Expose on the Ice (Sparks on the Ice #1)

Chapter 29

CHAPTER 29

CARTER

T he soft glow of dawn filters through the blinds, casting a warm light across Lily’s sleeping form. She is curled against me, her head tucked under my chin, her breath warm on my chest. I woke hours ago, but was happy to lay here forever, savoring the feel of her skin against mine.

Last night had been... I don’t even have words for it.

Intense.

Passionate.

Mind-blowing.

A back-and-forth power struggle that had left us both drained.

But it was more than just the physical. The way Lily had looked at me, touched me, like she saw past all my walls and defenses straight to the core of who I was – it left me feeling exposed in a way I hadn’t allowed in years.

And I love it.

I trace my fingers lightly along her spine, marveling at how right it feels to have her here. In my bed. In my arms. In my life. It’s like she’s carved out a space for herself that I hadn’t even known was empty until she filled it.

The memory of her whispering "I love you" in the darkness sends a jolt through me. Those three words should have terrified me. Instead, they feel like coming home. I press a kiss to the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her hair.

"I love you," I murmur, tasting the words on my tongue. They feel good. Real.

A part of me wants to laugh at the absurdity of it all. A month ago, I’d been convinced Lily was out to ruin me. Now, I can’t imagine facing what’s coming without her by my side. Because there’s no doubt in my mind that what’s coming is going to be a shitstorm of epic proportions.

The story about Sarah’s death and the cover-up is probably already breaking. Or soon will. But for the first time since that night – since Sarah died and my world imploded – I feel... okay. Not great, not by a long shot. But ready to face whatever is coming.

LILY

I wake to the gentle caress of sunlight on my face, feeling warm and safe in Carter’s arms. For a moment, I let myself bask in the contentment of being here with him, my head tucked against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Nevertheless, reality creeps in, bringing with it a wave of anxiety that threatens to shatter our peaceful bubble. The events of yesterday come rushing back – Tank’s confession, the impending reveal of Carter’s past, the likely end of my career. I tense, my fingers curling against Carter’s skin.

"Hey," Carter murmurs, his voice husky with sleep. "Are you okay?"

I tilt my head to look at him. "Just thinking about... everything."

He nods, his arms tightening around me. "Yeah, me too."

We lay there in silence for a moment, the weight of what we know is coming hitting both of us, and what has changed between us, hanging heavy. Finally, I can’t take it anymore. I prop myself up on an elbow, meeting Carter’s gaze.

"So... we’re really doing this?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. "Us, I mean."

Carter’s hand comes up to cup my cheek. "Yeah, we are," he says, his voice firm. "If you’d like to."

I lean into his touch, closing my eyes briefly. "I do. God, Carter, I really do. It’s just..."

"Scary as hell?" he finishes for me, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Exciting as hell?"

I nod, letting out a shaky laugh. "Exactly. I mean, we don’t even know what’s going to happen today. The story... my job... your job... And yet..."

"And yet here we are," Carter says softly. "In our own little world, oblivious to everything outside it, and none of it matters a damn, Lily."

"Here we are," I echo, marveling at the truth of it. Despite everything, despite all the reasons we shouldn’t work, we’ve found our way to each other.

Carter sits up, pulling me with him until we’re face to face. "Listen, Lily," he says, his eyes intense. "I meant what I said last night. I love you. And whatever shitstorm is coming our way, we’ll face it together."

My heart swells at his words, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. "I love you too," I say, the words coming easily now. "And you’re right. Together."

CARTER

The hot water cascades over my body as I step into the shower. Lily follows, her form sending a jolt of desire through me despite our marathon session last night. She presses against me, and I can’t help but pull her closer.

She laughs, the sound light and carefree. "Again? Aren’t you tired?"

I grin, my hands sliding down. "Nope."

We kiss, slow and deep, the water running over us. I feel her smile against my lips as she reaches down to gently caress me for a moment.

"Down, boy," she teases, reaching for the shampoo. "We’ve got work to do."

I groan but let her go, watching as she lathers up her hair. Even doing something as mundane as washing her hair, she’s gorgeous. I can’t believe how quickly things have changed between us, how natural it feels.

"So," I say, reaching for my shampoo and squeezing some into my palm, "what’s the game plan today?"

Lily’s expression turns serious, though her hands never stop moving through her hair. Finally, she sighs. "I need to confront Frank."

I nod, working the shampoo into my scalp. "And I’ve got to meet with team management and get ahead of this before it blows up even more."

"Carter," Lily says softly, her eyes meeting mine. "I’m so sorry about all of this. If I hadn’t started digging and?—

I cut her off, pulling her close again. "Hey, none of that. This isn’t your fault, Lil. You didn’t write that story."

She nods against my chest, her wet hair tickling my skin. "I know, but?—

"No buts," I say firmly.

We finish washing, trading playful touches and stolen kisses. As I run the soap over Lily’s back, I marvel at how right this feels. How, even with the difficulties brewing outside, I feel more at peace than I have in years.

"What are you thinking?" Lily asks, turning to face me.

I cup her face in my hands, studying her features. "How lucky I am."

She blushes, her cheeks turning pink. "Sap," she teases.

When we’re done, I step out of the shower, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around my waist. As Lily follows, I can’t help but admire her.

She’s breathtaking.

But it’s not just her physical beauty that captivates me. As I watch her towel off, I’m struck by a wave of emotion so intense it nearly knocks me off my feet. This woman – this brilliant, stubborn, compassionate woman – has seen me at my worst, and helped me find my best.

"What?" Lily asks, catching me staring.

I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. "Just admiring the view."

She rolls her eyes.

As we move to the bedroom to get dressed, I catalog every detail of her. I feel overwhelmed by the depth of feeling coursing through me. It’s not just desire, but also a bone-deep certainty that this woman is for me.

As I dress, I keep stealing glances at Lily. She’s perched on the edge of the bed, scrolling through her phone with a furrowed brow. Even with the weight of what’s coming pressing down on us, she looks determined.

Ready.

When we’ve both finished dressing and Lily has finished scrolling, she gathers her things, preparing to leave. But I feel a sudden surge of emotion. I pull her into a fierce embrace, burying my face in her hair, squeezing her tight.

"Carter?" she asks, her voice muffled against my chest.

"Yeah?" I say.

Lily’s arms tighten around me. "We’ve got this."

I hold her for a moment longer, drawing strength from her presence. Then, reluctantly, I let her go. And, as she heads out the door on the way to meet Frank, I hope she’s right, because the challenges ahead are about to begin.