Page 45

Leo

No one has ever accused me of being a patient man. When I decide on something, I go after it. I’ve done my physical and speech therapy religiously and recovered faster than the doctor predicted.

My watch hands have only moved a couple of minutes, but Caleb should be home soon. Dinner’s in the oven, and I set the table for a romantic dinner for two.

Not only do I want Caleb in my bed every night, I need him there. Life is unpredictable and too short to live on other people’s timelines. The only thing holding me back from asking Caleb to move in is my son. I promised Mason I wouldn’t come between him and Caleb, and I meant it.

I’ve been exploring other career options, and I hope he doesn’t feel smothered.

“Hey, Lovie.” Caleb strides in and doesn’t stop until he’s in my personal space.

I take his mouth and hold him to me. Before Caleb, I never thought much about kissing, but the weeks not being able to kiss him were torture. Instead of my need for him waning, every day I crave more. I’m an endless well of want and desire for him.

The oven timer goes off, and I tear my mouth from his.

“What’s all this?” He surveys the apartment as I let go.

“Dinner for my boyfriend,” I say. Everyone hates the phrase we need to talk, so I’ll let the conversation flow naturally.

“I love how much you love me.” He covers my back with his chest and kisses my shoulder. “So there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

I hold in the laugh with the spike of irony happening. “Great, I have some opportunities I’d like to talk to you about as well.”

“As long as the opportunities don’t involve breaking up with me, the answer is yes.”

My thumb and forefinger grip his chin as I pull him in for another kiss. “Don’t even joke about that.” I carry the dish to the table and pull out his chair.

“Dayyyummm. The full treatment tonight. I’m not sure if I should get naked now or be nervous.”

“Naked,” I reply and serve him. “But that might distract us, so we’ll do naked Caleb in my lap on the couch after dinner.” I pause. “For dessert.”

“I’ll go first.” Caleb gulps down a glass of water.

“You know the newish defender, Kenney? He found a roommate online and has been living in hell for the past month. He thinks his roomie is dealing drugs and needs to get out fast. Mason saw the place and said he’s afraid for Kenney’s safety.

We were talking, and since I’m hardly at my apartment…

” He trails off and moves his food around with his fork.

“I mean, it could be temporary if you think it’s too soon… ”

I stand so fast the chair hits the floor and startles Caleb. He’s in my arms, food forgotten. “You’re moving in with me,” I growl. “Should we get the rest of your things now?”

Caleb’s laughter fills the room, and he picks me up off my feet. He rarely uses his strength on me, but I love it. “It’s getting late. I plan to stay the night anyway, and you just promised me naked lap time, so I think we can wait until tomorrow after practice.”

“I’ll drive you to the apartment to get a ride with Mason and pack while you’re at practice.” I mentally make a list of packing supplies to get. “What furniture are you bringing with you?”

His round green eyes fill with wonder. “You really want me to live with you? Like all day every day with no reservations or regrets?”

“I’ve wanted it since New Year’s Eve, but I didn’t want to scare you. The only regret I have is not making you mine sooner.” I kiss his forehead, and he beams.

“Newsflash, you can’t scare me, Daddy. You’re stuck with me forever. Nobody else understands me.”

“You’ll always be my Baby Doll.” I dip him back for a movie kiss until we’re both breathless and hard.

He grumbles a bit when I guide him back to his seat. “You need to eat for the energy to play.”

“You’re spoiling me with nutritious home-cooked meals. I’ll have to learn to cook to return the favor.” He shoves a forkful in his mouth.

“I’ll teach you anything you want to know.” I laugh when he raises a suggestive eyebrow. “Looking ahead, I’m thinking about a career change.”

Caleb’s face falls, and his fork clinks on the plate. “You don’t want… No of course…you should do whatever you want… It would be silly for you to continue traveling with me… I’ll shut up now.”

Reaching for him, I move my chair back and tug him onto my lap. “I’m glad you feel that way.” One arm bands around his waist, and I palm his throat.

“A whiny, needy bitch does it for you?” He flushes.

“I wouldn’t put it in those terms, but those qualities pair perfectly with an old, obsessed, possessive asshole.” My thumb strokes his pulse.

Caleb leans in for a kiss and says against my lips, “You’re not an asshole.” I kiss the smile off his face until he’s moaning.

“No need to insinuate I’m old.” I pinch his ass.

He lets out an exaggerated moan. “More, old man, more.”

I squeeze his throat to steer the conversation to a serious topic. “I’ve been talking to my friend Derek. He’s starting a marketing agency for athletes. I’m interested because his focus will be on environmentally friendly brands.” Caleb’s eyes light up as I speak.

“Derek is hoping to create a platform for athletes to showcase their values by promoting things they believe in. I’m interested in expanding that idea to queer-friendly companies.” I pause because Caleb’s about to burst, trying not to interrupt me.

“That sounds incredible. Agents don’t really look into that unless you ask, and they would rather pitch companies that come to them than do a bunch of research.”

“It would require a lot of time and travel to set up. I can’t take something like this on unless you agree.” I’m holding back what I consider the best part.

“If you want to do it, I’ll support you. A happy Leo makes a happy Caleb.” He repositions himself so he’s straddling me.

“Well, Leo isn’t happy unless he’s with Caleb,” I continue in the third person, and it somehow makes it easier.

“We’re starting small in the hockey market since we have contacts with agents.

I’m hoping you’ll travel with me this summer to meet with businesses.

At first, we’re going to target companies in cities with NHL teams, so during the season I’ll schedule my meetings around the team you’re playing so I can be with you. ” I’m frozen, waiting for his reaction.

Caleb grinds his hips on me. “You’re going to be the fucking best hockey husband ever to hockey and husband in the history of the world.” His eyes go comically wide. “I mean, if you want that, or you could just be the best hockey boyfriend.”

“If you think I’m letting you parade around the world without locking you down, you’ve miscalculated, Baby Doll.” I’m determined to give Caleb time, but I would marry him tomorrow.

“I’ll be Husband Baby Doll someday?” His arms loop around my neck, and his forehead rests on mine.

“Guaranteed.” I seal the vow with a kiss.