Page 55 of Shane

The moment we enter Shane’s room, I make it a point to close the door.

“We need to clear the air,” I tell him.

“About what?”

“Gia.”

“Gia?”

He reaches for a box cutter and starts slicing open some of the sealed boxes in the room.

“Yes, Gia.” I take a seat on his bed. “Don’t play dumb.”

“What about her? Did she say something to upset you?”

“Shane, are you fucking her?”

“What?”

“Are you suddenly hearing impaired? I asked you if you’re sleeping with that girl?”

His posture lengthens as he finally faces me, an unreadable expression on his face.

“And what if I am?”

His response shocks me.

“What?”

“You told me that it was never going to happen between us so why would I wait for you?”

“You’re such a dick and you’re so good at hiding it.”

“What you mean is that I’ve got a big dick and I’m no good at hiding it.”

“I helped you move in. Wish one granted. I’m out,” I say, standing up to leave.

I turn sharply on my heels, making a beeline for the door. But with reflexes no doubt honed on the ice, Shane is there before me, hand pressed against the wood just above my head. His body is a barricade that blocks my way out.

"Wait."

"Why should I?"

"I want you to hear me out.” His words are soft, but there's a hardness in his eyes that makes me pause.

"Fine." Pulling back, I cross my arms over my chest, leveling him with a challenging gaze. “Talk quickly.”

"Gia and Vikki are friends of the house,” he begins, running a hand through his tousled hair. “Some might call them puck bunnies.”

“Puck bunnies,” I echo the term.

“Yes, they're friends of some of the guys on the team, and in exchange, they get carte blanche to hang out here whenever they want."

“In exchange for what?”

“You know what, Kennedy.”

“Sex.”