Page 30 of Ice Rebel

“Such as?”

I had to think about what I wanted. The truth was that enjoying even an hour with a sizzling guy might be good for the passion in my artistry. Since that had been sorely lacking over the last several months. “Such as one drink.”

“I can live with that.”

“No touching.”

His slight frown almost had me smiling. “You drive a hard bargain, but okay.”

“Then I agree to go out with you. When?”

“How about right now?”

I hadn’t anticipated dropping everything and going on this date. What about clothes? What about getting sexed up? The little voice inside my head instantly chastised me. If this was really no big deal, then why was I worried about how sexy I looked? “I need to take a shower. We can meet somewhere.” If I hurried, that would allow me a few options.

To go home and change into something less… boyish? Or to require him to handle the real girl, one who wasn’t into dressing in fancy clothes like my roommate?

Decisions. Decisions.

He shrank back a little, his brow furrowing. “Yeah, okay. We can do that. But you should know if you don’t show up, I’ll be forced to track you down. I do know where you work.”

Somehow, I had a feeling he wasn’t kidding. I also had an indication I wouldn’t completely mind if he was forced to go on a little hunt. I’d surpassed being a bad girl. This was borderline evil.

“Alright then. One hour.” I had a tough time keeping a smile from my face.

“One hour. There’s a bar called Melito’s on Second Street.”

“I’ve seen the place.”

“Nothing fancy but if you’re hungry, they have decent food.” Was it possible his voice had dropped even lower?

“That will be fine.”

“Glad to hear it, Clementine.”

When he didn’t create enough space for me to pass by right away, I almost pushed him, but my instinct warned me about touching him. Besides, that would be against the rules I’d created. There was a crackle of electricity I wasn’t used to experiencing, warm and inviting.

I found myself enjoying the moment.

“No real personal details. You already know where I work and I know you’re a hockey player. That’s as deep as we need to go. Deal?”

Every facial expression allowed me to know he was seriously contemplating the rule placed on the table instead of just agreeing to anything. “Deal.”

With another nod, he backed away, allowing me to pass. I made it four steps before turning around. “One last rule. No names.”

He seemed perplexed. “But I already know your name.”

It was my turn to what I hoped he’d think would be an adorable smile. “No, you don’t.”

* * *

After hating everything about my look after taking a shower, including the ratty jeans I’d brought with me to change into, I’d all but decided to race home to find something more appropriate for my date.

Date.

I couldn’t believe he’d worn me down. While I’d enjoyed his attention and the lengths he’d gone to so I’d agree, it had been so long since I’d been out on anything that could remotely be considered a date, I was completely flustered. Even the sexy red shirt I’d brought with me hadn’t perked up my mood.

There was little time to concentrate on my heavy anxiety. Even the sadist within me refused to ghost the guy. A quick check of my watch and I grabbed my jacket before heading out the door. Of all things possible, I hadn’t expected to find my handsome mystery man leaning against the hood of a big Dodge Ram.