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“You know, I’ve never known you to hook up with a woman.”

Anxiety shoots straight through me.

“So?” I ask, hoping like hell my tone doesn’t reveal how I really feel about him digging into my personal life.

He’s not the first one to do it, and I’m sure he won’t be the last.

“I’m just saying. Are you celibate during the season?”

“W-what?” I splutter as images of just how not celibate I’ve been over the last few weeks play out in my head like my ultimate porno.

“It’s a thing,” he argues.

“I’m sure it is,” I mutter.

“I’ve heard guys rave about it. Apparently, it does wonders for performance. Helps you focus and not get distracted.”

I consider it for a moment.

I’d be lying if I said I was always sexually active. There has been plenty of time in my past where I haven’t been able to find anyone who captures my attention, or someone I trust enough to make the jump. That’s usually when I end up with a woman. “Whatever works, I guess. You ever tried it?”

“Not on purpose,” Rovvy confesses under his breath. “I’ve used it as an excuse for a dry patch, though.”

“Of course you have.”

“And as a hook-up line.”

“Christ,” I mutter, dragging my hand down my face.

“What? It works like a fucking charm.” He shifts so he’s facing me a little, and then he looks at me with what I can only assume is his sexy face. Honestly, it falls a little far from the mark, if you ask me. “I’ve been abstaining from distraction to focus on my career, but then I met you, baby, and I don’t think I can hold back anymore.”

I can’t help it; I bark out a laugh. “Please tell me that doesn’t work.”

Rovvy huffs and folds his arms over his chest.

“Works every time, actually. Chicks love thinking they’re special,” he mutters under his breath.

“I’ll make sure to remember that move, should I ever need it.”

“I’m serious, though. You haven’t hooked up with anyone since you’ve been here. And as far as I know, you’re not in a relationship, so…”

“Who says I haven’t hooked up with anyone? Just because I don’t tell everyone, doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened.”

“Ah, you’re one of those.”

My stomach knots again.

“One of those?”

“Secretive.”

I shrug. “I just like to keep my personal life exactly that. We already live enough of our lives in the spotlight. I’m happy to remain out of it if it doesn’t involve hockey.”

“Fair,” he says, pulling his book from the back of the chair in front.

The title catches my attention, and my eyes widen.

“What are you reading?” I ask before he settles in.