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He huffed an exhale. “I’d be going home and sleeping in my own bed.

” He grabbed his underwear and slid it up his legs.

“But I’d still give you a goodnight kiss.

” With a smirk, he padded to me, cupped my cheek, and pressed a long kiss on my lips.

“I’ll go use the bathroom first.” He grabbed his jeans and strolled toward the door. “See you in the morning. ”

“See you.” With a soft smile, I watched him leave, and my heart ached. Holy hell, I was in deep already.

The next day, Coach had us working on puck handling drills and passes. I skated quickly through cones, juggling the puck with the blade of my stick and shooting it to Neuman.

He caught the pass and just as quickly tossed it back to me.

I snagged it and eyed Sutton, skating from blade to blade across the net. With a smirk, I shot.

The puck flew up toward the right corner.

Sutton stretched his netted glove out.

The puck blew by him and landed in the back of the net.

“Fuckin’ A.” Sutton hung his helmeted head. “Lucky son of a bitch.”

“Nice one, Cummings.” Neuman skated to me, his gloved hand held high.

“Thanks.” I patted his glove with my own and skated a circle around him, glancing at Coach.

With a smirk, Coach nodded. “Looking good, Cummings. Keep it up.”

“See, Sutton? Not just luck.” I skated to our goalie and patted the top of his helmet.

“Just don’t let that shit happen in a game.

” My playing was improving. Was it the sex with Cooper?

As I twisted on the ice, my eyes widened.

Oh shit. What if having sex with him before every game gave me better luck than jacking off? What was I going to do on the road?

Neuman skated to me. “Hey, what the hell’s going on in your head? We’re supposed to do the drill again.”

I stared at Neuman. “Uh, nothing. Nothing’s going on in my head.” My cheeks heated. Do not think like that ever again, Myles.

Later in the day, I strolled into the kitchen from the garage, my classes all done with. It was time to relax before studying. My phone buzzed in my backpack, and I set it down on the floor at the end of the black sofa, Cooper’s sofa.

With a grin, I fished my phone from the pocket and held it to my face as I fell into the end of the couch. A text message popped up.

Tyler

Hey, how’s it going? Got time for a chat?

“Oh, right on.” I’d barely spoken to him since I’d left Chicago. Holding the phone up, I tapped on the screen to FaceTime him.

After ringing a few times, the call answered and Tyler’s face appeared, his dirty blond hair wet and hanging around his brown eyes and a white wall behind him. “Hey, good to see you.” He gave me a warm smile.

“Same.” Warmth spread through my chest. He’d been my best friend since high school and throughout college.

“I heard Dean called you.” He inhaled deeply. “How are you feeling about that?”

“Uh…” Glancing at the television for a second, I twisted my lips. “I guess I’m happy about it. He didn’t offer to sign me yet.” I could talk to Tyler. He knew me better than anyone,

“Yeah, did he say why?” He studied me through the phone.

“He wanted to see how well I’d improved since last year, or some shit.” I huffed. “He signed my fucking brother, but not me.” Okay, now I sounded ungracious. Tyler might have gone out on a limb for me, having Dean look at me. “Sorry.”

“No, man, don’t be sorry. It’s tough. You know he didn’t sign Rowan right away, either.” He lifted his brows. “And look where he is now? A fucking Blackhawk.”

I swallowed hard. “Yeah.” If only I could be so lucky. “I feel like I’m playing better, though.” I rubbed my palm over my bare thigh under my athletic shorts. “I’m gelling with Neuman. ”

“Good. That’s a start.” He came in closer to his phone. “Where’s Ace? Is he around?”

“He’s out and so is Zoma. I didn’t see their cars when I came home.” My heart flipped. Oh shit, he didn’t know about Cooper yet. “Guess what?”

“What?” He smirked.

“Remember the football player I had a crush on in high school?” I lifted my chin. He wouldn’t believe this.

He furrowed his brows. “Uh, yeah? Was his name Cole or Cam?—?”

“Cooper, his name was Cooper Hayes, eh.” Leaning forward, I planted my elbows on my thighs. “He came out here for his last year of school and I found him in one of my classes.”

“Okay. So you guys are buddies again? Like, study buddies?” With a chuckle, he scratched his cheek.

“Um, no, well, yes, but we’re dating and he’s living here with me.” My brows snapped up and a wide grin swept over my lips.

“He what?” Tyler barked out a laugh. “Damn, dude, you move fast. How the hell did that happen?”

Shaking my head, I waved my hand in front of the phone. “No, it’s not like we’re living together as boyfriends. Well…” What the hell were we? Dating, just dating. For now. “He had a shitty roommate and needed a place to stay, and we had an extra room, so.”

