Page 24

TWENTY-FOUR

RHYS

I f only Tobi were as easy as dealing with the guys on Teddy’s team but nothing I say seems to get him off my back.

Tobi: What are you doing tonight?

Ugh. I don’t have the energy for this.

Rhys: I have a lot of homework and I think the team is doing something.

Tobi: Oh. You sure?

I sigh. I don’t even know what to say to him. He’s been up my ass all week, insisting we aren’t spending enough time together since we started school and finding all kinds of reasons to come over. It’s making seeing Teddy that much harder.

Rhys: I need to focus. I feel like I’m behind already.

Between practice, games, classes, and balancing a relationship I have enough on my plate without my best friend being fucking weird.

Guilt punches me in the gut. Can he feel the change in me? Maybe he wants to hang out more because he suspects something?

Tobi: We could co-work on our homework.

Tobi: I can pick up takeout so you don’t have to waste time going to get dinner.

Rhys: The coach has us all on pretty strict meal plans with the nutritionist.

Tobi: scratch that. We could get dinner and study there.

He just isn’t taking no for an answer.

Rhys: I’ll let you know.

Tobi: I miss you.

I close my phone without replying. I can’t think about Tobi right now because on top of that Owen told me I need to go to this foundation gala Godfrey International is throwing.

He and Oliver both think the board needs to see me, which means getting Teddy in an actual suit and both of us making an appearance. I don’t even know how to talk to Teddy about it. I’ve ordered him a suit, but I don’t want to be dickish and tell him my brothers gave me a damn ultimatum. Well, almost an ultimatum from Oliver. Owen was nice about it. He told me that we have to be a united front with the board right now.

I don’t have Tobi to talk about it with either.

“You okay?” Cox asks.

I glance up from where I’m unlacing my skates. “Who’s asking. You or coach?”

“What makes you say that?” He wears a grin and doesn’t deny it. It’s no secret he has something going on with Coach Hawke. I’ve never asked, but I don’t need the coach in my business when it doesn’t involve him.

I don’t want to miss out on playing time because he doesn’t think my head is in the right spot.

“Me. But we can all see it.” Cox sits across from me on the bench.

“It’s not going to fuck up my game, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

He sizes me up considering my words. “I never thought it would, but you look like you need to punch someone.”

“I’ll keep it on the ice,” I lock eyes with him.

He laughs. “Come have a few drinks with Oxley and I.”

“Isn’t that the guy Ridgeway and half the team is icing out?” I ask. Our lines have been all fucked because of losing one of the Ridgeway twins two weeks before the season started. It’s part of the reason I’d gotten so much playing time as a freshman.

Cox shakes his head. “I’m not playing politics. He only hates the guy because he took his brother’s spot. But his brother can’t play, so he’s got to get over it.”

“I can’t do some big team thing.” Maybe it’s a good idea to go out and get out of my head. I can’t see Teddy tonight. He has a game, and when he gets back we have the fucking gala for the company this weekend.

Cox drags me out, and I guess it’s better than arguing with Tobi, especially when Teddy starts to text me.

Boyfriend Beta Test: wuts a size queen

I’m too drunk for this. All I can do is laugh.

Dick Tease: Who told you that?

Boyfriend Beta Test: u told me 2 go on Reddit and look at what i like for sex

Dick Tease: So you’re into big guys?

Teddy types for a long time and I can just picture him sitting there confused as fuck.

Boyfriend Beta Test: but i’m the big guy…?!

Dick Tease: I know.

Boyfriend Beta Test: so are u the size queen?

Dick Tease: am I?

I send him the guy doing math in his head gif.

Boyfriend Beta Test: this doesnt involve math

Dick Tease: You’re right I’m sorry.

“What are you laughing at?” Cox holds out a Solo cup.

I hesitate but then decide to just tell him. Maybe it will feel better to tell one person. “My boyfriend is confused about what size queen means.”

Cox’s brows lift. “Is he a baby gay? That’s cute. I have one of those.”

I lean in because after all the rumors I’m curious as fuck. “So it’s true.”

He lifts a shoulder. “I guess that depends on what ‘it’ is, but yes, I have a much older guy who’s new to it all. I love it.”

I can’t blame him. Coach Hawke is a hot, tattooed former NHLer.

