Page 91 of Ice Rebel

“It’s the best moment of my life,” he answered, giving me a look.

“Yes,” I said in agreement. “He’s the man of every girl’s dreams.”

Let them eat cake.

Roy turned his head toward me, lifting his eyebrows. “Do you trust me?” The question was meant only for me.

“Yeah, I do.”

“Then let’s go, Clementine. We have some catching up to do. Grab your things.”

I didn’t hesitate, grabbing my bag, tennis shoes, jacket, and my flowers, allowing him to drag me through dancers and several reporters, who continued to hound us with questions.

Just as we made it a few feet into the corridor, another immovable object appeared, this time in the form of my brother, with Samantha flanking his side.

“If I were you, I’d go out the side door,” she suggested.

I stared at Jagger, preparing myself for a fight. No one in my family was going to keep me from getting what I wanted.

And at this moment, that something was one hot man who usually wore a hockey uniform.

Rarely did my brother do anything but scowl. His eyes were twinkling. What in the world was wrong with him?

He shrugged more as if communicating with Roy and stepped in front of the reporters. “Hey, guys, I’m one half of the Dynamic Duo and I’ll be happy to answer your questions. Let the newly engaged couple enjoy some time alone.”

Miracles never ceased. He was giving us an escape route. What alien had crawled into my brother, tossing the real guy aside? I’d ask questions later. For now, we were prepared for a getaway.

* * *

“How did you convince Jagger to come to my dance?” I hated to admit the question had bothered me more than it should. Maybe I was worried that he’d been sent to spy on me, reporting back to Dad so he’d get a reprieve for a little while from our father’s scrutiny.

“I didn’t. He wanted to come. He even asked permission. Of course that was after I’d read him the riot act in front of the entire team.”

I sat up in my seat. “You didn’t.”

“Yeah, I did. He told me I wasn’t good enough for you and I reminded him he didn’t know his own sister and what mattered to her more than anything.”

“Ah, Cole.”

“Then he told me more about your father, the pressure and how your dad is doing everything he can to derail his career. Don’t worry, Clementine. I’m not about to let that happen.”

Tears formed in my eyes, stinging even though they were happy tears. “You’re quite the man, Rebel boy.”

He laughed. “And don’t you forget that. Were you glad he was there?”

“Maybe. Yes. I don’t know. I worry he came for selfish reasons.”

“Your dad?”

“Yeah. You don’t know the pressure he’s put on both of us to work for him. Jagger has gotten the worst, which is why he’s such an asshole.”

“He’s not so bad when you get to know him.”

Hearing Roy’s comment surprised me. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

“Look, I don’t know your dad and I guess I don’t want to know him, but he is your father and you only have one. Maybe at some point you should sit down with him and just talk.”

“He’ll lecture.”