He cocked a brow. “So, you’re fucking your roommate? Who you thought was straight? Wasn’t he straight?”

I huffed a sigh. Maybe I should have started from the beginning? “Okay, I met him in class, and we started hanging out. But I was seeing JJ, the football player from last year.”

“You were? When did that happen?” He dropped his mouth open.

Laughing through a scoff, I said, “Doesn’t matter. Look, I’m dating Cooper now and he’s living here, but we started dating after he moved in.” I pinched my lips. “So, we’re not living here like boyfriends, but like two roommates who are dating.” Was I making any sense?

He stared at me. “Okay.” He chewed the corner of his lower lip. “But you like this guy and he’s queer, and he likes you?”

“Yes, turns out he’s bisexual. He figured it out last year, I guess. Started hooking up with guys at parties.” I gauged Tyler’s reaction.

“So, you’re the first guy he’s dated.” He pursed his lips. “You know what happened to me, Myles. And with a football player, no less.”

Shit. Tyler had had his heart broken in high school by a football player who’d only been experimenting with him. “Cooper’s not like that. He’s done experimenting. He accepts that he’s bisexual.” My chest tightened. I hoped I wasn’t wrong about this.

“Is he out to his family?” He eyed me.

“No, but then neither am I.” I was going to hear it now. I braced myself.

“Myles, you know how I feel about that. It’s time you talked to your dad. You know we’d all be here for you.” Tyler scoffed. “Shit, I’m sorry. I know it’s complicated for you.”

“I just want to either have a signed contract or know for sure I’ll never play in the NHL before I do that.” I furrowed my brows. My friends were all such talented players. How could they understand what it was like for me?

“Myles, you’re good enough for the NHL. I know Dean will sign you and find a spot for you. Believe more in yourself.” Lines formed between his brows. “Don’t sell yourself short. Work hard this year and I’m sure a contact is coming your way.” He studied me. “Don’t get distracted.”

I balked. Was he saying Cooper might be a distraction? “I won’t.” I breathed in deeply. “Cooper is good for me. He understands what it’s like for an athlete in their senior year.” Just because Cooper played football did not mean he didn’t get it .

“Okay, what does Ace think of Cooper?” He wrinkled his forehead.

“Ace and Zoma love him. Ace makes Cooper play goalie in NHL.” I freed a soft laugh. “Cooper’s not half bad at it.” I sighed. “Tyler, they’re happy for me.”

With the corner of his mouth tugging up, he said, “Then I’m happy for you.” Lowering his brows and pointing into the phone, he said, “But when I come out there to play the Coyotes, I expect to meet this guy. I want to be sure he’s good enough for my best friend.”

With a tsk, I said, “Don’t worry. Ace has you beat there.” Tyler had always watched out for me, so it was understandable he was suspicious. But it was nice I could always count on him.

“Figures.” He chuckled. “Anyway, I should get going.” He glanced away for a beat and came back. “Let me know when you hear from Dean and when, note I said when he signs you.” A smile erupted on his face. “It was so good talking to you, Myles. And next time we call, I want Cooper there.”

“Yes, sir.” I gave him a mock salute and snickered. “It was great talking with you, too. Have a good rest of your day. Love you, man.”

“Love you too.” He ended the call.

“Who was that?” Cooper said.

With a startle, I turned my head.

Cooper stood just inside the door to the garage in the kitchen.

How long had he been there? And how the hell had he come in without me hearing him? “Uh, Tyler, my friend from Chicago.” I pursed my lips. “He’s on the Blackhawks now.” I lifted my brows. “You’re living in his old bedroom.”

“Oh, shit.” He slid his backpack off his shoulder, leaving it on the kitchen island counter, and then strolled to me. “He’s very, um…protective of you.” Leaning over, he kissed my cheek. “I guess I can’t blame him. You hockey guys really stick together.”

“Well, the squad does. I think we’re a special bunch, eh.” I watched him round the couch and drop in beside me. He’d probably heard at least the last bit of our conversation.

“You know you’ve got nothing to worry about with me.” He leaned in, his gaze dipping to my mouth.

Cooper was so close and so God damned sexy. My dick plumped. “Yeah, I know. But Tyler, he dated a football player in high school who broke his heart. So, I think he’s a little triggered by?—"

Crushing my mouth in a deep kiss, he slid his tongue across mine, grabbing my nape and pinning me in place.

As he broke the kiss, he rested his forehead on mine, his thumb skimming over my cheek.

“I’m not that guy, Myles. All I’ve thought about today is you.

” He puffed out a breath. “I’m obsessed.

After last night, fuck, I can’t think straight. ”