Page 21 of Breaking Through the Doubt (Espen Jetties #4)

21

LESLIE

Fuck, I felt good. I didn’t let a single puck past me tonight. We’d scored three goals and were still flying high from the win. That was even with Noah getting into a fight and Jansen jumping in as well. No one got really hurt and it was quickly broken up.

I wasn’t seeing Corey tonight and I didn’t want to go home. “Come out with me,” I begged, tugging on King’s sleeve as we walked to our vehicles. If there was anyone I could get to have some fun, it was him. Once he was in, he’d rally more of the team, and we could have a fun night out.

He stopped to peer at me over his shoulder. “No boyfriend tonight?”

“No, it’s late, plus he worked all night. And we have to leave tomorrow. I didn’t want to rush away from him. It’s better to say goodbye slowly.” With a lot of kisses and some cum. But I kept that part to myself.

“You’re in looovvveee.” Of course he had to drag out the word. He wouldn’t be himself if he didn’t. He was also right. I’d well and truly fallen for Corey. I wanted to make sure this was going to last, that we were in it with our whole hearts before I said those words. The last thing I wanted was to say them and for Corey to walk away. I’d shatter if that happened.

I put my hand over King’s face and shoved him away instead of saying anything back.

King playfully slapped my hand. “Keep pushing me and I won’t grace you with my company tonight.”

“So that means you’ll go?” I was behaving like an eager puppy and not at all sorry for doing it. If it meant I didn’t have to go home yet and could spend time with my friends, I was all for it. This good mood could live a little while longer.

“I will, on one condition.” Here we go.

“What?”

“Answer this. Who’s sexier? Me, D, or Kenna?” By the grin he wore, I knew he was fishing for a compliment, as well as wanting to start a friendly fight. Of course, our whole group was gathered around now, waiting for me to reply.

I took King’s face between my palms, smooshing his lips in the process. “You, King. You’re just so damn adorable.”

He shoved me off. “Adorable? Ha! I’m fucking sexy. Right, baby?” he asked Hayes.

“Oh, no. You’re not dragging me into this craziness. This is between you and Knox. Not the rest of us.”

“Speak for yourself,” Jansen cut in. “I’m hot. Not cute or adorable. I win this hands down.”

Devon didn’t bother to say anything, just stood near us and shook his head. He wasn’t easy to wind up.

“Okay, D’s out,” King stated. “It’s just me and Kenna. I don’t know how you can look at me and not appreciate what I have.” He turned, bent slightly at the waist to stick out his ass, and shook it a little. “You see this?” He pointed down at it. “This is a work of art. My ass is fucking beautiful.” He looked toward Hayes again.

“Don’t. I’m not talking about your ass or anyone else’s.”

“That’s okay. You tell me enough behind closed doors.” He winked.

“Jesus,” Hayes muttered. “I’ll be in the car. When you figure out where we’re going, drive us there.”

“So, you’re going then?” I asked Hayes.

“Yeah, why the hell not?” He took the keys from King’s hand and turned for the car. Hayes was used to King.

King faced me again, crossing his arms. “Who will it be?”

I looked at Jansen. “Is there a chance you’re coming out tonight?”

“Nah, I have to head home. Stephen has a late-night snack planned.” He waggled his eyebrows.

“Sure he does.” I grinned. “King, you’re the hottest. Can we go now?”

“I don’t want to win by default.”

“A win’s a win. Take it or don’t. Where are we going?”

He lifted his chin. “Fine. I get to choose. We’re going dancing.”

“Don’t think you can grind all over my dick.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it. I have Hayes for that.”

We got into our cars, as did Devon. I was surprised he wanted to go with us, although Lincoln was spending a long weekend with his family in Massachusetts, so that had to be why. A few of the other guys on the team tagged along. I was sure it was just so they could get a front row seat to the drama they thought would happen. That was in the past though. Unless someone punched me out of nowhere, I was avoiding all fights. No drinking, no punching, no nothing. I was going to be a model player and make the team proud.

King turned out of the parking lot, and I followed farther into downtown until we got to the club. This wasn’t a trashy place with all kinds of bad shit going on. It was nice in there with a stage for dancers and a large deejay area. They even had live bands sometimes and guest deejays.

After parking our cars close to the club, since it wasn’t a weekend packed with people, we went to the front door where a bouncer stood. I didn’t worry about anyone breaking into my vehicle here. Not this close with the streetlights aimed down and people everywhere.

The bouncer smiled when he saw us. I didn’t know him, but he obviously recognized us. “Go right in. It’s great to have you guys here. Nice win tonight.”

“Thanks, man,” King said and clapped the stacked guy on the shoulder.

Inside, the bass thumped, quickly vibrating through my body as we made our way to the bar. The less people in here, the less chance of trouble. Though I wondered if trouble was going to find us. I saw a few guys at the far end of the bar with jerseys on from the team we played tonight. Not players, but fans. And damn, they could get rowdy as hell when we were out, especially if we won.

We ordered drinks, me sticking with soda, and found a couple of tables to push together so we could talk when we weren’t dancing. It was only minutes before the Espen fans came up to us, asking for autographs and photos, offering to buy us drinks. They were as excited about the win as we were.

