Page 7

CHAPTER 7

MILLER

I’d had no intention of staying with the stubborn iceman after learning what he’d done. But… but… that was before. Before the electrifying display in the hallway. Before that overwhelming chemistry between us had flared to life.

And for once, I wasn’t the only one who felt it. Lathan had been putty in my arms, and I wanted more of that. It had been the most intense orgasm I’d ever had. And we hadn’t even touched one another! What would it be like when we did? I had to know. I no longer cared that he hated me or denied the fire between us. I knew it was real, and I was determined to make him admit it, too.

So despite wanting to sleep longer, I dragged myself out of bed earlier than I had on a day off in years and dressed for a workout. The surprised expression on Lathan’s face was worth the tiredness when he strolled into the kitchen and discovered me already there.

“You’re up.”

“Very astute, Silver Spoon. Here.” I shoved a protein shake across the bar. “I helped myself to the contents of your fridge and made extra.” He frowned at the gesture. I scoffed. “It’s not poisoned.”

“I wasn’t worried about that.” He took a hesitant sip.

“Sure.” I chuckled and finished off my shake while I watched him. He was different in his apartment than with the team. He was almost softer and more vulnerable. It intrigued me more than it should. I liked getting to see this secret version of him.

“You made a mess.”

“Oh, that? I’ll get it later.” I waved him off, and his scowl deepened.

“If you do it now, it won’t still be there later.”

“Okay, Daddy.” I rolled my eyes and rinsed out the blender.

“Stop calling me that.”

“Stop acting like you control me, then,” I countered.

I wasn’t usually this confrontational. Typically, I avoided it at all costs. But with Lathan, I got this weird high with each encounter. I wanted to see how far I could push his buttons before he snapped.

“There. Does that meet your standards, Silver Spoon?”

Lathan’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t respond. A fluffy ball of white fur vaulted onto the counter a second later, and I watched a miracle right before my eyes. Lathan’s features softened as he tended to the white furball. He made no move to introduce me as he opened a cabinet and took out a package of food. The cat attacked the plate with vigor, showing me its butthole in thanks.

Lathan continued to ignore me and walked toward the front door. It didn’t escape my notice that the protein shake was emptied or that he was kind to his cat.

I loved learning all these layers, Silver Spoon.

Smiling, I followed him out of the apartment. I bounced on my feet and debated what buttons to push next. This would be more fun than I’d anticipated.

I waited a few minutes into the run before I struck. “What’s your cat’s name? How long have you had it?”

“This isn’t chit-chat hour. We’re running.” His jaw tightened, and I smiled wider.

“Yeah, but talking while running uses more oxygen, so I’m helping you build your stamina.”

“My stamina is fine.”

“Never took you as a guy who was okay with fine, but each to their own.”

“I… that’s not… You’re annoying.”

“Eh. Maybe. Depends on who you ask. Most people find me charming. You’re the exception.”

“Lucky me.”

“What’s your favorite color?”

“What?”

“Favorite color. Mine’s blue. Gotta say, I was pretty stoked to move to a team with blue as one of their colors. College, as you know, was green, and Chicago was black and red. So, yours?”

I couldn’t help the smile that stayed across my face the entire five miles. This was more fun than I’d anticipated. Despite his complaints, Lathan continued to talk to me the entire run. His favorite color was black, his cat’s name was Alaska, and he’d had him for two years. It was safe to say I’d won this round. Now, I had to see how far I could push his control before he snapped again.

We returned to our separate rooms to shower, and I took a page out of his book from last night and put on only a pair of boxer briefs. Padding barefoot into the kitchen, I was once again there before him. The mysterious cat was nowhere to be found, so I scanned the contents of his fridge and pantry and pulled out things I could use to put together a breakfast.

Lathan emerged fully dressed and stopped cold in his tracks when he spotted me. I winked and continued to whisk the eggs.

“What are you doing?” His jaw was clenched so tight I was impressed he’d been able to get words out.

I checked the time. “Making breakfast. Is there anything you don’t like? I haven’t put the omelets together yet.”

“You’re making me breakfast?” he asked, then shook his head. “No. I mean. Why aren’t you dressed?”

I snapped my fingers. “You’re right.” I reached into the pantry, pulled out an apron I’d found earlier, and tied it around me. “That’s better,” I said before returning to my task. It took all of my strength not to look up and catch Lathan’s expression. Based on the tension radiating off him, I’d successfully pushed his buttons.

Yet, he stayed in control. That perfect facade he portrayed was on full display. It was a massive contrast to the man he’d been last night, and I didn’t like the shift. I wanted the free Lathan back.

We ate our breakfast in silence. I was busy thinking of ways to get under his skin, whereas he was probably planning my death.

“So, what’s on the agenda for the rest of the day?” I asked.

He sipped his black and bitter coffee and eyed me over the rim of his mug. “I’m shocked you’re not putting up more of a fight about being here. I don’t trust it.”

“What’s not to trust, Silver Spoon?” I leaned closer. “You made a persuasive argument in your entryway, and I decided there was nowhere else I’d rather be.”

The flash of heat in his eyes was unmistakable, but he quickly shuttered it. Good gravy. This man was more locked up than Fort Knox.

“Hmm. Fine. There’s a few ground rules I’d like to set.”

I sat back and crossed my arms over my chest. His gaze dropped to my naked torso before quickly snapping back up. “Clothes should be worn at all times.”

