Page 19 of Holiday Crush

I finished chewing and nodded. “True.”

“You’re looking at me funny.” He brushed a nonexistent crumb from his beard. “Am I wearing my bagel?”

“No, I’m just trying to figure out a nice way to be nosy. I’m very curious about you, but you probably feel like you don’t really know me because let’s be real, we haven’t seen much of each other since high school and—”

“We were just in the Bingo trenches together, Ivan. Ask whatever you want.”

“Okay. Question number one…what happened in Charleston?”

“I got cut from the team,” he replied matter-of-factly.

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’ll find something new.”

I nodded in agreement, sipping my cocktail thoughtfully. He was shutting down again. I had a dozen follow-up questions, but I had a feeling I’d lose this happy vibe with him if I pressed.

“Of course you will. Topic change.” I pushed my drink aside and leaned my elbows on the table, pulling a yikes face. “How’s your burn area?”

Court widened his gaze comically and almost choked. “Are you really asking about the state of my dick?”

“Hey, that was traumatic for both of us, but mostly you.”

“And whose fault was that?”

I wrinkled my nose. “You pulled when I pushed, then you yelled and I panicked.”

He paused as if considering my assessment. “I guess that’s fair. Well, I’m happy to report, all parts are intact and working well.”

“Phew!” I picked my sandwich apart and folded a piece of ham in half, popping it into my mouth. “Sorry if I embarrassed you in front of Vinnie and Riley.”

“You didn’t. They’re cool.”

“Definitely. You’ll love working with them. Everyone wants a job at the rink or the sports facility. The town has always had hockey fever, but nothing quite like now. It’s kind of exciting.”

Court arched his brow. “Yet two single guys just spent their Friday night at a Bingo hall. Assuming you’re single.”

“Well, this is still Elmwood. Nightlife options are and always have been limited.” I chuckled. “So, yes, I’m single. You?”

“Very single.” He traced the rim of his glass with his thumb. “That’s totally fine. I’m not in a great place for a relationship. Truth is…I haven’t had a serious girlfriend or boyfriend in a while.”

Screech!

I opened my mouth, prepared to continue my interrogation, but my brain snagged on those two extra words. “Girlfriendorboyfriend. Are you…”

“Bi.” He chomped his last bite of bagel and washed it down with a healthy swig of gin.

I was still staring at him, completely dumbfounded till he nudged my shin with his sneaker. “Uh…bi. Really?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Are you saying you’re attracted toandfeel sexual interest for both men and women?” I asked in bewilderment.

“That sounds like the definition of bi, so yeah. I’ve fucked men and women and I’ve liked botha lot.”

“Well, that felt…graphic,” I rasped. Not to mention, incredibly hot.

Court shrugged nonchalantly. “You asked.”