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

Chapter 38

CHAPTER 38

LILY

M y breath comes in ragged gasps as I near the end of my run. The familiar rhythm of my feet hitting the pavement usually helps sort out the chaos in my mind, but today it feels like I’m running in circles, both literally and figuratively.

The cool morning air nips at my cheeks as I jog. I’ve barely slept since hitting ‘publish’ on that story. My phone has been buzzing non-stop. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what I’ve written. Everyone except the one person whose opinion matters most.

Carter’s silence is deafening.

I push myself even harder, my legs aching in protest as I increase my pace, pushing myself one last time. The physical exertion is a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of emotions threatening to overwhelm me.

Had I made the right choice in publishing those stories?

The response has been largely positive, with many praising the honesty and depth of the piece. But there are critics too, accusing me of betraying journalistic ethics or sensationalizing Carter’s story for my gain.

And then there’s Frank.

I’ve received a scathing email from him, threatening legal action and promising I’ll never work in journalism again. But his threats feel hollow. In telling the whole truth, I’ve taken away his power.

I slow my pace, trying to focus on my surroundings – the early morning joggers, the ducks paddling lazily in the river, the city skyline in the distance. Yet my mind keeps drifting back to Carter.

What is he thinking?

Has he even read the articles?

Is he angry? Hurt? Relieved?

The uncertainty is killing me.

I’ve laid my heart bare in those paragraphs, admitting to the world – and to Carter – how I see him, and how I feel about him. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once. But his silence makes me second-guess everything.

I fear I’ve pushed him away for good.

I round a corner of the running track, my legs burning and my breath heaving. My mind is so preoccupied with thoughts of Carter and the fallout from my article that I almost don’t notice the figure standing directly in my path.

I skid to a halt, my sneakers scraping against the pavement as I narrowly avoid a collision. My heart, already racing from the run, seems to skip a beat as I look up and meet a familiar pair of intense gray eyes.

Carter.

He stands there, hands shoved deep in the pockets of his jacket, looking as if he’s been waiting for me. His hair is slightly disheveled, as though he’s been running his fingers through it repeatedly, and he sports an uncertain look on his face.

He’s here! My mind’s voice is a shouted squeal, nervous and elated. And God, he looks good.

The early morning light catches the sharp angles of his face, highlighting the stubble along his jaw. Even in a simple jacket and jeans, he exudes an effortless magnetism that makes my heart race faster than any run ever could.

“Carter,” I manage, my voice embarrassingly breathy. “How did you know I’d be here?”

He shifts his weight, looking almost sheepish. “I, uh, might have asked Jess where you usually run.”

“Oh,” is all I can muster in response.

Eloquent, Lily, my mind mocks me. Real smooth.

We stand there for a moment, the silence stretching between us like a living thing. I’m acutely aware of how I must look – sweaty, flushed, my hair a mess. Meanwhile, Carter looks like he’s stepped off the cover of a magazine.

I’ve missed him more than anything in my entire life. I’ve missed his crooked smile, the way his eyes crinkle at the corners when he laughs. I’ve missed the quiet moments we’ve shared, the stolen glances, the spark between us when we’re close.

“I read your article,” Carter says finally, breaking the silence.

I swallow hard. “And?”

He takes a second before meeting my eyes. “It was… intense. Seeing everything laid out like that.”

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. My heart is hammering so hard I’m sure he can hear it.

Carter takes a step closer. “Did Frank really threaten you?”

“He said if we stayed together, he’d ruin you. And I didn’t want that…”

“What changed?”

“I missed you. And I couldn’t watch your reputation be dragged through the mud,” I say, taking a shaky breath. “You deserve to have your story told – the real story, all of it, all three dimensions, the good, and the bad, the clear and the cloudy. And you deserve to make choices about your future after that, your own choices, free of secrets and hidden agendas and threats.”

“You risked a lot,” he says.

“What we had – what we could still have – is worth fighting for,” I say.

His eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, I fear I’ve said too much. But then a slow smile spreads across his face, and I match it as my breath catches in my throat. I take a tentative step closer, close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from his body.

“I meant every word,” I say softly. “And I meant what I said at the end. Where we go from here… it’s up to you. If you’ll have me.”

