Page 5

Still, I wouldn’t mind Erik coming and going. Somehow, I trust him already, and if we keep the good vibes going, he can get the spare key.

As I wait for the pan to heat up, Erik walks over and hugs me from behind, and my insides immediately turn to mush.

“I wouldn’t have thought that you’re a hugger,” I remark.

He lets go of me, and the absence of his touch almost hurts. “Sorry, do you not like that?”

“Come back here, you.” I pull him toward me by the waist. Erik chuckles, and he puts an arm around my shoulders.

Yeah, I could get used to this.

“To be completely honest, I’m awkward and I wouldn’t call myself a touchy person,” he says. “But I like being close to you.”

That makes two of us.

I put some bread in the toaster and cook the eggs before plating everything. Handing Erik a plate and a fork, I turn back to the counter to grab my portion.

And that’s when Erik moans. It’s erotic, loud, filthy, and a huge fucking turn-on.

I spin around to catch him blushing hard with the fork still in his mouth.

“What was that?” I ask, raising my eyebrows.

“Nothing.”

I cock my head. “Are you sure?”

“Those eggs are really good.”

“Dude, they’re just eggs,” I say, and when I look back at Erik, his plate is empty. “Whoa, that was quick. Do you need more?”

“Nah, I’m good, I eat super fast. Thanks though.”

If there’s one thing I remember from my hockey days, it’s that I needed to stuff myself with food all the damn time. There’s no way Erik isn’t hungry.

“Aren’t you on an athlete’s diet?” I walk over to my fridge to pull out a few containers. “These are overnight protein oats,” I say, giving Erik a jar and a spoon. “You can add berries or whatever you want for flavor.”

He stirs the oats, inspecting them. “This is perfect, thank you. I haven’t had someone give me breakfast like this?—”

Ever? I freeze, my mouth parted, as Erik recovers. There’s no way nobody has locked him down before. The guy’s a catch if I ever met one.

“Well, I mean, it’s hard to start something serious when I’m on the road for half the time,” he continues.

“Hmm, yes. Hockey players are known for staying single until retirement,” I reply in a joking deadpan, testing the waters. A breath stays stuck in my throat as I try to gauge Erik’s reaction.

Thankfully, he offers a quiet laugh. “You got me there. Still, there’s a lot less stability, especially at my level. That can make things a little complicated.”

“How so?”

“There’s talk of relocating my team to Hamilton for budget reasons. Besides, there’s the whole ‘I could be traded tomorrow’ factor.”

That makes sense, I guess, even though Hamilton isn’t that far away. I’m sure I’d survive if I added a few more train trips to my schedule. Besides, I work remotely anyway?—

And shit, I’m thinking way too far ahead.

Dial it back, Luke.

“For sure. My life can get hectic, too,” I say, keeping things vague. “I’d need to find someone who can match that energy.”

Erik’s face brightens a little, and I’m hoping it’s because he got the hint.

Right when I’m about to walk over and join him on the couch, I glance at my monitor in the distance and notice that my team’s profiles are coming online. Ugh.

“I should probably start working,” I say, going to my computer and shaking my mouse.

Erik stands up and carries his empty dishes to the sink. “Sure, I can leave you alone.”

“You don’t have to, you can stay.” I try my best to stay casual.

“Are you sure I won’t distract you?” he asks.

Three emails populate my inbox in quick succession, and I sigh. “I can’t promise to entertain you or anything until I get off at five. Something came up.”

“Okay. I’ll head home, then.” Erik hesitates by the door of my office, resting against the frame.

“Alright,” I start, turning to face him. “But we should hang out again soon if you’re down.”

A smile creeps across Erik’s face, warming my core. “Definitely. I have a game tomorrow night. Do you want to come?”

A professional hockey player is inviting me to watch his game? Consider me sold.

“Of course! Hanging out with you is so much fun.”

Shoot. I’m definitely coming on too strong.

“Great! I’ll get a ticket and text it to you.”

We hug again, and I contemplate kissing him. That might be a little too intimate post-hookup, so I hold back.

“Alright, see you tomorrow!” says Erik, giving me a half-wave.

Then he’s off. I close the door and sigh. This is a crush, no questions asked. I haven’t felt this way in ages, but it isn’t like I have a choice—Erik is impossible not to like.

It’s almost too good already. Am I missing something? Is there a catch?

After running through a quick analysis in my head, I come up with nothing. So far, Erik has been nothing other than an attractive, endearing guy. No red flags to be seen.

As I reluctantly head back to my desk, I smell that intoxicating, woodsy cologne everywhere, making my heart pound. I look down and realize I’m wearing Erik’s hoodie. Again.

I must have mindlessly put it on after getting out of the shower.

Well, I guess I’m the kind of guy who steals his hookup’s clothes. Never thought I’d see the day.