Heart of Ice

By De-ann Black

Heart of Ice is a traditional romance novella, filled with romance and rivalry, set in New York and New Hampshire.

Story:

When mountaineer, Reef Bretton, hired freelance photographer, Alex Russo, for an assignment, the last thing he expected – or wanted – was an attractive, young woman.

Add to this the feud between Reef and his long-time rival, Zack, and trouble with his model ex-girlfriend, Julia.

Set in New York and the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, this modern and adventurous story asks – can love melt a heart of ice?

About the Author:

De-ann Black is a bestselling author, traditionally published for over 15 years, with over 40 books published, scriptwriter and former newspaper journalist.

She splits her time between Scotland, Dublin and London.

Her latest romantic comedy books include:

The Bitch-Proof Suit.

Oops! I'm the Paparazzi.

The Cure For Love.

The Brunette Bombshell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Toffee Apple Publishing
• Release date: Jan 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781908072832

De-ann Black

De-ann Black is a bestselling author, scriptwriter and former newspaper journalist. Traditionally published for over 15 years. She has over 40 books published, for adults (romance, crime thrillers, espionage/suspense novels) and children (non-fiction rocket science books, children's fiction and picture books). Her books include Special Forces and crime thriller books - Guile, The Strife of Riley, and Moth to the Flame. Romantic comedies include - The Bitch-Proof Suit, The Cure For Love, and Oops! I'm the Paparazzi. De-ann's latest children's fiction books are: Secondhand Spooks - December 32nd, Faeriefied, and School for Aliens. She previously worked as a full-time newspaper journalist for several years. She had her own weekly columns in the press. This included being a motoring correspondent where she got to test drive cars every week for the press for three years. She is also a professional artist and illustrator. And photographer. Additionally, De-ann has always been interested in fitness, and was a fitness and bodybuilding champion, 100 metre runner and mountaineer. As a former N.A.B.B.A. Miss Scotland, she had a weekly fitness show on the radio that ran for over three years. De-ann trained in Shukokai karate, boxing, kickboxing, Dayan Qigong, and Jiu Jitsu. She splits her time between Scotland, Dublin and London. Find out more at www.de-annblack.com

Book preview

About the Author:

De-ann Black is a bestselling author, traditionally published for over 15 years, with over 40 books published, scriptwriter and former newspaper journalist.

She splits her time between Scotland, Dublin and London.

Text copyright © 2011 by De-ann Black

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written consent of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by Toffee Apple Publishing 2012

Smashwords Edition

Heart of Ice

ISBN-13: 978-1-90872-83-2

Toffee Apple Publishing

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Contents

1 – Meeting in Manhattan

2 – The White Mountains

3 – A Passionate Kiss

4 – Leaving the City Far Behind

5 – Beauty, Intelligence and Talent

6 – Can You Keep a Secret

7 – A Chance at Love

8 – Someone From The Past

9 – Nothing But Trouble

10 – Daring and Deceit

11 – Reasons for Romance

12 – Truth and Love

More books by De-ann Black (sample chapters)

About De-ann Black

Chapter One

Meeting in Manhattan

Manhattan’s bright skyline dazzled in the mid–day sunshine. The city was enjoying a golden, hot summer with temperatures soaring as high as the tall structures that dominated the city.

Situated right in the heart of the Big Apple, Reef Bretton sat comfortably in his luxurious burgundy chair, gazing out the window of his towering office. Although the panoramic view of New York lay before him, his vision stretched far and beyond the city.

His thoughts were miles away, focussed firmly on the White Mountains of New Hampshire where his latest adventure would take place — a daring climb to launch his new range of mountaineering clothing.

He had everything he needed in preparation for climbing the formidable mountains. Everything, that is, except a photographer. He needed a talented photographer who also had the ability to climb, someone to accompany him on his challenging exploits and capture the events in photographic form for publicity and advertising purposes.

