Page 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

MASON

I drove home from the restaurant after saying my goodbyes to Jett and his dad. Fuck, what a weird dynamic those two had. At least once we’d started eating, the conversation became tamer and focused on boring shit, like his dad’s business. As I turned onto Scottsdale Road, I said, “Hey, Siri, call Archer.” This road would take me all the way into Tempe and Mill Avenue, and I had some time to kill.

My phone rang through the speakers in the car and clicked.

“Hello?”

“Hey, man. Whatcha doing?” I stopped at a light. Archer was fast becoming my go-to guy now that I wasn’t living with Ace.

“Watching the last Diamondbacks home game with Leo.” He chuckled.

“Baseball? That’s so boring.” The light turned, and I drove on. I glanced at the large shopping malls and hotels lining the street amid tall palms and desert plants with darkness falling around me.

“No, it’s not.” He gave me a sharp laugh. “Okay, it sort of is, but Leo likes it.”

“Hey.” Leo’s voice came through the phone.

“What are you doing? You took off after Jarvis after practice. Did you find a way to weasel another dinner out of him?” Archer asked.

“I did. I even had dinner with his father.” A smile worked over my lips. Damn, I was a sly bastard sometimes.

“I’m sure you’re going to tell me about it.”

“Yeah, I’m even more certain now that he’s gay. He’s not out because of his father.” I slowed at another light as a red Lambo drove past me. Fuckers had a lot of money in this town.

“Oh? And why do you say that?” he asked.

I thought for a minute. Did I really want to tell him what Jett’s dad had said about him and Leo? But he didn’t actually say anything bad . Plus, Archer was a big boy. “Well, you came up, and his dad was concerned about all of us having to defend you from slurs on the ice.”

“Shit, really? What business is it of his?” He huffed.

I tensed my lips. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him. “Right? I told him you could defend yourself and?—”

“Damn right. Did you tell him you were gay?” he asked.

“Uh, no.” I gnawed my lower lip and sucked in a breath. “See, Jett didn’t want me telling him.”

“Oh, you’re on a first-name basis with him now, huh?” He tutted.

“Shut up, but yes.” I drove through old-town Scottsdale with traffic lights on every block, looking toward the Thai place I’d eaten at with Jett and Volkov. We’d been at odds then, but now I could almost call him a friend, right? I understood so much more about him. “I guess his mother died and his father remarried this ultraconservative Christian. So, Jett isn’t sure how his dad feels about the queer community.”

“Oh…” He breathed into the phone. “You think he’s not out because of that? Shit, if anyone knows about being closeted to protect the family dynamic, it’s Leo.”

“Shit, yeah. I forgot about that.” I set my wrist on the top of my steering wheel and rubbed my chin as I slowly worked the car down the busy street .

“Can I put you on speaker?” he asked.

“Yeah, sure.” How the hell did I feel about all this? If Jett was gay, I sure as hell wanted to start something with him. Because, goddamn, I was already totally obsessed with the guy. He lived rent-free in my head twenty-four seven, and I had to fucking have him.

“Hey, Mason, it’s Leo. Archer says Jett might be in the closet because of his family?” Leo asked.

“Yeah. His mother died and his father remarried an ultraconservative Christian, so he’s not sure where his dad stands.” I drove farther down the road, now almost to the Tempe border, and the traffic was moving faster.

“Does he have any siblings?” Leo asked.

“Yeah, he has a sister. She’s at Notre Dame studying some bioengineering shit.” I twisted my lips. With a hockey contract, it wasn’t like Jett would be worried about being cut out of an inheritance, would he?

“And I’m guessing he’s not close with his stepmother?”

“It didn’t sound like it.” I drove under a freeway bridge and into Tempe, the lake shimmering in the distance in front of glass high-rises. I was almost home.

“Mason, he doesn’t want to lose his father. He’s toeing the line to keep his relationship intact with him.” Archer said. “I mean, if he’s in fact gay.”

“You think?” I turned onto Rio Salado, the lake glittering in the moonlight on my right and the arches and quaint lights of the old Mill Avenue bridge off in the distance.

“Yeah, shit, even though my adoptive dad was a dick to me when I came out, I still didn’t want to lose him. He was all I had for a few years, and it really fucked with my head. Threw my game off and everything. It took him having a heart attack for us to start over.”

