Page 39 of Broken Ice, Mended Hearts

Alex laughed, and when I caught my breath, I asked, “What’s the catch?”

“There isn’t one because I’m an excellent agent. The other terms will be unchanged. You’ll be signing the same contract with new numbers.”

I alternated between yells and cheers while she and Sven laughed their butts off.

When we quieted down, she said, “You’re an asshole, you know? I’ve been working my fingers to the bone for you for a long time now, and you doubted my ability to bring in a good deal. Just for that, I might raise my commission.”

I chuckled again. “In your dreams. We have a contract too, remember?”

“I’m yanking your chain. You’re happy, I take it?”

“Very. When’s the signing?”

“They’re emailing me the contract to review, and then I’ll email it to you. You’ll only have to provide an electronic signature, like last time. They promised I’d have it by close of business today, so you should look for it in the morning.”

I was quiet while I tried to settle my emotions. Traffic was still slow, so Sven removed his hand from my knee and caressed my cheek. “Proud of you, Pip.”

“Thank you.” I turned my attention back to the phone call. “Alex. I can’t thank you enough, either. You’ve always come through for me, and this time it’s in spades.”

“You’re one of the nicest guys I’ve ever represented, so it’s my pleasure. Now, why don’t you and Sven tell me how you’re doing?”

Howwewere doing? That could be taken a couple of ways. Unsure of what she meant, I answered carefully. “We’re having a lot of fun together.”

“You’re really seeing each other, then?”

I’d been in America long enough to know that phrase often implied something romantic.

“We’re spending time together,” Sven said. “We work out most days, and we’ve been socializing. He’s a lot of fun.”

I added, “I’m having the best summer I can remember, thanks to Sven.”

“That’s wonderful to hear,” she said. “Life owes you both a break, and I’m glad you’re doing so well together.”

That was another statement that could mean more than one thing. Perhaps seeing the bewilderment on my face, Sven stepped in. “I’m sorry to cut this short, Alex, but we’re stopping for a late lunch. Can we talk again later?”

“Anytime. Enjoy your meal, and look for my email in the morning, Gags.”

“Will do. Thanks again. I owe you.”

“You’re welcome, and don’t worry. You’ll pay me.”

“No doubt, you fucking leech.”

We all laughed before the line went dead, and Sven turned on his signal to exit the highway. Pulling into a rest stop, he said, “I need a break, so if you’re hungry, we can grab a bite here.”

“I could eat.”

After pulling into an out-of-the-way parking space, Sven gave me a look usually reserved for enemies on the ice. “It’s amazingthey’re paying you so much. I’ve seen better hands on a digital clock.”

I returned the stink eye. “No wonder the Congressmen are complaining about you. I heard you were the worst player on your old team, too.”

Laughing, he wrapped me in the best hug he could, considering the console was in the way. “It’s fucking awesome, Pip. You’re one of the best in the league, and no one deserves it more.”

He followed that with a big kiss, and I relaxed from the stress of the morning. We were in a far corner of the lot, and since it was the middle of the day, no other cars were nearby. A bank of trees shielded us on two sides. Glancing back at Sven, I reached across the console and put a hand on his leg. “Want to have make-up sex for our little spat back at the beach?”

A surprised look crossed his face, and he gave me a tantalizing smile and nodded toward the rear of his SUV. We moved, and when we were in the back seat with the doors closed, he kissed me again. I met his tongue with mine as he unzipped my shorts and popped the button at the waist.

As he slid his fingers under the waistband of my boxers, I raised my eyebrows. “Sven?”

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