Page 91 of Ice King

Excitement rushed through me.

My stomach was doing flipflops. What would I wear? Did I have time to purchase a little dress?

Jeans wouldn’t work. Dinner. A nice dinner.

What are you doing, girl?

My inner voice didn’t have a clear answer.

“What are you doing?” The question echoed in the air, fighting with the hard pitter-patter of rain hitting the roof and metal awning.

It was apparent that all the promises I made to myself were bogus and I couldn’t trust my judgment on anything.

Or with anyone.

At least I’d made him beg. With laughter coming much more easily than over the last few weeks, I pressed my hand against my mouth. For all the arrogance he wore like a Tom Ford suit, he was an amazing groveler.

In truth, I had a feeling there was very little the man couldn’t do well.

With one exception.

Controlling his temper.

Should I be concerned? My heart and body said no. But my mind was a different animal. Still, one date wouldn’t hurt.

Especially since the subject of mating would need to come up. I’d allowed several groans over the last few hours after what Samantha had told me, but making sounds hadn’t prevented my strange, lurid thoughts.

He’d looked so handsome drenched. Watching the water rolling off his body and dripping on the floor, I’d had the distinct urge to lick every inch of his body.

“Down, girl.” I fanned my face as I headed for the back room to grab a mop. Yes, a new dress was in order. I’d noticed a discount store halfway between here and Seattle.

My, oh, my. Wasn’t I excited like a girl who was still in high school? Ford had a way of doing that even though I certainly hadn’t wanted to admit anything of the sort.

When my body involuntarily betrayed me by doing a little jig across the floor, I allowed myself a little laugh.

Then the bell over the door I’d forgotten to lock tinkled.

“I’m sorry. I should have locked the door. We’re closed.”

A man stood in the doorway, frowning as he scanned the business. If his attire was any indication, he was definitely not from around North Bend.

He walked closer, eyeing me cautiously. “Well, darn it. I just wanted a plain cup of coffee. Is that even possible? I promise I’ll take it to go.”

While the coffee shop was popular, mornings very busy, I had a thing for faces and I hadn’t seen his before. Neither had I at the grocery store nor getting gas. However, he was wearing the very Tom Ford suit I’d just had on my mind, his Gucci shoes indicating he wasn’t some basic criminal. “I think I can swing that.”

Why hadn’t I suggested the McDonald’s down the street? What would it hurt to have one last sale?

Even though I felt more comfortable, as I suspected I’d experience for the rest of my life, my hackles were raised. Caution was the only way I’d manage to keep my new life.

He wiped his face as he approached, finally setting his gaze on me. “Nice town.”

“You’re just visiting?” I wasn’t exactly nervous, but there was a strange sense about him, as if he was trying to be careful what he said to me.

“I am. Trying to find my way around in the rain is… challenging.”

“I’m relatively new myself but if you tell me where you’re going, I might be able to help.” I pulled a cup from the holder, pouring it full.

He pulled a phone from his pocket, his brow furrowing. “The Iceplex.”