Cold as Ice Read Online Free Page B

forty-six million on a six-year contract. Ridiculous!” she mutters as she types on her computer. “Can you believe the Warriors will pay Miller an insane amount of money, yet they let their forward line suffer?”
    Ryan swings his chair around. “I wouldn’t say they’re suffering.”
    â€œThey didn’t make the play-offs last year. They’re suffering!” Carla snaps, looking over at her junior reporter. “This trade better make a difference or I’m sure the public will be making a stink about the team.”
    â€œI think Ted Walker is more afraid of what the media says. He can convince the fans whatever they need. This city is devoted! They’ll stand behind the Warriors even if they’re in last place.” Ryan turns himself back to face his computer.
    â€œI still think the team needs new forwards to sharpen their offense, not another defenseman. They also need more setup and action in front of the opposing team’s net,” she says, watching Ryan grin slightly and then glance at his computer.
    â€œThe bottom line is,” she continues, “they need more goals in a game. They’ve plateaued! And why did Walker agree to sign Miller?”
    â€œCome on! Miller’s a decent player,” Ryan says. “Just ’cause the guy didn’t perform well in Carolina; he rocked it in Florida and Ottawa.”
    â€œWhich makes me wonder why they traded him,” Carla hums.
    â€œHe needed a change.” Ryan shrugs.
    Carla blows out a breath. “Did he want a trade or did his agent?”
    â€œMoney talks, money talks,” Ryan says smoothly, clicking away on his keyboard. He stops and tilts his head. “Why do you care so much about this guy? Do you know him or somethin’?”
    â€œNo!” she snaps. “I don’t know him! I just think the team makes stupid decisions.” She sits back in her chair. Carla wouldn’t want Ryan or anyone at work to know she chatted with Devin last night. Ryan is still looking at her. “What?”
    â€œNothing,” he says, shaking his head and smirking.
    â€œWhat is it? Do I have something on my face?” she asks, rubbing her cheek and chin. Panic sets in. Could she have blueberry on her face from a muffin she ate earlier?
    â€œNo, no.” He shakes his head. “Are you still single?”
    Her face feels warm. The word still sounded like the word years to her. It wasn’t easy finding a date that accepted her headstrong personality and career-focused devotion. Her last two relationships were short-lived, if you can call two weeks a relationship. There hasn’t been anyone who has kept her on her feet and had her missing him when they were apart.
    â€œA bunch of us are hitting the club after work. There’ll be some single guys if you’re interested.”
    â€œDo I look desperate?” she asks with an awkward smile.
    â€œNo, no, not at all,” Ryan says, pursing his lips and shaking his head. “Just thought you might like options. You know, a younger guy—”
    â€œI’m not old!”
    â€œI didn’t say you were.”
    â€œYour friends are like, what, twenty-three?” Carla guesses.
    â€œTwenty-five.”
    â€œNo, thanks. Not interested. Besides, I don’t want to meet someone at a club.”
    â€œHow else will you meet someone? You’re always working.”
    â€œFor your information, I just so happen to like working.”
    â€œNothing wrong with it. Just thought I’d mention it since you’re always here.”
    Carla sees that her phone is blinking. “Got a call! Maybe it’s Ted Walker. I’ve been waiting for him to get back to me.”
    â€œI just spoke to him,” Ryan tells her, keeping his eyes on his computer screen.
    Carla shoots him a look. “When?” Her hand is on the receiver.
    â€œHe called me this morning. I had a question about Mark Buckley.