Nodding, I said, “Yeah, those were hard years for you. I wonder if this shit would throw off Jett’s game.” I hadn’t even thought of that angle. Jett had moved to a new city and a new team after all the shit he’d gotten in Dallas. My heart ached for him. No wonder he was keeping it covered up. “So, I guess I shouldn’t push him?”

“Push him how?” Archer’s smile carried through the phone.

“Push him to admit the truth?” I turned onto the constant traffic of Mill Avenue and people strolling the sidewalks, the lights from the shops, restaurants, and bars spilling into the night.

“Can I ask you something?” Leo asked.

“Sure.” I drove into the parking garage for my apartment, situated under the units, and parked in my spot.

“Why do you want him to come out? Do you want to date him? And if he came out to you and was open to dating, would you force him to come all the way out first?”

As my breath caught, my heart stumbled. Shit, I wasn’t a guy who would force someone to come out if they weren’t ready. “Uh, yeah, I guess I do want to date him.”

“I knew it,” Archer said.

Rubbing my forehead, I said, “Shit, the more I get to know him, the more I want to…I don’t know, help him? Be there for him?” That was the truth. “I see something in him. He’s hurting, and I think this is why. I want him to be happy.” Would you fucking listen to me? What the hell?

“Jesus, you’ve got it bad, buddy.” Archer barked out a laugh. “Probably as bad as I had it with Leo.”

“Aw…” Leo said and a smooch sounded through the phone.

“Okay, you two. I’m out. I think I got what I needed and I’m home now.” I chuckled through a scoff. I had my work cut out for me. I’d find a way to make Jett happy and hopefully, it included us being a couple. Goddamn, I’d lost my mind. But it was time for me to have someone to come home to.

“All right. See you soon,” Archer said.

“Bye, guys, and thanks.” I hung up the phone.

It was Saturday night, and we were headed to Des Moines, Iowa, for our first pre-season game against St. Louis. I stepped onto the Coyotes charter plane behind Archer and found a seat beside him, Archer at the window and me in the aisle. The damn plane was nice, all first-class seating with an area of tables for cards and some recovery equipment in the exit rows. As I buckled my seat belt, I said, “Can you believe Coach Henderson is making me stay with fucking Jarvis?” Coach probably thought rooming together would make our line even better. But fuck, how was I supposed to get a good night’s sleep with him in the bed next to me? I mean, I’d prepared with a little surprise just in case?—

Archer freed a soft snort. “Hell yeah. You two have been almost civil to each other all week. I suppose Coach thinks this will be good for you both. Plus, there’s some thinking that rooming with a guy with experience gives rookies an advantage.”

My gaze chased Jarvis as he strolled onto the plane. He saluted me as he walked by. “Hey, roomie.” He chuckled and slid into the row behind me, into the window seat, then tapped my seatback. “Ready for our bonding experience?”

“I’m as ready as you are.” Twisting my head, I gave him a sly grin. Wait until he got a load of my sexy underwear.

Volkov tucked himself into the aisle seat next to Jarvis. “I see you two are getting acquainted with your rooming arrangements.”

“Yep, should be loads of fun. I’m sure Jarvis will have lots of wisdom to impart to me.” I twisted my head to glance behind me.

Jarvis looked out the window. “Only if you’re willing to listen.” His gaze found mine.

With a soft laugh, Volkov said, “Well, you two seem to be getting along much better after getting to know one another, so?—”

“It was you who put Coach up to this, wasn’t it?” Jarvis stared at him. “I should have known.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

“Jesus, it’s not that bad, Jarvis.” I scoffed. What the fuck? He made it sound like he didn’t want to room with me. What an ass.

“I should have had my own room this year.” He glared out his window. “I will get my own room, eventually, right?” He swung his gaze to Volkov.

Volkov shrugged. “Don’t know. Guess it depends on if Coach sees what he wants out of you two.” He let a wry grin curl his lips.

A few hours later, we walked into the crisp fall air and through a revolving glass door into our fancy hotel. The place had tall columns and large masonry blocks. I stopped to take it all in, the rich, carved wood accents and marble floors.

“We’re not in college anymore.” Archer patted my shoulder.

Coach Dupont, his father, stepped up from behind us. “I’m looking forward to seeing how you both do in the game tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Coach.” Archer beamed at him.

The lucky fucker, having his dad as a coach. I smiled at his father. “Thanks, Coach Dupont. I think we’re going to do great things this year.”

