Page 93 of Next Thing You Know

“Right, you’re from Arizona.”

I patted my pockets, looking for my phone before I realized I must have left it back at the rink. “I am, but I’ve been here since I was eighteen, and it feels more like home than Arizona ever was.”

“And everyone on the team is LGBTQ+ friendly?” Kingston asked. His dark eyes flickered with worry before it disappeared.“I ask because I’m gay, and I don’t flaunt it or anything, but I don’t keep it quiet either. I know Jax and Wyatt were both out.”

“I’m bisexual, so you have nothing to worry about. If anyone gives you a problem, just let me know.” I wanted him to feel safe and welcome here with us.

Kingston’s face nearly split with the smile he gave me. “That feels like a big weight off my shoulders.”

The flash of the camera caught us both off guard. “Kingston Smith and Beau Whitaker having a beer together. This will make for a great picture.” I didn’t recognize the voice, but it had to be one of those greasy paparazzi that hung around the arena. They must have followed us here.

“What the hell?” I gasped, blinded by the camera.

I climbed to my feet, knocked over my drink, and ended up with a lap covered in beer. I grabbed some napkins to clean up the mess, and suddenly all I wanted to do was go home to my boyfriend and my son.

“I should go.”

Kingston was out of his seat so fast it surprised me. “I’m sorry. This is all my fault. If I hadn’t invited you out, this wouldn’t have happened. Let me at least pay for a dry cleaner.”

“It’s fine, really. And it’s not your fault some asshole followed us here.” I slid out of the booth. “But keep smiling, man. You’re going to fit in just fine here. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to head home to my family.”

And with that, I dropped some cash on the table and headed out into the cold night to go where I belonged.

Chapter Fifty

Dean

Maverick:Hey, just checking in on you. Wanted to make sure you were okay.

Dean:I’m fine. Just got back with Cole after his game. Waiting on Beau to come home. How are things in North Carolina?

Maverick:You didn’t see it.

Dean:See what?

I stared at my phone as I watched the bubbles appear and disappear. Then a picture emerged of Beau sitting in a booth across from another man. He was handsome, that other guy, with a big smile on his face.

Maverick:That’s Kingston Smith. He was traded to Boston. I’m sure you heard Wyatt was sent here.

Dean:Mav, Beau is the captain of the team. It’s his job to go out and celebrate with them after they win.

Maverick:They lost tonight.

Wait, what? I hadn’t checked the results, but I was used to Beau going out with the guys after when they won. Normally, he would text or call me on his way home if they lost.

Maverick:I’m sorry, it’s probably nothing.

Dean:What are you trying to say right now? Are you trying to start something?

My phone began to ring. “Mav, it’s fine. I know how you feel about Beau.”

“Dean, no. That’s not why I’m showing this to you. I’m just... Isn’t it strange? They lost their game, and he’s not with you ordidn’t even tell you?” Maverick sounded like he was at a party, with all the noise in the background. “Maybe it’s nothing.”

I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn’t see me. “Because itisnothing.” But Beau hadn’t told me Wyatt was traded? That was kind of weird.

“Mav, who is that? Come hang with me, your bestie.” I heard someone call out to him. “CC, stop!” Loud laughter followed.

I was glad that my brother was making new friends. He had told me about Andy going out on his first date and a new guy, Ezra, who had attached himself to his hip. I assumed that was him declaring Maverick his bestie. Sometimes, Mav had a hard time opening up to new people.