Page 27

CHAPTER 27

MILLER

Since returning from Christmas break, things between Lathan and I have been good. No, they had been great—perfect, even. No longer was I the only one who initiated touch or affection. Each time he walked into a room, his eyes would seek me out, and his smile would capture my heart.

“You leaving already?”

“Yeah. I told the Rainbow Lounge I’d help set up.” I zipped my tux into a garment bag and draped it over my arm. “Last chance to bail on your mom and join me.”

Lathan sauntered over and cupped my face. “If I didn’t think she’d find some way to infiltrate your life, then I would. I’d much rather spend the night with you than at whatever stuffy event she has planned.”

I swallowed. “That’s all it is? Not because it’s an LGBTQ+ event?”

Lathan’s brow furrowed. “Is that what you believe?”

“I wouldn’t blame you if so. It’s not easy to be out in the league, and you should make that choice for yourself when you’re ready.”

Lathan’s hands dropped from my face, taking his heat with him. “If I knew what label fit, maybe it would be easier, but all I see is my mom using this as another stepping stone for her career. Nothing outside of hockey has ever been my own. I’m not ready to give you up. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. You’re right. It’s not the right time, and no one should force you, much less use you to make some point.” I stepped forward and grabbed his neck, this time with my free hand. “And you don’t have to worry. I’m not going anywhere.” I didn’t have to think before my lips touched his and captured his mouth in a languid and deep kiss.

We were panting by the time we broke apart, and I seriously debated being late. But the center was counting on me. It had become a second home to me, and for once, I felt like I belonged—in this city, on this team, with this man. My life was moving in the direction I wanted, so if that meant I had to spend an evening apart from the man I loved, it was worth it.

“I’ll text you when I’m on my way home. Good luck with your mom.”

Lathan grimaced, stepped back, and let me go. I turned one last time at the door and drank him in. Yeah, he was worth all the secrecy.

* * *

“Miller, do you have the contact information for the caterers? I need to verify if one of the appetizers is gluten-free,” Lexi asked.

“Uh, yeah. It’s on my phone. One second.” I patted my pocket but didn’t find my phone. I mentally scanned when I last had it. “Fudge. I left it at home.”

“Can you ask Lathan to bring it? You’re still living at his place, right?”

“Um. Yes. But he’s not coming tonight.”

“No? Why not?”

“He, um, had another event to attend. But he might be able to drop it off. I just need to find a way to text him.”

“Find Samson and use his phone. He’s in the main room.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Lexi. I’ll be right back.”

She smiled and returned to talking with some volunteers while I jogged into the main room. The gala was set to start any minute now, and the venue was full of bodies dressed to the nines. I hoped the number of people boded well for the Rainbow Lounge. It was a good organization and deserved the recognition.

Security nodded at me as I stepped back into the room. They were posted at every door, and there were even metal detectors for the guests to go through at the front. It was a little overkill, but I suppose there were a lot of high-value items in the auction. I spotted Samson and headed toward him. When I neared, I stumbled when I noticed who he was speaking with.

“Ah, the man of the hour,” Jack, our captain, said, clapping me on the back.

“Hi, um, thanks for coming.”

“Wouldn’t miss it. You’re family, and I’m an ally. Wasn’t a hard choice.”

Warmth flooded me at his words. Bell approached next and gave me a hug and a smile. I nodded hellos to Wyatt Whitney and Ethan Harrison, who were also gathered. Though the latter looked like he wanted to murder the hand I still had clasped on Bell’s shoulder. Dropping it, I remembered my reason for seeking Samson.

“Can I use your phone to call Lathan? I left mine at the apartment, and I need something off it. I want to catch him before he leaves.”

“Sure.” He pulled his out and unlocked it, opening up the contacts for me.

“Thanks.” I turned away, dialed the number, and prayed I wasn’t too late.

“Samson, aren’t you with Miller? Is something wrong?”

I smiled. “Hey, it’s me.”

“Mills? Why are you calling me from Murdock’s phone?”

“Are you still at the apartment?”

“Technically, James is waiting for me to get into the car.”

“Can I ask for a favor?”

“Anything.”

I smiled wider. This man had my heart in a chokehold.

“I left my phone in my room. It’s probably on my desk or dresser. Or maybe even my bed. Shoot. I can’t remember. Someone distracted me when I was leaving,” I teased.

Lathan chuckled. I heard the sound change and knew he was headed back into the building. “I’ll find it. Do you need it or something off it?”

I grimaced. “Both. Thank goodness Lexi needed to ask the caters a question, or I’d be screwed when it came time for my introduction speech.”

“Jesus, Bambi. This place is a mess.”

“Uh, yeah. Sorry. I spend most of my time…” I suddenly remembered where I was and stopped myself before admitting to our teammates that I slept in his bed. “Elsewhere.”

“Fuck, yeah, you do. Okay, I’ll find it. Send me the address on Samson’s phone, and I’ll let him know when I’m there.”

“I’m sorry to make you late for your mother’s.”

“Seriously, it’s no hardship. The later, the better, in my opinion. I’ll find it and see you shortly.”

“Thanks, Lath.

“Anytime, Bambi.”

I hung up and shot the address over to him before I handed Samson back his phone. “Thanks. He’s on his way. Can you let me know when he’s here? I told some of the kids I’d listen to them warm up before their performance.”

“Yeah, sure. If I can’t find you, I’ll text Lexi.”

“You’re the best.”

“Nah. Just what friends do, Fahn.” He smiled and squeezed my shoulder.

