Page 17

CHAPTER 17

MILLER

Oddly enough, it wasn’t the knowledge I was in a kitchen with my former college teammates and friends that clued me into this moment being real. It was the words and look on Lathan’s face. Not even in my wildest dreams had I believed he’d admit to liking me, or this thing between us. My stupid heart thumped hard in my chest, and I gripped the back of the barstool I’d stopped in front of.

Chaos ensued around us, but it was just Lathan and I staring at each other for a blissful minute. I couldn’t tell what his gaze held, but it almost felt like hope. Or maybe that was just me wanting it to be.

I was aware enough to know that coming out to his brother and his partners, and subsequently admitting to our situationship, wasn’t a declaration of love. It wasn’t even a promise that our arrangement would become something else. No. I had to keep myself in check. I couldn’t let any romantic notions take foot. I had to remember the score. At the end of the day, we were roommates and fuck buddies, verging on friends. Nothing more.

“All right, how about we eat before the food gets too cold?” Reese asked, halting all the other conversation.

I dropped my gaze from Lathan’s and met theirs. “Yeah, I’m starved, and there’s a lot of cooking still to do.”

“Food!” Cam groaned. He hopped off his perch on the counter, grabbed a plate of food, and deposited it on the table. His plate was already loaded before anyone else moved.

The rest of us followed, more subdued, and filled our own plates. It was quiet as we ate, a drastic contrast to the earlier cacophony of noise that rattled something inside me. Too much quiet gave me too much time to think.

“So, what’s on the menu for today?” I asked.

“Ah, yes!” Reese grinned and peered over at me. “I was hoping to get your help with a few dishes. The turkey is precooked, thank goodness. I just need to put it in the oven. Then I was thinking…” As Reese listed all the dishes they wanted to prepare, I kept sneaking glances at Lathan. He was quiet as he ate, and I worried he’d regret sharing and abruptly end things. I wasn’t ready to let him go, even if I should.

“What do you think?” Reese asked.

Shoot. I’d totally zoned out. “Yeah, sounds doable. Just point me in the direction of the ingredients, and we’ll knock it out.”

Reese smiled, and I relaxed. I was thankful I hadn’t zoned out too severely. Everyone finished eating soon after, and while Landon and Lathan worked on the dishes, Reese and I began gathering everything we’d need. It didn’t take long for the counter to become covered in cans, spices, and mixing bowls.

The morning went by quickly as everyone pitched in to cook, and I’d barely blinked before it was time to eat again. Lathan and I hadn’t gotten a chance to talk about his confession, but there wasn’t any tension between us, so I was hopeful things weren’t over.

I got my answer after lunch as we all retreated to the living room to relax. I’d just taken a seat on the couch when Cam bombarded me.

“Cuddle buddy!” he shouted, snuggling up to my side.

“Hey, Cam.” I chuckled and lifted my arm to wrap it around him but was halted before I could drop it down.

“No,” Lathan said, removing my arm from touching Cam. I didn’t know who was more surprised, Cam or me, at the action. Before I could respond, Lathan planted himself on my lap.

On. My. Lap.

I froze.

It wasn’t uncommon for us to take this position, but typically, we were in his apartment. Alone.

“What?” he asked, turning his head to look at me. “If you’re going to cuddle someone, it will be me.”

“Ah, no fair. Miller’s the comfiest, and I need cuddles,” Cam pouted.

“Come here, Camdler,” Landon said, opening his arms for his friend. Cam vaulted off the couch onto the big chair Landon was perched in. Reese laughed and snuggled into his other side. Braden rolled his eyes, sat on the chaise, and stretched his legs.

“Scared to cuddle me in front of others?” Lathan whispered, drawing my attention back to him.

“Not scared at all. I’ll cuddle the heck out of you, Silver.” I smiled, and my body relaxed. Lathan melted into me as I wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his shoulder. “I just didn’t take you for PDA. That’s all,” I whispered.

He turned his head, and our lips nearly met. His ice-blue eyes assessed me. “I didn’t think I was either, but knowing the truth is out there… shifted something. If we’re not a secret with them, why should I stop myself from doing what I want?”

