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“Listen, Gerard. Your mom and I chose to raise you and Lily here primarily because of the school system. It’s one of the best in the state, and we wanted to give you kids every opportunity to succeed. But we always knew about Elk Valley’s limitations.” He takes a sip of his wine, carefully choosing his next words. “Your mom and I tried our best to instill in you the values of embracing people for who they are, not what their skin color is or where they come from. We taught you to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.”

I remember all the times Dad took me aside after hockey practice, reminding me to include the new kid struggling to keep up. Or when Mom would invite coworkers over for dinner, even though they weren’t as financially stable as we were.

“I remember,” I say softly. “You and Mom always made sure Lily and I understood the importance of acceptance and kindness.”

Dad smiles, pride shining in his eyes. “And you’ve grown into an incredible young man because of it, son. Don’t ever forget that.” He grips my shoulder, his callused palm rough against my shirt. “But now it’s time for you to put those values into practice. You’ll need to be his rock when people can’t see past the color of his skin.”

The thought of anyone mistreating Elliot, of judging him based on something so superficial, makes my blood boil. “I will, Dad. I won’t let anyone disrespect Elliot. Not here, not anywhere. He means too much to me.”

Dad nods, satisfied. “I know you won’t, son. You’re a Gunnarson through and through. We stand up for our beliefs and protect the ones we love.”

Love.

The word resonates in my mind and seeps into the cracks and crevices of my heart. Could this be what I’m feeling? This all-consuming, breath-stealing, world-tilting emotion I have for Elliot. Is itlove?

I think about how my pulse races whenever he enters a room.

How I smile whenever he flashes me that rare and precious smile of his.

Even how I end up weak in the knees every time he gives me an orgasm.

Holy snickers! I’m in love with Elliot.

And it couldn’t be more obvious.

32

ELLIOT

Some people have a sixth sense. I have a Gerard sense, and right now, I sense that Gerard is not in bed with me. Opening my eyes, I notice his side of the bed is empty. I check how cold it is—it’s lukewarm. He hasn’t been gone long.

Rolling over onto my back, I take in Gerard’s childhood bedroom. Hockey posters plaster three of the walls, and the NHL superstars stare down at me with fierce determination.God, I’m surrounded by an army of Gerards. Only they’re all less handsome.

On the lone bare wall is a shelf lined with stuffed animals that have seen better days. Some are missing eyes, while others have matted fur. A few have been wrung nearly to death. I picture a young Gerard clutching them in the middle of the night, his already massive hands engulfing their tiny bodies in a death grip.Adorable.

My gaze drifts to a corkboard below the shelf overflowing with photos. Gerard’s high school friends grin back at me. They’ve all got their hands thrown up in that classic “hang loose” sign.Ah, the very picture of carefree youth.

The sound of footsteps in the hallway jolts me from my thoughts. I sit up as the door swings open, revealing a shirtlessGerard with a pink towel slung low on his hips. His hair is damp from the shower, curling slightly at the ends.

“Morning, sunshine.” He closes the door and scratches his head. “I ran into my dad as I got out of the shower. He wants you to see him in his office downstairs.”

I immediately start freaking out, wondering why his dad wants to see me in his office. I’ve never been called to an office before. Not even in high school. I was the least problematic person ever. I still am. I haven’t done anything that warrants seeing him in his office.

Gerard’s brow furrows in confusion as he crosses the room to sit on the edge of the bed. “Why do you look like you’re going to hurl?”

“Your dad wants to talk to me. Alone. Without you there as a buffer.”

What if he tells me I’m not good enough for Gerard? What if he says our relationship is a phase and Gerard will get over it soon? What if he forbids us from seeing each other ever again?

My mind spirals faster than a tornado, each scenario more catastrophic than the last. I’m so lost in my head that I don’t even notice Gerard crawling up the bed until he’s right in front of me, his face inches from mine.

“Hey,” he says softly, his breath warm against my skin. “Stop worrying. My dad loves you. He probably just wants to tell you that he hopes to see you at Christmas.”

Before I can protest, Gerard leans in and kisses me, his lips soft and insistent against my own. I melt into the kiss, and my anxiety disappears like a mist in the morning sun.

He shifts his weight, pressing me back against the pillows. The towel slips from his hips as he moves, pooling on the bed in a heap of terrycloth.

I let my hands roam over the smooth expanse of his back, reveling in the feel of his warm skin beneath my fingertips as his tongue slips its way intomy mouth.