Page 25

Six months later

I peered over Josie’s shoulder. “Is that a Megatron emblem in the tattoo?”

She spun in her chair with a gasp. “Shit, Micah, you scared me. I didn’t even hear you come in.”

I’d just gotten back from a weeklong road trip. The new season had started, and I was still adjusting to not having Josie next to me every morning when I woke up. This summer had been perfection. We’d gone back home to visit our families for two weeks and then vacationed in Greece for another three. She’d teased me with tiny bikinis and the best sex of my life.

Fuck. I loved this woman more every day.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” She stood and linked her arms around my neck.

“Are you trying to distract me?”

She grinned. “Maybe.” One of her legs wound around my hip.

I rocked my already hardening cock into her body. “So, does the author you’re working with give her characters Transformer tattoos?”

“Nope.” She smirked and sank her fingers into the hair at my nape.

I looked over her shoulder at the drawing on her sketch pad. “That scrollwork on his arm looks familiar.”

“I told you that you were my inspiration.”

A tiny smile played at her lips.

I groaned. “Wait? Do you add my tattoos to all your tattooed heroes?”

“Maybe. A little nod to you. A table like ours. A tiny Decepticon emblem here and there. And yes, your tattoos. But don’t freak out, it’s just parts of them. I’d never give a character your entire sleeves. Those are mine.”

I wasn’t sure if I should be impressed or happy or a little freaked, but I was definitely turned on. Not that it took much for this woman to get me hot and bothered.

“Don’t worry, no one will find out.”

“Ah, fuck. If the guys do, they’ll find some way to tease me.”

Her eyes twinkled. “It’s not my fault that you play hockey and you all tease each other like you’re teenage boys. And I doubt any of them will discover it. But if they do, you can hold it over them that you are so freaking hot you inspire drawings in spicy romance novels.”

“Well, those are all valid points.”

“See? You’re welcome, you stud, you.”

I barked out a laugh.

“Too far?” she asked.

“A little.”

She huffed. “Whatever. It’s totally true. And I think I’m done with work anyway. I’ve missed you.” She hopped out of her seat and into my arms.

“Hi, studly Micahtron. That was a great road trip. Four games and three wins. You’re on fire.”

I shook my head at her. “It’s the first month of the season.”

“And that fight four nights ago. Whoo. So hot. Is your hand okay? Bruzzy deserved it after that hit on Xan.”

“I don’t know what’s hotter. You in my arms, your drawings, or when you talk hockey to me.”

“It better be me in your arms,” she said, wiggling her brows.

“Fuck. I love you.” The last six months had been amazing. We still drove each other crazy, and she endlessly teased me, but I’d never felt lighter or happier in my life. We openly talked about our jobs and how much we loved Denver, and we’d settled into a routine that worked for both of us. This was what I’d always wanted. Sure, she kept me on my toes, but I needed that, and my teasing her back had slightly improved.

It was amazing being this ridiculously happy.

“Pretty sure I love you more. Now, how about that welcome home reunion.”

“Great minds think alike.”

Then, I carried her down the hall into our bedroom and showed her exactly how perfect we were together.

Thank you for reading Melting the Ice.