“Me too,” I admit not having realized I loved being so many of Teddy’s firsts.

Boyfriend Beta Test: so am i the size queen or r u?

Dick Tease: Maybe we should compare dick sizes next time we’re together?

Rhys changed Teddy’s contact to Size Queen

If he’s going to make me talk about this, I’m going to make it fun.

Size Queen: thats a fantastic idea!

I start laughing again.

Dick Tease: How did the game go?

Size Queen: we have another period

Dick Tease: I didn’t realize it was so early.

I look at my wrist and realize I don’t have my watch on then laugh more.

Dick Tease: Are you feeling good about it?

Size Queen: r u ok?

Dick Tease: I might be a little drunk.

Size Queen: do you lose the ability 2 time when drunk?

Dick Tease: Yes. That’s it. I lost time.

Size Queen: its a common problem

“So who is he?” Cox asks.

“He plays for Summerset,” I admit because I might as well go all in on this.

He cocks his head to the side. “Which one?”

I get a bit warm in the face. “The goalie.”

“Is he the big guy? I think I went to a camp with him a few years back. Ellis right?” He pulls out his phone.

Fuck. Why is hockey such a small world.

Before I can say anything he starts laughing. “It is!”

I brace myself waiting for him to disapprove or something. Maybe Teddy was right and it’s bad to sleep with the enemy.

“If you think I’m going to tell you off, I’m the last person who will. I don’t really care to be that much of a hypocrite,” Cox says coaxing me out of my shell.

“You don’t think anyone will care that he plays for Summerset?”

He shrugs. “Life is too short to care what other people think.”

“Fucking true.”

“Not like you’ve let it effect your game. You’ve scored on him twice, right?” He shakes his head. “That’s got to make things funny after games.”

“It’s new. Playing each other has caused some hiccups.”

“You going to be okay playing him again?” Cox brings his drink to his lips, eyeing me over the rim.

“Me sure, him—” I exhale lifting my shoulders. “I hope so.”

“Goalies are weird man. Don’t let him get in his head about it.”

“Goalies are the best!” Wolfe, our goalie, shouts from across the room.

“It’s like he has super human hearing,” Cox mutters.

“I do! It’s part of the goalie mind meld. We have to hear the puck,” Wolfe shouts.

Cox rolls his eyes. “He’s just proving my point.”

“I’m not sure it will go well.” We haven’t discussed it. And I’m dreading that along with everything else looming over our heads.

Why can’t we just stay in our little bubble forever?

Size Queen: we 1!

Dick Tease: Congratulations baby!

He’ll be as drunk as I am in no time.

“So that’s where your head is at? You’re worried he’ll be fucked the next time we play them?”

“Is that why you brought me out and got me drunk, to pry?”

Cox grins. “You knew I had an ulterior motive from the beginning.”

“I guess that’s true enough.” I glance around. “Where is Oxley?”

“He’s coming later. He’s doing extra training or something off the books.”

“Can he do that?”

“As long as it’s not team sanctioned.” Cox pulls out his phone. “He should be here soon. I told him if he doesn’t come I’m joining the ice out.”

“Really?”

Cox shakes his head. “No, but sometimes a little peer pressure is good.” He takes the cup out of my hands. “Let’s get you another drink.”

“I don’t need one.” I wobble when I stand proving my own point.

“I’ve got to keep you drinking until you talk. And if you’re willing to tell me you’re fucking the enemy before whatever is bothering you, it must be really bad.”

“Fuck you!”

“You’re the one with the fucked up secret!” He walks over to the keg Wolfe set up in the corner of his living room and refills both our cups.

I join him, grateful for the distraction. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

“And yet, you’re talking about your boyfriend and not it.” Cox hands me the fresh beer.

“It’s just to do with family drama and my half brothers.”

“Ah, I did hear about that. You’re a surprise to everyone. They eating you alive with all that shit?” Cox’s grandfather owned the New York Dragons, so I’m sure his family is in the same circles my brothers are.

“Is the gossip bad?”

“Not about you. Just about your father’s indiscretions and your older brother’s handling of the company.”

I study him for a minute not sure I should ask what I’m about to but fuck it. “How is his running of the company?”

“How would I know. I don’t know anything about a billion dollar company or the running of it.”

