Thin Ice (Heart & Endurance) by J. S. Marlo

Author:J. S. Marlo
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romantic suspense, hockey, trafficking
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Published: 2017-05-03T00:00:00+00:00

Ten

Live music echoed in the dim spiral staircase. The soft melody beckoned Julie to keep descending farther and deeper into the belly of the restaurant.

She stepped onto a glossy floor where stalagmites gave the appearance of emerging from the ground. The optical illusion caused her to trip, prompting her to grip her companion’s arm.

“It’s incredible.” Luke’s whisper was as eerie as the luminescing walls pulsing hues of teal and purple into the candle-lit room.

The stalactites hanging from the ceiling and the four-member band playing from the mouth of a rugged alcove added an intimate touch to the breathtaking décor.

“It’s magnificent, Luke.” To know that she was the only woman he’d ever invited here made the place that much more special.

They were seated at a small round table underneath a waterfall. The stream of blue-green water snaked between the stalagmites toward the middle of the room and pooled under the feet of the couples who swayed to the slow beat of a love song.

“Madame Julie, Agent Lucas, would you do me the pleasure of letting me choose your meal?”

With the décor already a feast for the eyes, Julie had no hesitation in trusting Pascal with their food. “By all means, yes.”

“Excellent.” The owner retreated only to be back a few moments later with two carafes of wine, a red and a white, and twice as many crystal glasses. “Food will arrive shortly. Enjoy.”

Up before dawn to see her son to the airport, it had been a long day. Julie regretted not making time for a short afternoon nap. “If I drink more than a glass, you’ll need to carry me home.”

Mischievous glints twinkled in Luke’s dark brown eyes. “I promise not to drop you. Do you prefer white or red?”

“White, please.”

The first note of a new song rose in the air, captured by the rich voice of the female vocalist. The lyrics embraced Julie’s soul.

As the melody swayed her, Luke stood and offered his hand. “Would you like to dance?”

“With pleasure. I love this song.”

“So do I.”

All smiles, he led her on the dance floor. His hand pressed on the small of her back. He caressed the bare skin at the edge of her dress, generating delightful sensations through her body. Wrapped in his arms, her head nestled in the hollow of his shoulder, she danced to the music at peace with the past. She’d missed being close to someone, being cherished, being in love—

The realization she loved him struck her like a rogue wave on a sunny beach. Astoundingly refreshing and exhilarating. Tilting her head, she looked at his rugged face. In the dimness, the fire blazing in the depth of his eyes spread to her heart, making it whole again. “Luke...”

He teased her lips with a gentle kiss. “Dinner is served. We’ll dance again later.”

~ * ~

The lights of Spokane fading behind Thierry heightened the tension inside the cabin of the pickup. According to the dashboard illuminated in green, his assistant coach was driving east at seventy-five miles per hour, faster than most of the other drivers on I-90.

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