The younger, single guys on the team didn’t linger, instead heading right for the dance floor, toward a group of women who looked like they were having fun. I was content to sit back and watch.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out and saw a text from Corey.

Corey: Great game tonight.

Me: Thanks!

I put my arm around Devon and pulled him close to take a photo of us and sent it to Corey. We said we wouldn’t spend the evening together but after watching King pull Hayes to the dance floor, and the way they were close, I really wished Corey was here. Maybe he would be if I was home all the time instead of playing games and traveling so much.

Me: I wish you were here. We’re having a good time, but I’m a little lonely.

Corey: I’m home in bed, wishing you were with me. I wonder which one of us will fare better?

Me: You win. I’d rather be there in bed with you. But leaving would be torture.

There it was again. Me wishing for something that wasn’t. As I looked around the club, at the people out dancing, I thought about what I could be doing if I didn’t have to travel tomorrow. If I didn’t have to rush off to the next city for the next game. I could be in bed with Corey, and we could wake up in each other’s arms.

Yes, I got I was rushing shit with him, but I didn’t say what I thought to him. Not yet anyway. Scaring him off wasn’t part of the plan. Damn, if I didn’t picture a life with him though. After he poured his heart out to me about his family, god, my heart broke for him. I couldn’t imagine not having my mother in my life. At least he had his dad. From the sound of it, he was an amazing man.

My family was my backbone at times. When I fucked up, didn’t know what to do, I knew—no matter what—they’d be there for me. It sounded like Corey had that with his dad.

Corey sent me a photo. I had to quickly turn the phone away from Devon so only I could see it. It was of Corey in bed, a sheet covering him to his waist. The bare skin of his stomach was visible, and he was reaching beneath the fabric to grip his dick.

My mouth watered. I wanted my lips wrapped around him. For him to come down my throat while I swallowed everything he had to give me.

Me: Jerk.

How dare he tease me when I couldn’t do anything about it. I mean, I could. I could drive to his apartment and do exactly what I thought. Then I wouldn’t want to leave, and it would suck walking out his door again.

Corey: That’s what I plan on doing.

I locked my phone and returned it to my pocket. Getting hard in the club was a hell no. My luck, someone would see it, take a photo and I’d be called into Kasper’s office for a whole other reason.

Devon leaned close so I could hear him over the music. “Doing okay?”

“Yeah, just thinking.”

“I’m proud of you.”

Turning, I asked, “Why?”

“You stopped drinking. You turned everything around.”

“Yeah, but I still fought and got my ass chewed for it.”

“We both know Kasper could have been way worse than he was.”

I nodded. “Still though.”

“You’re doing good.”

I was about to reply when I caught a flash of a jersey out of the corner of my eye. Of course. The guys with the opposing team’s colors on were going to start shit. Just what I needed.

The biggest of the three planted his hands on the table and leaned in. If he thought I was intimidated by him, he truly didn’t know anything about me. It was hard for me to be put in my place. Very few could do it. My mom and dad, Devon, Kasper, and the coaching staff. That was it.

“I hear you like to fight,” the guy said.

“Excuse me, coming through!” King yelled, pushing between the guys, separating the two from the one leaning on the table. “Hi.” King grinned in his typical King way. But I saw the edge of irritation to that smile. “Is there something we can help you with?” Hayes stood at his back. King could handle himself, but Hayes was no one to fuck with, especially not when it came to King. While Hayes wasn’t a fighter, he would if need be.

“Your team got off easy tonight,” the guy said. “You shouldn’t have won. We had you.” This was hands down the worst argument that ever was. He was trying to get us to fight them.

Hayes cocked an eyebrow. “Is that all you’ve got?”

The guy stepped closer, his chest bumping with King’s, putting King in between Hayes and him.

“Nope, hell fucking no,” Devon said and stood. “This isn’t happening. You and your friends, leave. You want a fight, but you’re not getting one. Your day on the news or whatever gossip shit you read won’t happen with us. Find somewhere else to go.”

That was when one of the guy’s friends pulled out his phone to record us. A little late for that.

King took it as a moment to shine. He turned toward the phone. “Oh good, you love us so much you want a video.” He plucked the phone out of the guy’s hand and turned the screen, so it was on their faces. “Hey, everyone. I’m here with….

“Kevin,” the guy muttered.

“Kevin, and we’re celebrating the Jetties’ win. Go us! Sorry your team lost, man. Good game though.” He hit the button to end the recording and handed the phone back. Kevin didn’t know what to do except mutter a thank you.

A bouncer had worked his way to us, thanks to Devon raising his hand and waving the bouncer’s way. He quickly ushered the guys out of our space.

When Devon was back in his seat again, he said, “See. You’re doing good. You didn’t even get up.”

“Sometimes it’s more fun to watch.”

Hayes put his arm around King’s waist and drew him close. “Don’t do that again.”

“Awww, were you jealous, baby? I’ve only got eyes for you and Jamie.”

“Damn right.” Hayes leaned in and kissed King hard.

Lifting my drink, I smiled. It was a good idea to come out tonight. And I didn’t even take the bait to fight. I was proud of me too.