Freezing Point by Elizabeth Goddard Page A

cuts.
    She’d have to figure out how to get her hands on a camera—this deserved to be photographed. Danny would expect the images, too.
    As ideas began to grab her, questions for her interview began to fill her head. Casey leaned on the desk and began writing about what she saw and experienced—all the emotions that Jesse’s artistry invoked in her, little by little.
    Casey enjoyed slipping back into her role as a reporter working on an article, albeit a human interest piece, as opposed to an exposé. But Jesse’s broad shoulders and masculine stance as he worked the chain saw were quickly becoming a distraction, invoking altogether different emotions.
    Looking at Casey, Jesse allowed the chain saw to idle. “Right now,” he said, raising his voice above the tool’s noisome cadence, “I’m cutting out the main form with the chain saw, then everything else is removed with various-size chisels.”
    Casey smiled and nodded, taking notes like a good little reporter, trying to focus on the ice rather than the sculptor. At that moment, she realized she should have spent time learning more about Jessie Dufour. Though she had nothing to compare his artistry to, his confident stance and the fruit of his labor bore witness to his ability and talent.
    Her fingers growing stiff, despite the gloves Jesse let her borrow, Casey couldn’t write anymore. She dropped the pencil on the pad and stood to stretch and get her blood circulation going again.
    The racket of the chain saw suddenly stopped, and Casey glanced up to see Jesse staring.
    â€œYou’re cold,” he said, matter-of-factly.
    She didn’t want him to stop, but she couldn’t deny thetruth. “I’m not accustomed to sitting around in twenty degrees all day.”
    Jesse placed the chain saw on the floor and, when he approached Casey, she imagined how warm she’d feel if his arms were around her. But no, he simply tugged on her sleeve.
    â€œLet’s get you out of here.”
    She allowed him to guide her to the door, his hand near the small of her back. Once she stepped through the doorway into his office, she drew in what she hoped would be a breath of warm air. “I’m not sure it feels any warmer outside your freezer. I was starting to feel like a slab of beef in there.”
    Jesse laughed and took off his cap and gloves. “It’s noon already. Did you need anything else from me?”
    A sliver of disappointment lodged in her throat. Was he so anxious to get rid of her? Casey frowned, not caring that he saw. Admittedly, she was enjoying Jesse’s company a little too much. She felt safe while she was with him.
    â€œActually, I need another cup of your coffee.” Casey strolled over to pour some more. “And, I need answers. That wasn’t exactly an interview. Plus, the newspaper wants me to follow you through the competition. Something for the front page, or at least the entire spread of the culture or entertainment section. Come on, then you’d get some publicity. Your picture on the front of the paper, especially if you win.”
    A deep crease grew in Jesse’s brow and he stared at her as though he’d rather take a trip to a war zone. The man who gaped at her now was the old Jesse, not the thoughtful Jesse who’d saved her from an armed attacker in the house, or who’d changed her tire.
    What had she done to create that change in him?
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    Growing warm, Jesse yanked off his hoodie, giving himself a chance to reply. Appearing on the front page of anewspaper was the last thing he needed in the middle of an undercover assignment. An article using his fake name was one thing, pictures were another. Still, he’d cleaned up his appearance from his last assignment near the Arizona border, so it wasn’t likely he’d be recognized, especially wearing his knit cap.
    Once the hoodie was off, Casey walked toward him, a teasing smile on her lips.