Page 149 of Sin Bin

“Maybe.” He winked.

She squealed and clapped her hands together, making him laugh as he speared a few pieces of fruit and stuffed them into his mouth.

Roxanne dabbed at the corner of his lips with a napkin. “I know next year’s schedule hasn’t been released yet, but it would be wonderful if you guys were playing the Golden Knights around Christmas instead of having back-to-back games in Canada. I still feel bad that nobody was around for the holidays last year.”

“You don’t have to feel bad,” Logan assured her.

She kept going as if he hadn’t spoken. “It wasn’t right for us to leave you on your own. I mean, Santino was overseas scouting players, and Cynara and I went on that cruise—”

Logan put his hand over hers. “Please stop apologizing. I told you I didn’t mind spending Christmas with Hunter’s family in Quebec. They have a nice place out on the lake. It was cool. Seriously.”

“See, Mom?” Cynara crowed triumphantly. “Your precious baby boy spent the holiday with his bestie and had a blast. Now for the last time, stop trying to make me feel guilty for taking you on the cruise. We had a wonderful time, and it was just what you needed.”

Roxanne threw her an exasperated look. “I never said I didn’t enjoy myself, nor am I trying to make you feel guilty. And why do you keep butting into our conversation? Aren’t you supposed to be on the phone?”

“I’m on hold,” Cynara said in a snotty voice.

Shaking her head, Roxanne turned back to Logan and clasped his hand between hers. “I just want you to know that I’m not going anywhere for Christmas this year. You know how much I enjoy spending the holidays with you, whether we’re here or in Denver. As much as I love that big, beautiful house you bought me, I appreciate it the most when it’s filled with the sounds of laughter and music during Christmastime.” There was a twinkle in her eyes. “If there’s someone special you’d like to bring home this year—”

Her words were interrupted by a firm rapping at the door.

Logan recognized the knock. He’d heard it many times when he was growing up. Judging by the tense glance that passed between Roxanne and Cynara, they also knew who the distinct knock belonged to.

Logan gave Roxanne a gentle look. “Is it okay if I—”

“Of course. He’s your father.” She set her lips and squared her shoulders.

Bracing himself for anything, Logan put his glass down on the table and went to open the door. He grinned at the tall, broad-shouldered man who stood there. “You made it.”

“Just barely.” Santino Tavárez laughed and gave him a manly backslapping hug. “I just got in. The flight was bumpy as hell.”

Logan chuckled. “You only say that because you hate flying.”

“Nah, it was bad. I’m lucky to be alive, trust me.” Santino tugged his tie loose. “I need a drink.”

Before Logan could warn him that he had company, Santino shouldered past him into the suite. He pulled up short when he saw his estranged ex-wife and daughter.

The three of them stared at one another.

Cynara’s face was a stony mask.

Roxanne looked grim and tense.

Santino looked shaken to the soles of his Gucci loafers.

Logan clapped his hands together, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “Man, it’s good to have us all back together again. Feels like old times.”

Roxanne and Cynara exchanged a look that made it clear they didn’t share the sentiment.

Santino gazed earnestly at his daughter. “Hey, baby girl. How’ve you been?”

“Fine.” Cynara didn’t return the pleasantry by asking after his health. Not that anyone expected her to.

“How’s school?” he persisted. “You’ll be getting that Ph.D. soon, won’t you? How’s your dissertation coming along?”

“Fine.” Cynara offered no more.

Santino forced a laugh. “I remember how stressed out I was when I was working on my master’s thesis. Whew. The struggle.”

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