Freezing Point by Elizabeth Goddard Page B

Jesse froze as she reached for him.
    What was she doing?
    With a soft laugh, she brushed her fingers through his hair. “Just needed a little grooming, that’s all.”
    He closed his eyes. Her touch knocked him like a shock-wave. He turned his back to her and tossed the hoodie over a chair. It landed on the floor instead. She was putting him off his game. He gave a huff and walked over to pick up the hoodie. Turning on his heel, he began busying himself in the room.
    â€œWell? You haven’t answered me. You said you’d give me an interview, but I haven’t had the chance to actually ask you questions, have I? Can I watch you through the entire process? I won’t be in your hair the entire time, if that’s what’s bothering you.”
    This operation was difficult as it was, maintaining the cover of an ice sculptor as he worked his way deep to learn who the players in the crime ring were. That was his real job.
    On the other hand, he’d already decided he needed to keep her close. But her presence was clouding up the ice. He couldn’t think clearly with her near. “It’s complicated,” he said.
    She shrugged, and with a lilt to her voice, said, “I can do complicated.”
    Cute. Very cute. Jesse dropped his head and squeezed his eyes shut. “I believe you on that, but I’m not sure you can do cold.”
    Keeping her around here could be dangerous for her. On the other hand, she didn’t appear to have any inkling about what was going on, criminally speaking. That could be good, meaning she hadn’t stirred any trouble with her sudden appearance and unmonitored exploration before Jesse had found her lost on the loading dock. Or he could be wrong—she could know very well what was going on and be using him to get into the ice company. Either way, Jesse needed to keep a close watch on her—because if someone in the crime ring had targeted her, Jesse would have to protect her.
    Still, he was torn about what was the best way to keep Casey safe. She was an investigative reporter who claimed to be writing a human-interest story under the name Carson Williams.
    â€œI’m pretty busy. Mind if I give it some thought?”
    Though he hadn’t meant his response as a commitment, she smiled like she’d won a Pulitzer. “I can learn to do cold. But I can’t learn to do without lunch. How about I buy and you answer a few questions.”
    Phew, boy. Jesse ran his hand through his hair, wondering at the look she gave him. Did she detect he was already twisting under her scrutiny? No way did he want to be under the spotlight. But he’d done this to himself. “Sure, but I can’t take long, because I have a few things to take care of this afternoon.”
    Like delivering the tire and finding out what really happened this morning. Discovering who Harrison Spear was, and when the next cash delivery would take place. He had his work cut out for him, and he hadn’t even counted the sculpture competition.
    He still had to maintain the appearance of being the company ice sculptor, which meant doing all the work involved and creating high-quality sculptures for the competition.
    Jesse suggested they eat at a small out-of-the-way placehe frequented. He had a few questions for her, too, like what she was really after. He hoped she was only going for the ice sculpting story. But, given her background, he needed to be cautious. They placed their orders, and Casey excused herself, heading to the restroom.
    While she was away, Jesse checked his messages. Nothing. He intended to deliver her tire to forensics, but couldn’t very well do that with her tagging along.
    A few minutes later, Casey slid into the booth across from him. She tugged a recording device from the same bag Jesse had confiscated from Carlos and Miguel only yesterday.
    He was liking this less and less by the minute. “Uh, do we have to record our