, and the sounds of laughter mixed with the bubbling of a nearby bonfire. People from both companies were mingling, and she could see the excitement building.

“Hey, everyone!” Sloane called out, trying to keep her own spirits high. “The luau is going to be amazing. Just look at those dancers!” She pointed to a group of performers practicing hula. The bright patterns of their skirts swayed, bringing vibrant color to the event.

“Still feeling like this is a good idea?” asked Jake. He rubbed the back of his neck, looking unsure. “Wolfe Enterprises has a strong reputation. What if they try to take over?”

Sloane leaned in closer, lowering her voice. “Listen, Jake, I understand your concerns. But Helena is not just some icy CEO. We had a chance to talk last night, and she cares about this merger. It’s about collaboration, not competition.”

“Yeah, but what if she gets the upper hand?” another team member asked after overhearing their conversation. “What if she wants to make all the decisions?”

“I promise you everything is going to be okay,” Sloane reassured them both, hoping her confidence would ease their anxieties. “Let’s see how things go today. Enjoy the luau, and trust in the process.”

They all nodded, though some still looked skeptical. Sloane couldn’t blame them. The stakes were high, and changes like this could be scary. She spotted Helena on the other side, chatting with some of the people on the Thompson Industries team. Helena was radiant, her short red hair floating in the breeze, her brown eyes lighter under the sun. Despite her usually icy demeanor, Sloane saw a warmth radiating from her today.

As the performers began to dance, the excitement grew, and soon Sloane found herself moving closer to the crowd. She could hear the beating drums and the soft sound of ukuleles. When the dancers began to perform, Sloane felt the energy around her shift. Laughter echoed as people clapped and cheered.

“Wow, look at that!” Sloane exclaimed to the group around her, pointing to a group of hula dancers swirling gracefully. The bright flowers in their hair swayed as they moved. “They make it look so easy.”

“Yeah, I could never do that,” Jake replied, chuckling nervously.

Just then, she felt a familiar presence beside her. It was Helena, standing tall and confident, watching the dancers.

“I hope you don't mind me joining,” Helena said, her voice wavering just the slightest as she put on an act. “I’m sure enjoying the festivities.”

Sloane turned, feeling her heart skip a beat. “Of course not! I was just telling them how amazing the dancers are.”

Helena smiled, and for a moment, all the worries about the merger faded. “Perhaps you should get your own dance lesson?” Helena teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Sloane laughed, trying not to let her nerves show. “I think I’ll stick to legal contracts rather than hula. But your leadership will make a big difference during this merger.”

“I appreciate that. I believe in what we’re building together,” Helena replied with a sincere smile.

As the ceremony continued, Sloane found herself watching Helena more than the performance. She admired how Helena engaged with the Thompson team, her cold exterior melting under the sun. People laughed around her, and they looked at her with respect.

“I’ll be back in just a moment,” Helena said, breaking Sloane from her thoughts. “I want to speak with a few of the executives.”

Sloane nodded and watched her go, feeling a mix of admiration and nerves in her stomach. What if the hotel had a cancellation and Helena found a reason to get her own room tonight? The thought tugged at her mind. Would it change anything between them? Sloane shook her head again, focusing on the present.

“Here’s to new beginnings!” Sloane raised her glass of pineapple juice high, and her colleagues joined her.

They engaged in food and luau rituals until the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. Despite her best efforts, the memories of last night were impossible to forget. The memory of Helena’s body, soft and vulnerable, clung to her thoughts. Sloane recalled the way Helena gasped and moaned as Sloane kissed her, making her feel wild and free. It felt like a dream, but it was real, and the warmth of the sun couldn’t shake off the heat that lingered in her heart.

“Hey, Sloane!” Jake called, snapping her back to the present. “Are you ready for the meeting tomorrow?”

Sloane smiled, nodding, but all she could think about was Helena. “Yes, of course,” she replied, trying to push her feelings away.

They reconvened with the rest of the team, reviewing tomorrow’s agenda. Yet in the back of her mind was the burning question of how tonight would unfold.

As the sun set, Sloane found herself away from the group, drawn to the sound of crackling firewood. There was Helena, seated on a log, gazing at the waves that softly kissed the shore. Her hairdanced in the wind, a dark halo around her face. Sloane walked closer and felt a rush of excitement.

“Mind if I join you?” Sloane asked, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her stomach.

“I guess,” Helena replied, her voice holding a hint of playfulness. “Just enjoying the view.”

“You mean the ocean or the person sitting next to you?” Sloane teased with a smirk.

Helena shot her a quick glance, a flicker of something electric passing between them. “Maybe a bit of both. But I think you’re getting ahead of yourself.” They both sat in silence, watching the waves crash against the rocks. The fire crackled beside them, filling the quiet with warmth. Sloane couldn’t help but remember the way Helena had looked last night, naked and beautiful, hair sprawling across the sheets, eyes shining with pleasure. She shook her head slightly, trying to focus.

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