Reef checked his watch. Hopefully, within the next few minutes, the photographer he needed would arrive at his office to discuss accepting the assignment. Alex Russo had an excellent reputation. Although Reef hadn’t actually met or spoken to Russo in person, he’d seen the photographer’s work in several prestigious publications, and had contacted Russo’s secretary, Yvonne, to arrange the forthcoming meeting.

As if on cue, Alex Russo, arrived in reception armed with an impressive portfolio of action photographs. Surveying the surroundings, Alex wondered why the reception was void of staff. Was everyone out to lunch, perhaps? The cool grey and white environment was in total contrast to what Alex had imagined. Reef Bretton’s new clothing range was filled with brightly coloured items and she thought his offices would somehow reflect that.

She looked around the reception. The door to the adjoining office was slightly ajar, as if beckoning a visitor to enter.

Alex knocked before pushing the door open wide, causing Reef to swing round in his chair.

‘Can I help you?’ he said, taking in the attractive brunette standing in his doorway.

‘I’m looking for Reef Bretton.’

He walked across the office towards her. ‘You’ve found him.’

Although she’d seen his picture in newspapers and magazines, they failed to do him justice. In person, she noticed how he moved with an easy, athletic grace, his broad shoulders relaxed under his crisp white shirt whose sleeves were rolled up to reveal the corded muscles of his forearms. Rich, dark hair was swept back from his sun–bronzed face which was angular and handsome. At six feet plus, he towered above her. As a fairly tall, self–assured career woman, it was an experience she wasn’t often accustomed to, and it strangely excited her.

Realising she’d been staring at him in silence for longer than was socially acceptable, Alex flushed slightly. ‘We have a meeting to discuss your mountaineering photographic assignment,’ she said, smiling.

A ray of recognition lit up Reef’s face.

‘You must be Yvonne.’ He extended his hand to welcome her. ‘Couldn’t Russo make it?’

Alex shook his hand firmly.

‘I’m Russo,’ she said looking up at him, her dark eyes watching his reaction. ‘Alex Russo.’

Surprise jolted his senses and he reacted on instinct. ‘I didn’t expect you to be a woman. I need a man for this job.’

It wasn’t the first time someone had been mistaken due to her name, so although unhappy at his attitude, she said, ‘If you’re looking for a photographer who can climb, I’m your man.’

He looked at her willowy figure and silky dark hair that fell smoothly to her shoulders. ‘I seriously doubt it.’

The style of her chic black suit emphasised her feminine slenderness and lithe legs to full advantage, adding further doubt in his mind about her orienteering capabilities.

‘I need someone who will be a help to me, not a hindrance,’ he said.

The sharpness in his tone raised her defences.

‘I learned to climb in the Rockies with my father, who was one of the best mountaineers in his day. I climb regularly, and if, as I suspect, it’s the White Mountains you’re thinking of tackling, they hold no problem for me. No problem whatsoever.’

For a second, Alex thought she saw a flicker of approval on Reef’s stony face. His features were simultaneously harsh yet sensuous. Dark brows emphasised the vivid colour of his blue eyes, set in a face that she seemed drawn to gaze at.

He surveyed her harshly. ‘You don’t look as though you could handle the task.’

‘How did you expect me to look? Did you imagine I’d turn up for our meeting wearing climbing boots, a helmet and a rucksack on my back?’

He didn’t know whether to be angry at her sarcasm or laugh at her defiance. Instead, he opted for the compromise by inviting her to sit down.

‘Let me have a look at your work,’ he said grudgingly.

Unzipping her portfolio, she laid it open on his desk for inspection. She knew her photographs were good, but steeled herself in readiness for Reef’s brutally honest comments. Silently, he looked at her work, his down–turned head excluding her from offering any comment until he’d finished digesting the contents of her case.

Her brown eyes glanced at him across the desk as he studied her work. The New York skyline glistened in the sunshine outside the window behind him. She wanted this lucrative assignment, and