Alexander leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Kim... if you don't want me around, just say it." 

I swallowed. My pulse ticked at the base of my throat. 

“I didn't say that." 

"You didn't have to." 

My eyes flicked away from his. "I thought you liked how I made you work for my attention." 

"Yes," he muttered. "But there's a difference between playing hard to get and not being interested at all. I don't even think you want me around you." 

I was still reeling from that ...