Of course he remembers me, because the universe wouldn't dare let me have this one small mercy.
“Cross,” I say flatly.
“Please tell me you’re done with swimmers.”He scoffs.“I refuse to believe you've stayed entertained this long by a guy whose biggest flex is not drowning.”
Heat floods my face.The audacity of this man.
He's right, but I'm not going to let him know that.
“I'm here to do my job,” I say through gritted teeth.“Not to discuss my life with you.”
He lifts his hands.“Okay, okay.No boyfriend updates.”
Don't say it.Don't give him the satisfaction of knowing you're single.
He tilts his head, those blue eyes of his dancing with amusement.“Or maybe he's not your boyfriend.”
Cade coughs, poorly disguising his laughter, before quickly throwing his jersey on and ushering Dash toward the rink door.“You know what?We'll leave you two to...catch up.See you on the ice, Cross.”
“Thanks for the support, assholes,” I mutter under my breath.
“So, was I right?”Jay's still watching me with that infuriating smirk.“Was he as disappointing out of the water as he is in it?”
“Can you just—” I take a deep breath.Professional.Professional.Professional.“Go shower.The tape won't stick if you're sweaty.”
“Avoiding the question.”He clicks his tongue.
“There's no question to answer.We broke up a while ago.Not that it's any of your business.”
That cocksure expression falters.“You broke up?”he repeats slowly.
“Yes.Broken up.Past tense.Done.Finished.Over.”I gesture toward the showers.“Now can you please go wash the gym off yourself so I can do my job and get out of here?”
“Yes ma'am.”He finally moves, but not before leaning in close enough that I catch the scent of sweat and something stupidly masculine underneath.“For the record, Hart?I always knew you were too good for him.”
Then he disappears toward the showers, leaving me standing there with my heart pounding and my professional composure in shambles.
I hate him.I hate him.I hate how that comment made my stupid chest flutter.
Turning on my heel, I head to the physio room to prep.I spray down the table, clean it off, and just as I'm laying the new exam paper, Jay walks back in.
“Hope that was quick enough.”
I tear the paper in the wrong place.
He's in a pair of tight black boxers, his hair still wet.Water drips down his collarbone, inviting me to watch its journey down Jay's well-defined chest.
I gulp and remind myself that he's the enemy.
“Sit,” I say quickly, and while he follows my instructions, I check my notes.
“So,” he says casually, settling onto the table, “how long have you been single?”
“Are we still on this?”I ask, dropping the clipboard against my thigh.
He shrugs with a smile.“Just a day feels like a long time for someone like you.”
“What do you mean 'someone like me'?”
