Page 25

Liam

I stare at the nearly empty breakfast table, struggling to process what just happened.

Hayden looked so pale and exhausted when he stumbled into the kitchen this morning, I was worried his fever was coming back to torment him like last night. His body felt cool but I still couldn’t be at ease.

It was only after Hayden sat down to eat that I realized my big, ruthless hockey player was fine, after all.

The moment I put a plate of food before him, he inhaled everything on it.

At first, I didn’t realize just how much of an appetite Hayden had. I was too focused on the look of genuine enjoyment on his handsome face as he ate the pancakes and eggs I made for him.

Only after he left the kitchen, saying he wanted to lie down on the couch, that I become aware of the aftermath of Hayden finishing his breakfast.

I stare with stunned eyes at the remains of the meal I cooked this morning.

The dozen eggs I’d scrambled? Wiped clean off the plate.

The dozen or so breakfast sausages I’d fried? All gone.

The platter of chopped fruit? Empty.

Even the coffee pot is empty!

The man devoured everything .

The only thing that’s left is a single pancake. A mix of amusement and exasperation comes over me as I roll it up and stuff it into my mouth.

Feeling like I absolutely cannot function without coffee, I move to the counter to brew another pot. While the water boils, I start clearing up the table.

So, this is what a hockey player’s appetite looks like , I realize, turning on the tap over the sink.

Ice hockey is a brutal game, requiring equal amounts of a player’s strength, speed, and focus to go after a puck that slides at blinding speed over the icy surface. And while he’s chasing that black disc, he needs to maneuver around the bulky opponents who come at him with murderous intentions.

No wonder Hayden ate like he survived an apocalypse.

Playing a game of hockey is nothing short of being on a battlefield.

After I’m done with the dishes, I pour myself a steaming mug of coffee. The heady scent of the brew wafts into my nostrils, making me feel more awake.

Taking a sip, I walk out of the kitchen to find Hayden.

Entering the living room, I find him on the couch, sleeping.

Moving closer, I see that he’s sprawled on his stomach, one thick, muscular arm draped over the edge of the couch. His face is slightly turned toward me, his dark lashes resting against his cheekbones. His chest rises and falls at a steady rhythm, telling me he’s in deep sleep.

An amused grin comes onto my lips.

“Are you a toddler?” I murmur, moving closer to the couch. “All you need is a full belly and a nap to look like a freaking angel.” Kneeling by the couch, I let myself take a closer look at him.

Unlike last night, a peaceful expression spreads on Hayden’s face.

I gently press my hand to his forehead. The cool skin underneath my palm sends a sliver of relief through me. He’s no longer feverish.

He also had a healthy appetite this morning. Despite the bruises still marring his body, Hayden’s going to be fine. He just needs to eat well and rest.

My heart starts pounding against my chest as I continue looking at him.

Hayden is so damn beautiful. My fingers twitch as something hot and unbearable builds in my chest. Unable to resist, I reach out with a gentle finger and trace the strong lines of his jaw.

I tried so damn hard to resist him but he managed to get under my skin. His actions pierced deep into my heart, leaving me wounded and bloodied, but I still couldn’t stop crushing over him.

I’d sworn to stay away from him. I convinced myself it was for the best, that Hayden would never be ready to accept himself and be open about our relationship.

And yet, here I am. Watching him sleep like a creep and touching him while he’s unaware of my presence.

I don’t want to be away from him. I like having him close to me. I like having him all to myself.

I lean closer to Hayden, tracing the shape of his lips with my finger as memories of our heated kisses rise in my mind. These same lips were wrapped around my cock, sucking and licking...

My pulse races. His lips feel so soft and warm underneath my finger that it’s becoming hard to breathe properly.

I lean closer, feeling his warm breath fanning over my face. Slowly, I touch his hair, feeling the softness of his raven strands.

Hayden sighs.

My hand pauses, hovering over his hair as I glance at him.

Hayden’s silvery eyes are open. A dark intensity gathers in them as he stares right back at me.

I go still, freezing like a deer caught in bright headlights.

A heartbeat passes.

I’m about to scramble away from Hayden but he suddenly grabs my hand.

A gasp escapes me as Hayden pulls me against him. He’s so damn strong, I find myself sprawled on top of him. Before I can move away, he crashes his lips against mine in a heated kiss.

Hayden kisses me, like he’s been starving for my lips forever. His arms snake around me, keeping me pressed against his hard body, making sure I can’t escape. Pouring all his emotions into the kiss, he wordlessly tells me he’ll never let go of me.

Heat unfurls deep in my belly, making me melt against him.

Hayden’s hands slip under my shirt. His hot palms trail all over my waist before sliding up my back.

I grow hard. Kissing him back with the same intensity, I grip his shoulders and—

“Ow! Shit,” Hayden hisses, breaking the kiss.

His twisted expression makes me jerk back in panic. “Oh, no! Did I hurt you?”

He grimaces, breathing hard. “No—I mean...yeah. Just a little bit—”

Heat floods my cheeks. “Sorry,” I mumble, barely able to meet his heated gaze. “I got too excited.”

He chuckles, keeping a firm grip on my wrist. “I noticed.”

“Hayden, you should go back to sleep,” I say, pulling my hand back. “Your body needs to recuperate and for that, you need plenty of rest.”

“What about you?” he asks, his silvery eyes warm. “Aren’t you going to be bored by yourself?”

“Bored?” I say, lifting an eyebrow. “I have to go shopping again or we’ll just be eating salad for lunch.”

“Ugh.” He makes a funny face. “Don’t we have more of those sausages we ate for breakfast?”

“ We didn’t eat the sausages. You did. Also, we’re out of them, so I’ll have to go buy some more.”

“Oh.” Hayden’s expression turns gloomy.

“I didn’t get the chance to grab my laptop or any of my books,” I tell him, trying to distract him from the grief of the lost sausages. “So, I guess I’ll just take a break over the weekend. I’ll eat some good food, take walks on the beach, and just hang out at home.”

“I want to go to the beach too,” he says with a hopeful look.

“Sure. But for now, just give your body some more rest,” I say in a grim tone. “When you’re feeling better, we’ll go out together. Okay?”

He nods, settling back against his pillows. “Okay.”

I get to my feet just as he closes his eyes.

“Liam?” he calls out, his eyes still closed.

“Yeah?”

“I can’t wait to sleep in your bed tonight.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks as I stare at him.

Hayden knows exactly what to say to make my heart race a hundred miles an hour. I bite my lip, struggling to keep a cool head.

Hayden opens a single eye and smirks, knowing exactly how much he affects me.

Gods! I’m in so much trouble.

I turn away and nearly flee from the room. There’s just no winning against him. No matter how much I try to fight my feelings, I want Hayden too.