Volkov and Jarvis strolled across the grand entrance, throwing knowing glances at me.

What the hell were they up to? I peered at them. There better not be any funny stuff tonight from them. I wanted to look good out there tomorrow.

The traveling manager stopped us all and gave us our room numbers and keys.

I held my key up to Jarvis. “Ready?” We’d already had a catered meal on the plane, so the only thing left to do was hang out in the room and get some shut-eye. Okay, and impart wisdom to us rookies.

“Yep, let’s go.” Jarvis waved to Volkov, walked with me to the elevator and hit the call button. Pursing his lips, he looked all around him but not at me.

Okay, awkward. We’d always had some stupid thing to say to one another. “So, uh, how’s your dad doing?” Yep, stupid. Way to bring up the reason he was living in the closet. I chewed my lower lip.

The elevator dinged and we boarded. Jett pushed the button for the fifth floor.

“Dad’s fine. He sends his love.” With a smirk, he held his hands in front of his groin.

My gaze dropped to his hands. Was he subconsciously protecting his junk from me? In an elevator? I stepped closer to him, our sides touching, his body heat tingling over my skin. “Yeah?” His cologne wafted off him, and I sniffed. “You smell good tonight, Jett.”

Twisting his head, his gaze snapped to mine. “Stop it.” He sidestepped into the wall.

“What’s the matter? You’re acting like I’m going to molest you or something.” I snorted as my dick perked up. Jesus, but I just might. I sure as hell wanted to.

The elevator doors opened, and he stomped out. “Don’t start with the teasing shit. Not tonight.” With a scowl, he strode down the hallway to our room about twenty feet away.

I met him at the door as he opened it. Now, I couldn’t help it. I leaned close to his ear, my lips brushing the back of it. “Why?”

He startled and swiped his hand over the side of his head. “You’re like a fucking bee buzzing around me.” He flicked on the lights for the room.

“Yeah?” I threw my duffel on the far bed and shucked off my suit. I needed to get out of these clothes and into something comfortable. “What’s up with you? Why are you so touchy tonight?” I kicked off my shoes and slacks and set my hands on the band of my briefs. I’d worn my sheer, tiny ones. Yeah, I’d thought ahead and had hoped I’d get some response…

He peeked at me, his gaze dropping to my briefs. “Jesus, what are you wearing? A thong?” He unzipped his duffel, laid on his own bed, and rummaged through it.

“No, just my undies that make me feel pretty.” I fluttered my lashes at him. Oh my God, where had that come from? I was in full-on fuck-with-him mode.

“You’re…” He huffed and the corner of his mouth twitched into a smirk. “Why did you do that? Are you fucking with me? I mean, who the hell wears shit like that to an away game?” He faced me, planting his hands on his hips.

I focused on his slacks, the hint of a boner showing. Was it possible I was turning him on? “So, uh…” I stepped toward him, my own cock swelling.

He covered his groin with one hand and held out his palm to me with the other. “Stop right there.” He shook his head. “Don’t make me change in the bathroom. ’Cause I will.”

“Shit, don’t worry about me.” With a huff, I went back to my duffel, opened it, and slid my pajama bottoms up my legs, then removed my button-down. “There, now I’m not taunting you with my huge dick and tight ass.” Snickering, I folded my clothes and laid them out on the desk chair. Didn’t want them wrinkling overnight.

“Huge, huh?” He took a deep breath and changed into pajama bottoms with his back to me. When he was done, he folded his suit and hung it over the room’s side chair.

“What are we doing first? A movie or chatting?” I threw the covers back on my bed and climbed up, then sat cross-legged.

“What do you want to do?” He set his duffel on the floor at the foot of his bed. “This is your first NHL game, even though it’s pre-season, and I’ve been there. Are you nervous?” He climbed under his covers and rested on his pillows against the headboard, then lifted his arms and tucked his hands behind his head .

“Of course I’m nervous.” I toyed with a fold in the sheets. “If I don’t do well tomorrow, will Coach play me on Monday?” My attention was drawn to him, his muscled body and the chiseled features of his face. Nobody had any business looking that good and sleeping in the bed next to me. Oh, and also being a closeted queer. Fucker.

“He’ll probably still play you. He’ll understand that the first time out, you’ll have a lot of nerves.” He tilted his head, his gaze raking over me. He skimmed his teeth over his lower lip. “It’s how you handle the next game and the next that counts.”