“How’s the stock doing?” Cox asks like it’s the simplest thing.

“I don’t know.” I open my phone to check and see a text from Teddy.

Size Queen: i might have drank 2 much

Dick Tease: It’s only been like 15 minutes.

Size Queen: we did spicy shots

Dick Tease: What does that even mean?

Size Queen: it means i need u in my mouth

Dick Tease: You’re in a different state.

Size Queen: i will come 2 u

Dick Tease: Don’t leave whoever you are with.

Size Queen: but i need u!

Dick Tease: Promise me you’ll stay with your team!

Fuck. Without anyone knowing about us what can I even do?

Size Queen: do i have 2?

Dick Tease: Yes.

Size Queen: fine butt i better get 2 breedings 2morrow

Dick Tease: Deal.

Jesus fucking christ. Why is this so hard?

We meet at his place the next day, and I’m really hoping I don’t see Tobi.

I ghosted him yesterday because I didn’t think he’d take no for an answer and I haven’t yet replied to him today. Teddy is either still drunk or massively hungover. I’m not really sure which.

“Are you okay?” I ask when we get to his room.

“I am dead.” Teddy throws himself on his bed.

“Do you want me to go without you?” I’m already coming up with excuses for my brothers. I’ll have to just tell them he’s sick.

“No!” Teddy pulls a blanket over himself, making his situation look worse, not better.

“If you’re too sick to go, that’s okay.”

He peeks his face out from under his hockey sheets. “I need love to revive me.”

I can’t help but smile. “You motherfucker.”

“I am not! We said we aren’t fucking anyone else.”

I laugh and crawl into his bed on top of him, pulling down the sheet enough to find his lips. “I got something for you to wear.”

He flicks his tongue into my mouth, then freezes. “Like clothes?”

“Yes. This is a fancy party, so you need a fancy outfit.” I kiss him again, hoping to distract him a little.

“Can I see it?”

I climb off him and unzip the garment bag I brought with me, taking out my tux and then his. “They go together. So we’ll be matching like real boyfriends.”

“I thought we were real boyfriends. We were just pretending to fake it for Tobi, but being real for your brothers while hiding it from everyone else?” Teddy narrows his eyes at me.

“Yes, we are. Which is why real boyfriend matching suits.”

He nods and I hold my breath. “What if I look stupid in it? Like a penguin?”

“What if you look bad ass in it like a panda?”

He narrows his eyes, nodding. “You’re right. It could go either way.”

“So you’ll try it on?”

“I guess.” He mutters, getting up to look at it closer. “What if I don’t like the material?”

“We’ll burn that bridge when we get there.”

“Why would we burn bridges? That’s illegal.”

“It’s an expression—never mind—put it on. I promise I’ll make it up to you.” I know I’m asking for a lot. And I wouldn’t blame him if he says no.

“How are you going to make it up to me?” He pulls off his shirt and I’m struck silent for a minute by how good he looks without it. “Rhys?”

“Sorry, I got distracted by your pecs.”

He flexes them for me with a grin.

Fuck.

We don’t have time for this. Even if I want to make time for it. I shove back in all the need I have and hand him an undershirt. He pushes off his pants, ignoring it. With a glint to his eyes, he slides off his boxers and straightens up in his full glory.

“You’re a tease!”

“No, I’m not teasing. I am fully offering all of this.” Teddy gestures at his body.

I groan. “I know! But put this on.”

He huffs like I’m personally offending him but puts on the tux. Once it’s all on, he stands looking in the mirror, turning from side to side. “I guess I look good.”

“You guess?” I ask, because he looks like a fucking snack. I don’t know how I’m going to keep my hands off him all night.

“It’s fine. What do you think?” He turns towards me.

“I think I cannot wait to take it off you later.”

“So it doesn’t look good?” He frowns.

“No, I mean, it looks so good on you that I want to fuck you.” I slip my arms around his ass, grabbing it through the fabric.

He seems like he’s not going to believe me, but then he smiles. “Put on yours. I want to see it.”

I give him a similar show of stripping, then standing before him to see with my hands on my hips.

“Mean!”

“You just did the same!” I laugh grabbing my clothes to get dressed.

“Mine was genuine. Yours is teasing!” He’s not wrong.

When I’m dressed, I get the boxes. I saved the worst part for last. “Now for the shoes.”

