Page 15 of Ice Me Out

I grab the pitcher just in time when the cat swats at it with its paw.

“Hey!” I scold. “Leave Lady M alone!”

If a look could kill, I’d be dead, incinerated on the spot. The cat’s intense green eyes are full of outrage as it glares at me, right before curling its back and hissing in a clear sign of displeasure and aggression.

The next “meow” coming out of the black cat isn’t the lazy, exploratory noise of a few moments ago. It’s a legit war cry.

I scramble out of my chair as fast as I can, right in the nick of time.

The cat jumps, claws out, and lands on the chair where my ass was just a second ago.

“Hey!” I squeak.

I’m not even sure if I’m screaming at the cat, or if it’s the surprise of the impact against the wall.

“Fuck. Watch where you’re going.” A deep voice rumbles from right behind me, as big, warm hands grab my hips to steady me.

It wasn’t a wall. I crashed against someone.

“Meow!”

But my immediate worry isn’t whoever is behind me. The cat hisses again, ready to pounce and attack me.

I nudge the foot of the wooden chair in the attempt to push it as far from me and Lady M as possible. That displeases the feline who screams murder, its body poised to attack.

“What are you doing to my cat?” The man behind me asks, his tone full of annoyance and accusation.

I turn around to glare at the stranger and… holy fucking shit.

Whoever created the expression “tall, dark and handsome” must have had this guy in mind.

Tall, probably over six three, since he’s taller than Luke, the guy’s broad shoulders impede my retreat into the house. Dark hair in a high and tight frame a stunning face, all high cheekbones, soft lips and square jaw.

A pair of ice-blue eyes glare at me as our chests are smashed against each other, due to the way he’s standing on the threshold. Shirtless, if that didn’t add insult to injury.

My eyes take quick stock of his chiseled chest and washboard abs. He must have an eight pack at the very least, not that I’m counting.

Regardless, he’s the only obstacle between me and safety from the possessed beast that’s still hissing on the chair behind me.

“What am I doing to your cat?” I gawk. “I’m trying to save myself and my goldfish from that ruthless predator. It tried to knock over Lady Marmalade’s glass pitcher, and when I told it to stop, it attacked me. And I don't know what goldfish eat, I just got her. I'm a little preoccupied trying to save myself and my goldfish from that ruthless predator.”

The corner of his lips lifts in what I think might be the hint of a smile. I can’t be so sure, because it lasts for a split second, before those blue eyes turn into cold slabs of ice. “She’s a hunter. And you should keep your fish somewhere safer than a glass pitcher.”

There’s something weird about arguing with someone you’re pressed against; especially when he’s a hot stranger.

Nevertheless, I object. “The pitcher is only temporary. I’ve just got Lady Marmalade. She was a prize at the county fair.”

Keene

I have no idea who’s the hot stranger I found on the deck yelling at my cat. Probably one of Jamie’s hookups who hasn’t gotten the hint that once my teammate gets his, her services are no longer required.

Jamie has great taste, though, for as much as I hate to admit it.

The woman is gorgeous, no more than just gorgeous. She’s exquisite.

Her face is completely bare, not one stitch of makeup in sight, and yet, she’s stunning.

Tousled blonde hair that comes down her back in waves that look like they’d feel like strands of silk between my fingers; huge green eyes shadowed by long dark lashes; her nose is a gentle slope that leads to pink, heart-shaped lips.