“Okay, so he’s looking for improvements as I adjust?” Was I seeing things, or did he have a boner under the covers? It was like the thing was outlined. My dick twitched and lengthened. Fuck, I’d be joining him in a minute. No way he wasn’t queer.

He rolled to the side and lowered his arms. “Yeah, he’ll be looking to see how you handle the pressure and if you can perform the strategies we’ve trained for.”

Nodding, I adjusted my dick in my tiny briefs. The thing was now sticking out the fucking waistband and was uncomfortable as hell. What had I been thinking?

“What’s going on in your head?” He studied me.

That my hard-on is stuck in my underwear? With a head shake, I chuckled. “Nothing.” I picked at a thread in the duvet.

“Come on, tell me.” The hint of a smile played over his lips. “Something’s funny. Tell me.”

“My fucking underwear isn’t very comfortable, okay?” With a sharp giggle, I shoved my dick under the band. There. Now stay there, you horny little bastard .

“What?” He chortled, dipping his head. “You did wear those to fuck with me, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, guess so.” With a soft grin, I dipped my head. He didn’t need to know why they were uncomfortable.

“So, take them off.” He propped himself onto an elbow, his gaze growing dark.

“Take them off? Right here? Right now?” I threw my legs off the side of the bed and stood up. He was asking for it, and I’d bring it. “Okay.” I dropped my pajamas and underwear to the floor, my cock at half-mast. “There, you happy now?”

As his mouth dropped open, he blinked and his eyes widened, fixating on my junk. Then he flung himself around. “Jesus Christ, Hopkins. I didn’t mean for you to drop trow right in front of me.”

With a cackle, I swung my hips, my dick slapping on each of my thighs. “No? Did you want this instead?” If he looked, he was interested.

He slowly rolled and peeked at me. “Oh my God. Stop.” He slapped his palm over his eyes and fake gagged. “Dude, sexual harassment.”

I halted my movements. “Only if you think what I’m doing is of a sexual nature.” I arched a brow, stepped out of my underwear and skimmed my pajamas back up my legs. Yeah, he was queer as fuck. “I mean, we share a locker room. It’s not like you haven’t seen it already.”

“Not swinging at eye level.” He snuck a glance at me, turned around and breathed in deeply. “Would you be doing this shit with any other teammate? Like, would you be doing this if Volkov was rooming with you?” He lifted his brows.

“Uh…” Would I? Fuck no. “We don’t have the same kind of relationship that you and I do, so no.” I dropped onto the edge of my mattress, stuck my toes in my briefs and flicked them at him.

They plopped on his head.

“Oh shit!” Pointing at him and covering my mouth, a sharp cackle erupted from my chest. “Goal!”

“Goddammit, Hopkins.” He plucked the underwear from his face and flung it to the floor. “What the fuck?” He glared at me, but his lips curled at the edges.

“Now that you got a good whiff of my balls, you wanna come over here and snuggle?” I patted my bed.

He stared at me, jaw dropped open, and laughed. “You’re a real fucker, you know that?” He punched at his pillow, fluffing it. “Maybe we should just go to sleep. I don’t think there is any wisdom I can give you about the game tomorrow.”

“Oh, come on.” I perused our room, the light color of the wood on the traditional dresser under the television, the tufted cream chair in the corner with a tall reading lamp next to it. I didn’t want to go to sleep yet. I was too wound up. Especially with sexy-as-sin Jarvis next to me with all his damn muscles hanging out. “What do you think the other guys are doing?”

He lay on his back and stared at the ceiling, a grin creeping over his lips. “Probably fucking with each other.”

“So, same as what we’re doing?” I smoothed the duvet next to me. Except none of them were going to be tortured all night.

He snapped his gaze to mine. “No, not the same. You have a unique way of fucking with people, Mason.”

Mason? God, I loved it when he called me by my first name. “Only you, and you remember that. I don’t flaunt my junk for just anyone.” I tucked under my covers, mirroring him.

“It’s getting late. We should sleep.” He reached over and turned off the nightstand lamp between us. “And please, stay on your bed and don’t come crawling into mine.”

I smirked. So, he was thinking about me being in his bed with him. “What if I get scared?” I stared into the darkness of the room.

“You won’t get scared. You’re a hockey player.” Sheets rumpled on his side of the room. “Good night.”

“Night.” Blowing out a sigh, I shut my eyes. This was going to be a long night.