Friends . It had been a long time since I’d made new friends. I nodded at the rest of the guys before I left. Moisture welled in my eyes, and I quickly wiped it away. I wouldn’t cry openly in front of all these people. No, I’d wait until I was home and in the privacy of my home before I did that.

Last summer in Chicago, I’d felt adrift and wondered if I’d ever belong. It was wild that five months later, not only did I have friends but a solid place on the team. Having the Rainbow Lounge and Lathan almost felt like too much.

Was I being greedy? Would I have to give something up?

I shook the fear away that I would. Reese had taught me that love wasn’t finite. I would believe that goodness wasn’t either.

As I entered, the group was finishing their song. They sounded great, and I was so impressed by their ability to get up in front of a crowd and perform. I hated being the center of attention unless I was on the ice. The rules were simple there, and I knew my role.

Clapping, I drew the teen’s attention. “That was amazing. You all are going to be great.”

“Thanks, Miller,” Ace said. I ruffled his hair and spoke with a few of the others until a knock on the door drew my attention. Lexi poked her head in and motioned for me.

“I’ll see you all out there. You’ve got this,” I encouraged. My steps quickened at the thought of catching Lathan in a tux.

Lexi pointed in the direction Lathan was. I squeezed her arm in thanks and headed there. I pushed through the doors, my heart racing more than it should. It had only been a few hours since I’d seen him, but I missed him.

His profile came into focus, and my heart stuttered at the sight of him. I’d seen him in a suit hundreds of times now, but this was something else. The tux was fitted and tailored to his body perfectly. I took my time memorizing every line of his body wrapped in Italian silk. Was it possible to be jealous of a fabric?

His jaw flexed, and I faltered at the hard line of his face. It wasn’t a look I’d seen in a while, and the sudden arrival had my heart galloping for a different reason.

“Hey,” I greeted, hoping the look wasn't for me. His gaze swept to me, and the ice-blue that filled his iris was staggering. “Lath?” I choked out in a whisper, on the verge of breaking my earlier promise to wait until I was home to cry.

“When were you planning on telling me?” he barked.

“Tell you what?” I asked, pleading with my eyes to give me a chance to fix whatever it was.

“I found them in your room. I know.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Lath, baby, talk to me.” I reached for him, but he stepped away before I could make contact. “Just tell me, and we can fix this. I don’t know what I did.” My heart pounded, and the fear I’d already lost my entire world clogged my throat.

“Don’t play dumb, Bambi. It’s not becoming.”

“I honestly have no idea what you’re referring to. Please, just tell me,” I begged. I was tempted to drop to my knees and throw myself at his feet for mercy. He was slipping through my fingers, and I had no idea why.

“If you had only talked to me like I asked,” he choked out, part of his cold indifference cracking before he covered it. He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I was just an easy bed mate, and apparently, I’ve outused my welcome.”

Tears fell down my face, and I no longer cared if anyone saw them. My heart was breaking, and I had no idea why. “Lath, please, I don’t?—”

“There you are, son. I’ve been looking for you. I told you to meet me outside so we could get our picture together.”

Lathan’s head snapped up to the person behind me, and any trace of emotion he’d allowed was wiped clean.

“Mom, what are you…” he started but stopped. “This is the gala you’re attending? What the fuck?”

“Language. I didn’t spend all that money on your education, for you speak to me like a common hooligan.”

The realization of who was behind me had me straightening up. I wiped my face before I turned and stood beside Lathan. He might not want me, but I wouldn’t abandon him against his mom.

“Ah, you must be the boyfriend,” she said.

“Hello, Senator Silver. It’s a pleasure to meet you, but I’m only the roommate,” I said right as Lathan cut in.

“Teammate. Miller is moving out.”

“What?” I gasped and turned toward him, but it was useless. His mask was fully present, and there was no way to penetrate the man I’d come to know.

“Well, it’s lovely to meet you regardless, Mr. Fahn. I’ve been impressed with your philanthropic efforts. I’ve told Lathan he needed to get more involved, but he eats, sleeps, and breathes hockey. I hope you’ll be a good influence on him.” She smiled over at her son. I scanned her and caught a few similarities between them…the ice-blue eyes, the white-blond hair, and a similar shape to their eyes and nose, but that was about where it ended. She was short and lithe to his tall and muscled frame.

I had no words for her, so I just nodded. My heart was breaking in front of the man I loved’s mom. It was too much.

She tilted her head toward her son. “If you didn’t know this was the gala, how did you end up here?”

“Miller forgot his phone. I was dropping it off before heading to you.”

“How considerate and lucky for you then they’re the same place or you’d be late.” She smiled, but it felt more forced than genuine.

“Speaking of, I should get ready.” I turned toward Lathan. “Thanks for bringing my phone.” He withdrew it from his pocket and placed it in my palm. His touch set my nerve endings off, and I sucked in a breath while trying to soak in every second.

Lathan held on to my hand longer than needed. He swallowed hard, his throat clicking loudly in the small bubble where only the two of us existed. When he dropped my hand, it felt like more than his touch left me. I held his gaze for a microsecond longer before turning and walking away.

My hand tingled and I held it close to my chest like a prized possession. I didn’t know what had sent him running scared, but I vowed to get to the bottom of this. I wouldn’t let him push me away.

No, not after the look in his eyes. That look told me everything I needed.

He loved me.

So I’d do what every good left-winger did when his right-wing was heavily guarded: I’d use the defense’s distraction to find my opening and score.

The first time we’d touched, it had set off a chain reaction that neither of us had foreseen. But now that I was here, I’d be damned if I let him walk away like I meant nothing to him.

He could try to push me out of his life but I wouldn’t have it.