I smiled. He was just too cute sometimes. “And the thing you want to do is sit in my lap?”

“I want to do more, but it’s the only family-friendly activity currently allowed.”

I gulped. Confident Lathan was sexy. “Oh. What are these things?” Did my voice sound growly?

His eyes dropped to my lips, and I licked them out of habit. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and I suddenly wished we were alone. “I have a few ideas in mind, but you’ll have to wait.”

My nostrils flared, and I tightened my grip on him. He shifted, and I caught the second he understood what his words were doing to me. Lathan smirked before turning around and leaving me panting after him. I both hated and loved this newfound confidence.

“You know, I didn’t see it earlier, but you’re cute together,” Landon said.

“I don’t believe I asked your opinion,” Lathan countered.

Landon snorted and shook his head. “Miller, are you sure you want to put up with his grumpy ass?”

“It’s part of his charm.”

My college roommate laughed but dropped it. The rest of the afternoon went by in a flash, and for once, I wished we didn’t have a game. Hockey had always been my top priority, but being with friends who accepted and loved me reminded me of what I’d been missing back in Chicago. However, things were different in Austin. Primarily due to the man I was quickly falling for despite my own warnings.

But what if?

No. I couldn’t let myself go down that road.

Telling his brother was different than telling the whole world. He wasn’t ready, and I didn’t know if he ever would be. So, I’d enjoy this little reprieve from the real world and soak in as much of him as I could.

“When’s your flight?” I asked. I wasn’t ready to let him go.

“Soon.” He turned his head. “Are you packed?”

“No. But it won’t take long.”

He nodded in agreement and stood. I instantly missed the warmth of his body pressed against mine.

“No. I don’t want you to leave,” Reese whined. “This has been fun. I miss you both.”

“It has, and we’ll see each other soon,” I promised.

“Ugh, fine.” Reese pouted but hugged me tight. “Are you sure about this?” they whispered.

“Hmm?”

“You’re a relationship guy, Miller. I care about you both and don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I know what I’m doing,” I lied. Reese pulled back and studied my gaze before letting me go.

“I’m here if you ever need to talk.”

“I see the matchmaking streak is still in full swing.”

Reese rolled their eyes and laughed. “Haha. Now go pack. I only have a few hours left with my boyfriends.”

Chuckling, I headed to the room. Lathan was already inside, zipping up his suitcase. His eyes narrowed as I tossed my clothes into mine haphazardly.

He grimaced. “It’s a wonder your clothes aren’t wrinkled all the time.”

“The beauty of wearing hoodies and sweats mostly.”

Lathan’s gaze traveled over me, and heat exploded. If only we had more time. Keeping my hands to myself for the next five hours would be difficult until we were back in the apartment.

“You do wear them well,” he muttered, and butterflies erupted in my belly. I was such a needy slut for his attention, and he had no idea.

“Ready?” I asked as I lifted my suitcase off the bed. “Are we riding to the airport together?”

“Yes,” he said in a tone that brokered no argument.

Smirking, I followed him down the hall where everyone was waiting. After a round of goodbye hugs, we were out the door. A dark SUV idled in the driveway, and a driver in a suit stepped out to take our bags.

“Mr. Silver,” the man said as he opened the door for us. Lathan’s face had fallen back into the impenetrable mask he wore. He didn’t respond as he slid in. I nodded in greeting for us both and joined him in the back. There was a partition up between the seats, and Lathan relaxed against the back once the door was closed.

We didn’t speak again until we were a few minutes away from the airport. Lathan’s body language had morphed from calm to anxious in a matter of seconds.

“Everything okay?” I didn’t sit by him on the team plane, so I had no idea if he was an anxious flyer.

“Of course.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

“Then why do you look like fire ants are crawling up your butt?”

“I don’t—” I lifted a brow as he shifted again. He halted and let out a breath. “Fine. I did something, and I’m worried you’ll be mad about it.”