Carter’s gaze intensifies, and I feel like I’m drowning in those stormy gray eyes. His hand comes up, hesitating for just a moment before cupping my cheek. The touch sends a shiver down my spine, and lights a spark of hope inside me.

“Lily,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing lightly across my cheekbone. “I think I’ve decided.”

I raise an eyebrow, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens at his proximity. “And?”

Carter reaches out, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. The touch sends a shiver down my spine. My heart, my brain, my skin, my bones – every part of me – wants him more than anything. More than air.

“And I realize,” he murmurs, “that it’s never really a choice at all.”

CARTER

I cup Lily’s face in my hands, drinking in the sight of her – flushed cheeks, bright eyes, and that determined set to her jaw that I adore. Without another word, I lean in and kiss her, and in that exact moment, it feels like everything is perfect again.

The world falls away as our lips meet. It’s like coming home after a long, exhausting journey. Lily’s arms wind around my neck, pulling me closer as she deepens the kiss. I pour everything I can’t say into that moment – my gratitude, my admiration, my love.

When we finally break apart, both breathless, I rest my forehead against hers. “Lily,” I murmur, my voice rough with emotion. “That article… you nailed it.”

She bites her lip, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. “Was it okay? I mean, I know it was a lot, and?—

I nod, taking her hands in mine. “You do not know what it means to me. For the first time in years, I feel… seen. Understood.”

“Carter,” she whispers, squeezing my hands.

“It’s not just the article,” I continue, the words tumbling out now that I’ve started. “It’s everything. The support I’ve gotten since it came out…”

I tell her about the flood of messages from teammates, each one expressing their support and admiration. About Coach Carson pulling me aside to tell me how proud he is of my strength. About Mark assuring me that my place on the team is secure, no matter what.

“And my family,” I say, my voice catching. “Mom’s out of the hospital now. Dad… well, his lawyer thinks he might be out soon.”

Lily’s eyes shine with unshed tears. “Oh, Carter. I’m so happy for you.”

“Even the cops seem to be backing off,” I add with a wry chuckle. “Apparently, public opinion is firmly on my side. Who knew?”

“You deserve to have people know the truth, and the real you,” Lily says fiercely. “I love you too, Carter. God, I love you.”

“I guess you’re okay, for a journalist,” I grin, wincing when Lily punches my arm playfully, hitting a bruise. “I love you too, Lily.”

LILY

I launch myself at him, throwing my arms around his neck and pressing my lips to his. Carter stumbles back a step, chuckling against my mouth before returning the kiss with equal fervor.

His brawny arms wrap around my waist, pulling me flush against his body. I can feel the heat radiating from him, his muscular chest pressed firmly against mine.

My breath catches in my throat as I inhale his familiar scent – a mix of cologne and something uniquely Carter. The world around us seems to fade away, leaving only the two of us in this perfect moment.

The kiss deepens, and I lose myself in the sensation of Carter’s lips moving against mine. My fingers tangle in his hair, relishing its softness. His hands roam over my back.

I nip at his lower lip, drawing a low groan from him that sends shivers down my spine. Carter’s hands slide lower, grazing the sliver of skin exposed between my shirt and leggings. I want him to touch me more.

“Lily,” Carter murmurs against my lips, his voice husky. “Maybe we should get out of here and head somewhere a little more private…”

I pull back slightly, suddenly remembering we’re still in a very public place. My cheeks flush as I glance around, relieved to see the track is still mostly empty this early in the morning, but that we’ve earned a few sideways glances from the few people who are walking dogs or exercising.

“Right,” I say, a little breathless, wanting him now and forever. Then I smirk. “But, I don’t know. I’m all sweaty from my run.”

Carter leans in, his lips brushing my ear as he whispers, “I don’t mind if you don’t. Besides, I was thinking we could share a shower.”

A shiver runs through me at his words, and I feel heat low in my belly. “Well, when you put it that way…”

Carter grins, grabbing my hand and practically dragging me towards the parking lot. I laugh, my heart light with happiness and anticipation. As we reach his car, he presses me against the passenger door, stealing another kiss.

“Take me wherever you want to go,” I say.