Page 5 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

Oh, I know that. Ellen isn’t selfish, but she doesn’t always grasp how to handle different perspectives. If she were the one who just experienced Bella’s breakup, Castleton would be the perfect escape for her.

I can imagine that she was just trying to help Bella feel better.

“So do you have a girlfriend these days?” Bella asks. She’s staring at the cabin door, tapping her toes rapidly.

“No. Completely single.” I shrug when she gives me a disbelieving look.

“I would think you’d have women throwing themselves at you all the time. Big hockey star, not to mention looking like… well, a big hockey star.” Her cheeks go pink.

I laugh. “Just because I have offers doesn’t mean I’ve accepted them.”

“Is there a reason?” One of her sculpted brows raises.

“I’m busy with my career right now. I don’t have the time to dedicate to a partner.” I give her a tight smile.

This isn’t exactly how I envisioned my day—making awkward small talk with my ex-girlfriend’s best friend while my ex flirts with one of my teammates. I should've brought popcorn; this is turning into a rom-com, minus the laughs.

Bella’s arms tighten as she glares at the cabin door. “Okay, so like I know you have the bro code or whatever. Doesn’t this break it? Him being all over her like this?”

“I’m pretty sure they’re just getting ice.”

“I’m not talking literally,” she mumbles.

The tension radiating from her is too much. I’m not sure what’s bothering her most, but I need to do something to reassure her.

“If you’re worried about Mike, he’s actually a good guy,” I tell her. “Maybe a little over-eager sometimes, but he’s a good guy. He doesn’t sleep around, and he’s a lot of fun.”

Bella frowns at me. “What?”

“Actually, considering how spontaneous Ellen likes to be, Mike would be a good match for her. He is really good at pivoting last minute. It’s one of the things that makes him such a great teammate.”

Bella chews her lip. “It like you’re trying to convince me that Ellen and Mike would make a good couple.”

I shrug, uncomfortable with this shift. “Honestly? They probably would be.”

“But aren’t you jealous?”

I’m so confused by her line of questioning. “Not at all. Ellen and I broke up years ago.”

Bella lowers her arm, still staring at me as though I’m crazy.

“What? I don’t want anything but good things for Ellen, and Mike is my friend. If they’d be happy together, why should I be jealous? I’m happy with how my life is right now.” I shrug.

“I just… well, I mean…” Bella clears her throat and takes a few steps toward the cabin before she stops. “I guess it’s not surprising when I think about the sort of guy you are. You were always… well, understanding.”

Is that a compliment? Her tone makes it ambiguous.

“Uh, well. If you two are leaving tomorrow it doesn’t make much of a difference,” I say.

“That’s true. I can’t stay here another day.” Bella shudders.

“Do you want me to break up their talk?” I gesture toward the cabin. “I can make up something to drag Mike away.”

Bella folds her arms again. “No. No, we should let them talk to each other. Maybe Ellen will get his number and be busy enough with him that she’ll leave me alone for a few days… or weeks. Just long enough to bury myself in work and pretend like—”

She cuts off, turning her face away.

I open my mouth but close it again. It’s not like I have much to say.

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