Page 93 of Ice King

My heart stopped beating. “I don’t understand.”

“You’re the woman given credit for keeping Ford Kendrick off the ice at the finals. Yes?”

I’d be damned. I didn’t need to look at the card to know the bastard did want his fifteen minutes of fame. Instead of fallingprey to the fear that I’d learned to embrace over the last few years, I was ready if not eager to lash out. Which was why I planted the heels of my hand on the edge of the counter and leaned over.

Fortunately, even in tennis shoes I could almost look the jerk in the eyes. “I don’t know who you really are, but I can tell you this. We’re not interested in providing you with your fifteen minutes of fame. I don’t care how many promises you make to Ford or the coach. They won’t matter. Yeah, I’m that girl, the one refusing to fall into the hype of needing a win at all costs. He is an incredible talent, someone who deserved a chance in the NHL and damn it, I won’t let anyone stop him from obtaining that chance, including by having some reporter push him to the point he does something stupid. So why don’t you skedaddle out of here and crawl back into your hole where you belong? Meanwhile, I’ll continue protecting the people of this town. My way.”

While he was cool as a cucumber, I could tell by his eyes he wasn’t used to anyone challenging him in such an egregious manner. Oh, boy, was I hot under the collar.

Instead of fuming or allowing steam to spew from his ears, he smiled. A huge, bright, perfect teeth kind of smile that meant he was up to something. He lifted his coffee cup, nodding as if in respect.

Bullshit.

“You should consider my suggestion about talking with an agent on his behalf. You’re very astute about this industry. Ford is a very lucky man, Ms. Wallace, to have agoodfriend like you.”

Why the emphasis on the one word? What had I missed on social media?

“Thank you very much for the coffee and for taking my card. Enjoy your evening.”

As soon as he backed away, I turned around, leaving his card on the counter and stormed into the back. Where I stood to the side, taking gasping breaths and closing my eyes so I could calm my nerves and my anger.

When I darted my head toward the oval window, allowing me to peer into the main dining room, I was thrilled I could breathe a sigh of relief.

The bastard had left.

When I walked out, I noticed he’d left a crisp hundred-dollar bill on the counter beside his card. Oh, the nerve of some men. Still, I snatched it, grabbing the card with the other hand and moving toward the trash can.

The least I could do was ensure Ford didn’t do something stupid.

* * *

One too many margaritas.

Was there such a thing?

At this moment, I would say no. Especially since I was seated across from the hottest man in North Bend. No. That wasn’t right. The hottest morsel of food in the entire state of Washington. Yes, that was much better.

I dragged my tongue across the rim of the margarita glass, indulging in dark fantasies while the salt created a deeper thirst.

Ford munched on a tortilla chip, his eyes never leaving mine. Even the way he dipped the triangular chunk of corn into guacamole was sexy.

Okay, maybe it was possible I was just a teensy bit tipsy, but for the first time in weeks, I was letting myself go.

With a sultry chuckle, I brought the rim to my lips, purposely darting my tongue through the remaining liquid while he watched.

He leaned further over the table, dipping another chip into the delicious green sauce. “You… are very bad. Such a bad girl.”

I raked my fingers down the side of my neck to the cleft between my breasts. I’d splurged, using the hundred-dollar bill and finding one hell of a dress for only nineteen-ninety-nine. My choice had allowed me to witness a stunning reaction, the man taking a step back onto the porch when I’d opened the door.

It had been the first time I’d spent more than five minutes on my hair and makeup. I’d wanted to hide behind a costume, pretending I was someone else when I’d wanted to just be me. Ford had allowed me to break free.

Well, for the most part.

“Yes, I am.”

His smirk was more heated while he swirled the chip in the air before lifting a single eyebrow. “Open your mouth, you bad girl.”

“What if I don’t?”