Page 40 of Breaking the Ice

“Depressingly, no,” Samantha admitted.

The woman laughed. “I hear you.”

Her gaze flicked over him and Nick braced himself to be recognized. He’d already signed an autograph next to the Froot Loops for a middle-aged guy and his teenage son. But her glance was cursory – definitelynota hockey fan.

With the line going nowhere in a hurry, the woman introduced herself as Kelly. “Nick,” he said, turning on theHawkeyecharm. Because that’s what he did. Also, Kelly was gorgeous with blonde hair, a tight T-shirt, micro denim shorts and lace-up boots that looked ex-army.

But again she barely spared him a glance as she smiled at Samantha. “And this is?”

“Sam,” he supplied.

“Thanks, Nick.” Samantha bugged her eyes. “I think I can do my own introducing.”

“Is that short for Samantha?” Kelly asked.

“Yup,” said Nick, jumping in again although he wasn’t sure why.

Kelly’s gaze flicked between them. “Are you two…?”

“Oh no.” Samantha got in first this time. “Nick’s just my boss.”

“And her friend,” he said, not sure whether to be amused or pissed by Samantha’s quick dismissal of any sexual nature to their relationship.

The two women chatted like they were old friends as the line advanced and it soon became evident to Nick why Kelly had paid him no heed. Samantha was infineform tonight with members of the gay community. Although this one was definitely hitting on her.

“Is that Armani you’re wearing?” Kelly asked as she angled her head and inhaled deeply.

Samantha nodded. “Yes! My Way.”

“Oh I love that.” Kelly fished around in her bag and pulled out a tester card. “Here, smell this. It’s called Flower Bomb from Viktor and Rolf. I love the jasmine notes.”

“Hmm.” Samantha pressed the card to her nose. “Smells like… a spring garden. What do you think, Nick?”

Nick didn’t think for a moment that Kelly actually gave a rat’s ass what he thought but he dutifully sniffed the card that had been thrust his way. “Very pretty,” he agreed.

“It’d smell fantastic on you,” Kelly said.

Nick refrained from rolling his eyes at Kelly’s blatant pick-up line. Didmensound that bad? He watched Samantha closely and realized she had no idea Kelly was coming on to her.

Kelly pointed at Samantha’s nametag which she’d forgotten to take off. “You work at that second-hand bookshop in the Glassworks?”

“Uh huh.” Samantha tipped her head in his direction. “Nick owns it.”

“Oh,” Kelly said, flicking a dismissive look at him before returning her gaze to Samantha. “I pass by there every day, I should call in.”

“That’s a great idea,” Samantha enthused. “Nick has done the shop up and there’s this great little nook where you can sit and read.”

A self-serve checkout became available and Kelly was up next. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow?” she said, smiling at Samantha.

“I’ll look forward to it.”

Kelly tinkled a little wave as she walked away and Samantha sighed. “Now why can’t I meet men like that?” she demanded, turning to him.

Nick refrained from telling her she already kinda had once tonight. He didn’t think her ego could stand the truth right now.“Like what?” he asked instead, curious to hear her thoughts on Kelly.

“Someone you can have a decent conversation with, without feeling like a piece of meat.”

Nick stifled a laugh. He was pretty sure Kellyhadbeen looking at Samantha like she was a very tasty morsel.

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