Page 32

Caleb

The last couple of days have been unbearable, and Leo’s words seem like a fever dream. I kiss him to ground myself in reality. At first, I’m sure I’ve made a mistake and heard him wrong because he’s frozen.

I release his face and ease back, but Leo growls and his arms band around me, securing me to him as his tongue seizes mine. I whimper in relief, my rigid spine turning to putty.

“You…you want me?” I ask to be clear because I’m still confused and not at all sure this isn’t a very real hallucination.

“You’re mine, and it’s crazy. We shouldn’t make sense,” he says and I deflate. “But we do.” He grasps my neck, and his thumb strokes my hammering pulse. “I’d be a fool to let one of the best things in my life go. You’ve made my life better, and if you’re willing, we’ll make this work.”

I shut my eyes and listen to Leo’s sharp breaths as I formulate arguments and dismiss them. He’s right, this is crazy. We’re risking so much. Him more than me since he has a stellar reputation and I’m the new kid, playing as hard as I can to make a name for myself.

“You could get in trouble with the team or the league,” I say, unable to stop myself.

“As a mentor, I don’t have any input in your playing time, status on the team, or training. People will judge us and claim it’s inappropriate, but that will happen regardless. I can step back from the team if it will make you feel better.”

“NO!” I yell. “I mean, I like you on the bench and knowing you’re there for me,” I say quietly.

“I want to tell Mason.” He sucks in so much air, his chest heaves against mine. “But not yet. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to have a chance for us to be together without all the complications first.”

“You know I’m a shit liar.” I rest my hands on his shoulders, kneading my fingers, expecting him to vanish.

“You had me convinced you weren’t affected by our night together and moved on without looking back.” His amber eyes burn.

“I practiced my smile in the mirror for hours. I refused to be a whiny little bitch who couldn’t handle a single night of sex.” The admission falls out of me, and he grins.

“Next away game, you’ll have to play poker again and test out your new skill.” He leans in and kisses me again. I swear there are wings on my heart as it flies around my chest, ready to take flight to the moon. “But tonight, I want you in my bed. Will you come home with me?”

“The guys are expecting me to go out. I’ll show my face there and come straight to you.” I hear a noise in the hall and step out of his embrace.

“Don’t make me wait.”

“Benzy.” Mason opens the door, and his eyes flick between us. “He’s not holding you hostage, is he?”

My high-pitched laugh borders on hysterical. “Nah, strategizing goalie stuff. You ready to go?” I ask him, unable to look at Leo because Mason will see my heart eyes. “See ya,” I mutter in Leo’s direction.

“Have fun,” Leo calls.

My hands are sweaty as I ring Leo’s buzzer. What if he changed his mind? What if I imagined the invitation? What if he realizes I’m not what he wants?

I wipe my hands on my dress pants, then swipe the back of my wrist across my brow. Now I’m sweaty guy. Great. What a turnoff. The urge to run away slams through my muscles like a physical thing. This is insane.

Leo materializes before me with a smile that calms my system, and when he opens the door, I fall into him. “I’m so glad you’re here.” He rubs his stubble against my hair, and his cashmere sweater is the softest I’ve felt.

I’m dazed on the ride up to his apartment.

“Can I get you anything? Food? A drink?” Leo’s hand is warm on the small of my back as he ushers me in.

“Water or a fifth of whiskey?” I answer as a question.

“Relax.” Leo’s laugh rumbles in my ears, and my shoulders fall. “Come here.” He leads me to the couch and pulls me into his lap so I’m straddling him. “How did I get so lucky?” he asks with his lips ghosting over mine.

“I think I won the lottery.” Our lips connect, and I sigh into his mouth.

Leo’s kiss is like no other we’ve shared. This kiss is slow and languid, exploring and cherishing. Usually, we’re frenzied and rushed, but we have time. He holds me like a promise he’s never going to break.

Our mouths make more promises, vows, and by the time he separates us, I’m boneless and all my doubts have faded away. Somehow, he’s maneuvered me under him without me noticing. The weight of him feels natural, as if he’s meant to be on top of me.

“You got here earlier than I expected. How did you get away?” His fingers tangle in my hair.

The heat from my blush creeps up my neck.

“I told a few of the guys I was meeting someone.” The words rush out so he’ll understand I didn’t give any hints.

“I said I’ve been talking to someone since the break and we’re meeting tonight.

I gave them the impression it was a first meeting. Is that okay?”

“Perfect. Now you can stay all night and not need another excuse.” His nose runs along my jaw.

The thought of spending the night in Leo’s bed turns me giddy.

“Are we fucking?” Despite loving Leo’s kisses, I expected him to ravish me as soon as I walked in his door.

He braces himself on one arm so I can see his entire face. “You seemed hesitant when you got here, and this isn’t about sex. Caleb, I’m eager to learn everything about you, inside and out.”

I must be a cat with nine lives because this man just killed me…again.

“Nope, not hesitant, or nervous. Can it be a little bit about sex?” I ask, and Leo barks out a laugh I feel in my bones.

“I will fuck my Baby Doll when I’m ready.” He stares into my eyes as his hands smooth down my back and grip my ass.

Gah. When the team calls me Baby Benz, it feels like a teasing insult for being young. But Baby Doll out of Leo’s mouth is like reverent ownership. As if he adores me and I’m his.

“Did I tell you I’m so happy you came?”

My head bobbles. “Technically, I haven’t come yet.”

“Are you looking for Daddy to punish you?” His fingers pull on my ass cheeks.

I bite my lip, wanting him in charge. “You decide.”

Leo’s amber eyes turn animalistic, predatory. “You bring out a side of me I’ve never explored. I dream of doing things to you that push my limits, but I’m afraid I’ll push you away,” he admits.

“I trust you,” I say, cradling his face. “Being the person who you trust to experiment with turns me on. I need to be that person for you.” I pour my emotions into my words.

“You’re sure?” He nips my earlobe.

“Absolutely.” I tingle with anticipation.

He rises to a sitting position. “Get naked.”

I scramble up, tearing at my clothes like they’re burning me while he leans back on the couch with his arms out to the sides, resting along the back. He points to the spot between his spread legs, and I kneel before him.

“Take my cock out.”

I unzip his pants and pull his boxer briefs under his sac, then wait for my next instruction.

“Lick my balls.”

I eagerly pitch forward, inhaling as I go to smell my favorite scent—the spicy musk of Leo. His balls are manscaped and taste salty and delicious. My tongue learns the shape of them and presses the skin between to divide them.

When I suck one, he yanks my hair. “I said lick.”

I nod, the sting of him pulling my hair spurring my lust.

Leo stands. “Open and let my cock sit on your tongue but don’t move.”

It’s punishment of the best kind. I can stare up at him, the weight of his cock an assurance there’s more to come. His nails scratch my head, and the cool air reminds me I’m naked at his feet while he’s fully dressed. I absolutely love it.

When my feet fall asleep under me, he removes his length.

“We’re going to the bedroom, and you’re going to follow me on your hands and knees.”

Leo turns and I obey, wishing he were behind me to see my balls swaying and my cock leaking. The floors are smooth under my hands, but there’s plush carpet once I reach the bedroom.

“Stop,” Leo orders when I’m in the open space between the dresser and the bed. “Legs farther apart. Back arched. Head back.”

I’m on display for him and hope he can see my hole. His middle finger traces the bumps along my spine, and I shiver when it continues into my crease.

Leo cups my balls. “Mine.”

“Yes, Daddy,” I agree.

“Good Boy.” He tugs my dick. “Mine.”

“Only yours.” My heart thumps, and I feel it in my balls. His thumb spreads my precum.