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Arne

“Arne?” My teammate’s curly head poked out from behind his hotel room door. “Can you come in here for a second?”

A glance at my watch told me that we had only half an hour before we had to be in the restaurant. I was always early, but as team captain, I had a few minutes to spare for him.

As his captain… Yes, that’s why you’re eager to help. It’s not because Max Gruber lives rent free in your head.

“Yeah, sure.” Taking a sharp turn left, I approached the door.

Maybe he needs help with his tie again.

Max stepped back, half turning away from me.

What’s going on?

He waited until he heard the door click shut, then swivelled back around.

“What do you think?”

For a moment, I didn’t realise what he meant. His presence mesmerised me all over again: the radiant smile, his bright white teeth on display, and the sparkle in his dark eyes.

God, you are so pretty. And I am so screwed.

“So?” he asked when I said nothing. “What do you think?”

That you are the most beautiful person I have ever seen and that I am disgusting for wanting you the way I do?

“Sorry, I…”What am I supposed to say?How stunning he looks in that blue suit?

Max laughed softly. “The bowtie! I taught myself how to do it. I watched that video about a hundred times. I swear it made no sense to my brain. I had to pause it and rewind, but I think it turned out okay. What do you think?” he repeated.

Oh, right.

My eyes dropped to his throat where a cornflower blue bowtie sat nestled against the glossy feathers. Then my eyes drifted down to where his newly formed muscles stretched his smart shirt almost beyond its limits.

He took me by surprise when he stepped nearer. I had been too busy staring to notice.

“I wanted to make you proud,” he muttered, giving me a slightly nervous smile.

“I’m always—,” I began. My voice trailed off as our gazes collided. Our eyes clung to each other and refused to let go. “Proud of you,” I croaked, words failing me when feather-covered hands palmed my cheeks. His silky thumbs brushed my skin.

Time stood still. And for a heartbeat, we just looked at each other.

His lips were soft on mine, so soft and sweet. Another step brought his body close, enveloping me in his warmth.

It was funny how a person’s life could change forever in a matter of a heartbeat.

One second, I was the ‘Viking’: professional hockey player and straight but a little too picky—or unenthusiastic—to find many women to date. The next, my teammate kissed me, and fuck if I wasn’t so sure about my sexuality anymore.

He swallowed my soft gasp down, using the opportunity to slide his tongue between my lips.

Oh my Lord.

His taste made me dizzy and drunk. The feeling only intensified when he invited my tongue between his lips and sucked on it.

I did what I had been itching to do for weeks; I sank my hands into the glossy black curls and pressed my fingertips to his scalp.