“I don’t need them. I have my glitter Crocs. They go with everything.”

“For the special outfit, you need special shoes.”

He looks skeptical, but waves for me to open the box.

I open it, and he doesn’t say no immediately.

He takes them out, sitting on his bed to put one on and then the other. “I can’t walk in these! They make my feet funny.”

“You really can’t wear Crocs with a tux, Teddy Bear.”

He shuffles his feet and nearly falls over. “You’re gonna have to be my seeing guide dog.”

“The shoes don’t make it so you can’t see.”

“The word guide is in the name. You should know it means guide.” Teddy gets a bit of an attitude, and I try not to laugh.

“If that’s what it takes.”

We get in the car, and we just might make it. I’m hopeful, but it’s New York traffic on a Friday. It would be faster to walk at this point, but Teddy wouldn’t make it two blocks in those shoes. Fashionably late is a thing for rich people, right? I can’t stress about it. I’m just surprised I got Teddy in the outfit and in the car without too much of a fight.

Finally we arrive, and are the last ones in. I can’t see my brothers, but I feel their eyes on me. I don’t glance around, not wanting to draw attention to the fact that I know Oliver is going to be annoyed. Instead, I keep my eyes on Teddy, and it’s strange, I feel—happy—being with him is like a new adventure every day and the way he makes me laugh. I can’t get enough.

And the way his tux pulls because of how big his shoulders are and the tailored tug around his waist gives me an instant hard-on. I’m going to have a problem if I don’t get my dick under control.

I lean over, putting my lips next to his ear. “Do you even know how hot you look?”

“How good?”

“I’m half hard just watching you walk.” I press my lips next to his ear.

“Then take the suit back off of me.” His expression turns devilish.

“I can’t do that! We’re in the middle of a gala.” But my dick thinks otherwise. I want to drag him into the bathroom.

“Then I guess your dick is your problem.” Teddy turns into me as we step up to the bar and gives my cock a squeeze through my pants on the sly.

Teddy gets us a couple of non-cocktail drinks and we mingle.

Owen and Colin make their way over, holding hands.

“Glad to see you made it,” Owen says.

“Traffic,” I say, refusing to even pretend to be apologetic. “Between that and our practice schedule, time is at a premium. I’m sure you understand what the pressure of being on the national team can look like.”

Owen sips his drink, considering my words. “It’s hard for sure. It’s a big part of the reason I let Oliver handle most of the stuff. So much time.”

“I get it.” And I do. I know the point he’s trying to drive home, but that doesn’t mean that’s what I’m going to do. “That’s the direction I may go.” I lift my shoulders noncommittally. “How annoyed is Oliver?”

“He’ll be ecstatic Teddy looks so good,” Colin says slowly looking Teddy over.

I growl under my breath.

“Are you feeling rabid?” Teddy asks.

“Yes,” I say, before he can bring up the furry thing again. “I can’t help it around you.”

“You don’t have to help it. Be our guest,” Colin says not taking his eyes off of us.

Owen elbows Colin. “Not in public, princess. That’s for our private time.”

Colin grabs his face kissing him. “If Oliver films them can we watch it?”

“No!” I say getting a bit heated.

Teddy seems oblivious to Colin’s eye-fucking. He’s just sipping his drink, nodding.

“Respectfully,” Colin holds up his hands. “I don’t want anyone but my husband. We just like to watch.”

“You don’t have to tell him all our secrets.” Owen sighs.

Colin kisses him again. “I’m not sorry, and if you want me to apologize you’ll have to take me somewhere private.”

“Did someone drug him?” Owen asks nodding at Teddy. “He’s being so normal.”

“I think he’s lost in his skull-jello,” I say recognizing the look on Teddy’s face.

“Good for him. Couldn’t be me. Well, it’s about time I make my husband apologize…” Owen excuses himself.

Are they going to the bathroom to fuck?

Is that an option?

We avoid Oliver pretty well, but the more we mingle, the more people check out Teddy. He’s drawing all the eyes in the room between his size and his big, happy grin. I’m so fucked when he makes it to the NHL. He’s going to have people falling all over themselves for him.

All my nerves and pent-up energy were already too much to deal with, but the people flirting with him pushes me over the edge.

I need to mark my territory.

Now.