Page 53 of Sin Bin Bully

Kim

I'm sipping my coffee — coffee that I asked Sam for and it has been at my breakfast everyday since — and savoring the rich aroma when Sam clears his throat. His gray eyes lock onto mine, a hint of curiosity dancing in them.

"So, do you know Alexi?" he says, his voice casual but laced with an undercurrent of something I can't quite place.

I set my mug down, tilting my head. "Alexi? We danced together on the ice. Why?"

Sam leans back, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. "Just asking. Heard she's been asking about you."

My eyebrows shoot up. "Really? From who?"

"The guys. You know I keep in touch, even in the off-season." He shrugs, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "Apparently, the other ice girls haven't seen or heard from you in a while."

I chew on my bottom lip, considering this. Alexi and I were close during our time as ice girls, but since everything that's happened... "Huh. I guess I haven't really thought about it."

"You don't seem too interested in what they've been doing," Sam observes, his eyes narrowing slightly.

I shrug, trying to keep my voice light. "Should I be? We were friends, sure, but it's not like we were joined at the hip."

Sam leans forward, his elbows on the table. "Would you like her to visit? I could extend an invitation."

The offer catches me off guard. I study Sam's face, searching for any hidden agenda. "You'd do that?"

He nods, his expression unreadable. "If you want."

I drum my fingers on the table, weighing my options. On one hand, it would be nice to see a familiar face. On the other hand... "I don't know, Sam. Things are complicated enough as it is."

"Complicated?" He raises an eyebrow, a challenge in his voice. "How so?"

I gesture vaguely between us. "This. Us. Everything. Bringing Alexi into it... I'm not sure that's a good idea."

Sam's jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. "You ashamed of me, little dancer?"

"No," I say quickly, reaching across the table to touch his hand. "It's not that. It's just... a lot to explain."

He intertwines his fingers with mine, his grip firm. "Then don't explain. Let her see for herself."

I can't help but laugh. "You make it sound so simple."

"Isn't it?" His thumb traces circles on my palm. "You're here. I'm here. What else matters?"

Maybe…he's right.

Alexi bursts into the room,her eyes wide with excitement. "Kim! Oh my God, girl, you've been holding out on us!"

I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. It feels like ages since I've seen a friendly face that isn't Sam's, if his even counts as friendly. "Hey, Alexi. It's good to see you."

She plops down on the plush sofa next to me, her grin mischievous. "So, spill. How'd you land the hottest player in the league? And more importantly," she leans in, lowering her voice conspiratorially, "is he as good in bed as he looks?"

I feel a warmth spread through me, remembering last night. I nod, trying to keep my expression neutral. "He's... yeah. He's pretty amazing."

Alexi squeals, clapping her hands. "I knew it! God, you're so lucky." Her excitement fades slightly, replaced by curiosity. "But seriously, where have you been? I've been texting you for weeks."

My stomach tightens. "Oh, you know... I've been busy."

"Too busy to answer a text?" Her brow furrows. "What's going on, Kim?"

I fidget with the hem of my shirt, avoiding her gaze. "It's complicated."

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