“Finn!” Sam thumped his shoulder. The idea of appearing on the show that they watched together no matter where they were in the world made her grimace. Sure, it was fun to watch other couples find love—they never missed their watch parties and loved psychoanalyzing and dissecting the on-screen relationships as they unfolded—but a blinddate didn’t appeal to her. Neither did his comment about choosing someone for their attractiveness first and foremost.
“Sorry!” He rubbed his arm. “Ouch! When did you get so tough?”
Sam leaned her chin on her hand. It was seven months, four days and three hours since she’d last had sex with her ex. And it had been bloody good. The downside was that it had been breakup sex. She’d known as soon as it was over that it had been Ethan’s way of getting her out of his system. She just wished it had been hers. The initial breakup had been easy, really, but the breakup after the breakup sex had been awful.
“I kept thinking he’d change his mind,” Sam said quietly to Finn.
“You’re better off without him.” Finn threw his arm around Sam’s shoulders. “You do know that, don’t you? Look how far you’ve come since he’s been gone.”
“True.” Sam leaned into her friend’s strong shoulder.
“You’re on fire, Sam.” Finn squeezed her gently. “Don’t let him get into your head now—not when a medal is on the line. Remember—this is what we’ve been working for.”
“I won’t, I promise.” Sam looked down at her now cold pizza.
“Maybe we should extend our pact,” Finn said, reminding her of their teenage promise. “We don’t fall foranyonewhile we’re competing.”
“Huh!” Sam snorted. “Some hope of you managing that!”
“I can do it,” Finn said huffily. “I’m not the slut you think I am!”
Maya looked up from her phone. “Oh yes you are.”
“Maya!” Finn shook his head. “I’m surprised at you!”
“Well, you’re no saint,” Maya said. “You haven’t been in a relationship that’s lasted for more than a month. You lose interest when you’ve got them in the sack.”
“Me? Why I am practically a virgin.” Finn pouted as the table suddenly went quiet. His arm slipped from Sam’s shoulders as the entire table turned to look at him. Peeking down the table, Sam saw a smirk on her brother’s face.
“Guess you’d better stick to the slopes then—it’s the only place you seem to be getting some action.” Leo’s brash voice carried down the table. Finn reddened. Leo flashed a smile, and the conversation level rose. After a moment Finn took a gulp of his beer.
“Never mind him,” Sam said as Finn took another slug of his drink. “You know how he is.”
“I do,” Finn said. “I know he’s your brother, Sam, but sometimes I just wish I could punch his lights out.”
“Well, don’t let me stop you,” Sam said. “Give him a punch for me while you’re at it.”
“Roger that,” Finn said. “I’ll keep that in mind when the chance arises.”
A shriek from the end of the table made them both jump.
“Oh my God! Yes! YES! YESSSSSSS!”
Sam flinched, almost knocking over her beer, as the shrieks got louder.
“Who’s having an orgasm?” Finn asked, turning around. “Lucky bastard.”
Sam groaned as she stared down the table. Typical of her brother. He’d only gone and stolen the evening fromthe entire team by proposing. There he was, on his knees and grinning like a lunatic as Becky jumped and screamed, a small box clutched tightly in her hand.
“Oh God,” Sam grumbled. “Oh, comeon. Is this really happening?”
Finn’s shoulders shook with laughter. “Well, I can’t punch him tonight now.”
“I can’t believe this,” Sam mumbled. “What an idiot.”
“Which one?” Finn laughed.
“Both!” Sam expostulated. “What on earth are they doing? It’s too close to the competition to be distracting Becky like this. She’s only got this chance—this next week and a half. He should have waited until after.”