“It takes a lot to make me mad, Silver.” He stared at his hands and didn’t answer. “Just tell me. I’m sure it’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be.”

He blew out a breath. “I canceled your flight.”

“Why would you do that? Are you trying to keep me here so I miss the game?”

“What? No.” He shook his head, and his eyes implored me to listen. “We’re flying home together.” He swallowed, allowing me to revel in how ‘home’ sounded coming from him.

“Okay. That doesn’t seem so bad.”

“It’s not. Or at least I hope it isn’t. I, um, we’re taking a private jet.”

“Whoa. Seriously?” My eyes widened.

Lathan turned to me and met my gaze. He seemed to relax and become bolder the longer I didn’t lash out. “It has a bed.” Another swallow. “I want to spend the hours from here to Austin with you prepping my ass.”

“Prepping your…” My mind shut down at the image of me prepping Lathan twenty thousand miles above ground.

“Yes. So when we get home, you can fuck me.”

My cock instantly hardened at the words, and I groaned as I shifted. “I don’t?—”

“You’re not going to talk me out of this, Bambi. I’m ready, and you’ll have plenty of time to get my ass ready. Unless you’re not up for the job.”

I chuckled. Lathan was acting coy, but I could see the fear I’d say no in every inch of his body. Straddling him, I cupped his cock and leaned in close.

“Oh, baby. If you want me to spend hours prepping you, I will. But don’t play coy. We both know I’m the only one allowed in this exquisite hole.” He whimpered as I stroked him over his pants. “Now, tell me who you belong to.”

“You,” he gasped and lifted in an attempt to get more friction.

“That’s right. Me . So don’t try to play this jealousy game. It won’t work. I own your body, and we both know it.”

“Yes.”

The temptation to kiss him hit me hard, and I had to physically repel myself off his lap and back into my seat. Luckily, it was just as we pulled onto the private runway. The car rolled to a stop in front of the plane, and I swallowed down my nerves. Flying wasn’t my favorite thing. I managed to deal with it because of hockey, but that was usually on a bigger plane with all of my teammates. I wouldn’t be able to hide my nerves as easily with Lathan.

The same man who had driven us took our luggage aboard the plane. A pilot stood at the top of the stairs and greeted Lathan as we approached.

“Good evening, Mr. Silver. It’s a pleasure to serve you this evening. Once you’re both on board, I’ll begin takeoff. Is there anything you need before I head to the cockpit?”

“No.”

“Very well. I’ll see you when we land in Austin.”

Lathan nodded and headed to a bar. I took in the cabin while he filled a glass with ice and water. It was small, with a few chairs, a table, and a couch. Our luggage was placed in a closet off to the side. Two doors faced off from it, which I assumed held the bedroom and a bathroom. The driver handed something to Lathan before making his exit. The cabin door was closed, and the pilot disappeared.

“No flight attendant?” I asked as we took our seats.

“Do you want a witness to the filthy things you’re going to do to me?”

I snorted. “I guess not.” I buckled myself in and gripped the handrests.

“I don’t usually fly with a full staff, but since it’s also a holiday, I didn’t want to pull people away from their families.”

“Except for the driver and pilot?”

“Hmm. Yes, well, I paid the driver a very generous fee, and he would’ve been working regardless of whether I needed him. The pilot’s wife is in Austin, so he was eager to take the shift when it popped up.”

I didn’t know why it surprised me he’d been considerate of their time, but it did. I cleared my throat. “That’s awfully thoughtful of you, Lathan.”

“Hmm.” He didn’t expand as the plane taxied down the runway and lifted off a few seconds later into the air. I gripped the handrests and focused on all the ways I would make Lathan Silver fall to his knees.

Once we leveled out, the overhead speaker came on. “You’re able to move about the cabin now. Our ETA is four hours. I will alert you when we’re thirty minutes from landing.”

Lathan unbuckled his lap belt, stood, and offered me his hand. “Are you ready?”

Was I ready to devour him? Yes. Was I prepared for the turmoil this would cause my heart? No.

Nevertheless, I took his hand and followed him to the room in the back. This would either be my salvation or damnation.