Page 31

Hayes immediately looks curious.

“What does that mean?”

The question hangs between us. Around us, the bar continues buzzing with post-game energy. Teammates laugh near the televisions. Glasses clink. Music hums through hidden speakers.

For some reason, the noise feels far away.

I lower my voice slightly. “It means I'm into some kink.”

The words land exactly how I expect them to. Hayes goes still. Not uncomfortable but interested.

His gray eyes lock onto mine. “Like...50 Shades of Grey?”

The question comes out before he can stop it. I smile into my drink. “Oh, so you read smut along with your classics?”

A gorgeous blush spreads across his face. “Um...”

So yes.

I keep talking to save him. “Why? Curious?”

His eyes glance away from mine. “No.”

The lie is terrible.

I laugh. “Sure.”

Hayes rolls his eyes. “What kind of kink?”

I take another sip before answering. “Power play.”

His eyebrows lift.

“Punishment.”

The curiosity deepens.

“Pain and pleasure.”

Something shifts in his expression.

Not fear.

Not judgment.

Fascination.

Like he's encountering a language he's never heard before but desperately wants translated.

I can feel my pulse rushing in my neck. The guy who barely speaks in the locker room suddenly has a thousand questions written across his face.

“What does that actually mean?” he asks.

I lean back slightly. “It means I enjoy trust.”

His expression turns thoughtful.

“I know that sounds like a weird answer.”