“Veto.”

“Excuse me? You can’t veto my rules.”

“Pretty sure I just did. Next?”

He sputtered, his mouth opening and closing in a way so unlike him. I grinned and brought my knee up on the chair to wrap my arms around, and displayed more of my body.

Lathan’s nostrils flared, but he kept his fire contained. “Pick up after yourself. I’m not your maid, and I refuse to live in a chaotic environment.”

I pouted. “Are you saying I’m messy?” His gaze jerked to the sink full of dishes, but he didn’t respond.

“Thirdly, no guests allowed. This is my space, and I don’t want to be surprised by visitors.”

“And if I don’t agree with any of these?” I challenged. He’d wanted me here, so I was curious how far he’d push it.

Lathan stood and towered over me. He braced his arms on the table and leaned close to me. “Test me and find out, Bambi. I promise you won’t like my punishments.”

A shiver raced over me before I could stop it. Why was that so hot? I didn’t like pain in a sexual way, but commanding Lathan was hot. He stalked off before I could respond, and I immediately missed the heat of his body. I shifted the half-chub in my boxers and exhaled.

I had to be careful in this game. I wanted to mess with him, to prove there was an undeniable connection between us, but I couldn’t let him get the upper hand. There was no way I would come back from it if he did.

I wasn’t great at keeping feelings and sex separate, but with Lathan, I’d have to. It was the only way.

* * *

It had been a few days since I’d moved in, and any advantage I’d initially won had disappeared. Each day, Lathan gained more and more control to the point that nothing I did rattled him. That wouldn’t do. It was time to up the ante.

Thankfully, I had a secret weapon in my arsenal.

“You’re sure about this, Reese?” I asked.

“Promise. Lathan spent a week with us this summer, and Cam forced him to fill out a dating questionnaire. His interests were hockey, his cat, Tempurpedic beds, coffee, working out, and sushi.”

Yeah, that tracked. The man spent his time working out, watching game plays, or playing with his cat. His beds were divine, so I wasn’t going to argue with that one, and he drank so much coffee that I wouldn’t be surprised if he bled it at this point. The sushi part was interesting, though, and something I could use.

“Is there any chance Cam still has this questionnaire?” I suddenly wanted to know what else was on it.

“I can check, but he didn’t give much info. Lathan doesn’t date. He’s never had a significant other and doesn’t discuss the topic with Landon.” I’d gotten the same impression. He was either very good at keeping his hookups private, or he didn’t bother. Knowing how much control he liked to have, I’d wager he didn’t bother. There were too many unpredictable obstacles in hookups.

“All right. Thanks for the intel.”

“No problem.” Reese hesitated, and I braced myself for their question. “Is there more to this than wanting to get along as roommates?”

“He hates me. I’m just trying to get him to like me.“ It wasn’t necessarily a lie, but an uneasy pit formed in my gut. I didn’t like lying.

“It’s just… remember when Landon was hurt junior year? I saw your face when your hands touched, and I’ve always wondered.”

I swallowed. Well, dang it. “Oh. You saw that, huh?” I rubbed the back of my head. “So what if he was the reason I realized I was gay? He isn’t, so it doesn’t matter. Plus, that was years ago.”

“I knew it! Not that you were gay, but that I’d noticed something. Why doesn’t it matter, though? I actually think you two would be good together.”

Hope swirled in my gut, but I couldn’t latch on to it. Hope was dangerous and made me want things I couldn’t have.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but it’s not in the cards. Being friends and teammates is my only plan. Listen, I need to go, but I’ll see you in a few weeks?”

“I can’t wait. I’m glad we’ll have more time than just a brief hello.”

“Me too. Looking forward to it. Talk to you later, Reese.”

“Bye, Miller.”

The call ended, and I got to work on researching the best sushi places around. I knew nothing about sushi or what kind he liked, so I could play it conservatively or go all out. Deciding to go all out, I placed an order for more sushi than either of us could eat in one sitting and then changed into black briefs and a new apron I’d ordered online. I had to overnight it, but the look I anticipated would be worth it.

Not only did it show off my butt perfectly, but it also happened to be Lathan’s favorite color. I wasn’t surprised when he finally admitted to black being his color. The guy barely wore anything else, but it had still been nice for him to admit it. To tell me something personal about himself.

I wiped down the counters and set food out for Alaska. Lathan had been adamant Alaska wouldn’t like me, but I was determined to win over both of the ice princes in this apartment.

My phone buzzed to let me know our food was here. I put on a robe to answer the door and carried the bags into the kitchen. The plate on the counter was empty, and Alaska sat there, licking his paws.

I smiled. “You’re gonna fall in love with me soon, Alaska.” The cat, of course, ignored me, jumped off the counter, and scurried back to wherever it spent its time when it wasn’t eating.

Another text came through, and I jumped back into focus. We’d played New York last night, so Lathan was spending the morning with his stepbrother before Landon had to return to New York. Landon had promised to text when they were done. I’d hung out with the guys last night, but Lathan had begged off.

That was when I decided to try a different tactic. I didn’t want Lathan to avoid his friends because of me. Hopefully, a sushi peace offering with a side of my sex appeal would be just the ticket to get him to show me that unhinged side of him again.

Good gravy, I wanted to see that side again. I craved it. My dreams were wrought with the images. My dick throbbed in remembrance, begging for another go.

Discarding the robe, I propped myself against the counter just as the door opened. Showtime.