Page 2 of Ice Storm

Those cerulean eyes are set in a round face with a small nose and full lips. Her faded jeans and pink T-shirt do nothing to hide her curves—full breasts, narrow waist, wide hips, thick thighs. Jesus, she’s fucking gorgeous. I almost look up to see which cloud she fell from, but I can’t bring myself to tear my eyes from hers.

Her cheeks are flushed pink as she looks up at me. Her mouth opens and closes, and then she stammers, “I . . . um . . . tickets?”

Chapter Two

Jessica

I look up . . . and up . . . at the owner of that velvet voice, and my breath freezes in my lungs.

Gorgeous.

The word flits through my brain, and it suits him perfectly. High cheekbones, full lips, and a square jaw. Messy dark hair and even darker eyeswith crinkles in the corners. His nose looks like it’s been broken at least once, but somehow it only adds to his male beauty.

Way to go, Jess. You’ve just been bowled over by the most gorgeous man you’ve ever seen, and all you can say is “tickets?”

He’s looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. And maybe I have because, holy crap, the man is surely descended from a god. His deep brown eyes and growly voice have rendered me temporarily incapable of rational thought and the ability to speak in full sentences.

“I’m sorry,” he says again in that deep, gruff voice that has my nipples tightening unexpectedly. “I didn’t see you. Are you okay?”

I notice the bruise blooming on his left cheek and wonder if he’s been in a fight. He reaches down to help me up, swallowing my hand in his big paw. Everything about him is big—broad shoulders, wide chest, thighs like tree trunks. I’m not small at 5’9, but he towers over me, making me feel small.

I shiver as our hands connect, and something resembling static electricity causes the fine hairs on my arms to stand on end. He frowns, looking at our connected hands as if he feels it too.

“I’m fine,” I reply huskily, finally pulling my hand from his and answering his question. “It was my fault. I got turned around and wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“Neither was I. Sure you’re okay?” he asks again, his eyes searching for injuries as they slide over me. “Did I hurt you?”

His concern makes me warm all over. I want to arch my back and purr like a kitten while he strokes my—

“I’m fine,” I squeak, cutting off my rampant thoughts. What the fuck is wrong with me? I don’t even know the guy’s name, and I’m fantasizing about having those big hands all over my naked flesh.

“You mentioned something about tickets?” he prompts, capturing my gaze with his deep brown eyes and scattering my thoughts.

I lick my lips and clear my throat. “Oh, yeah, I’m, um, picking up complimentary tickets. The Ice Giants agreed to donate two tickets to the auction we’re hosting tomorrow night. All proceeds are going to charity.”

He nods. “Yeah, I heard something about that. Tickets for the final, right?”

“Yep, and Harmony Mack are putting up two tickets to their concert here in New York next month. We also have donations from local businesses. The auction is at The Queens Club, and we’re hoping to raise lots of money for the veteran’s charity we’re supporting.”

“Great cause,” he says admiringly.

His approval warms my belly with pleasure. “I’m the PA for Harmony Mack, so I was tasked with picking up the tickets. I know nothing about hockey and thought, what better way to experience it than by coming to a game?”

“Your first hockey game?” he asks in disbelief.

“I know, right?” I say sheepishly. “I’m not much of a sports fan, although I don’t mind baseball.”

“Baseball?” he says in mock horror. Then his face splits into a teasing grin, and my panties incinerate in a puff of lust.

Holy shit, I’m in trouble with a capital T.

I ignore the throb between my thighs and bluster on. “I’m supposed to be clued up on all the companies offering donations. There’ll be press at the auction, so I thought I should have a little knowledge of the game in case they ask me anything. God help me,” I say with a sigh.

“Something tells me if anyone can handle them, it’s you,” he tells me, his lips quirking with a sexy smile.

Right now, he’s the only one I want tohandle. But I’m pretty sure it’s socially unacceptable to rub yourself all over someone you’ve only just met. Shame.

“I was supposed to meet Erica to pick up the tickets, but I got turned around. This place is like a maze,” I finish, looking around me with a self-conscious chuckle.

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