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We’re totally stalking him.

Adrian

S taying away from the parties at Delfy House would be a whole lot easier if half the hockey team didn’t live there.

Or, hell, if I didn’t live there. But when there are people cheering, laughing, and dancing just beyond your bedroom door, it’s practically impossible.

Especially when everyone comes knocking, trying to see what I’m up to or if the room is available for a make-out session.

Right before heading out to see my brother, I go downstairs and say hello to everyone.

Since it’s not the weekend, the guys have made it a habit to start the parties at Delfy House early, claiming the earlier they start, the sooner they can get to bed on a school night.

It’s all just a load of crap to get drunk or hook up throughout the week.

I almost make it out the door when Callaway appears in front of me, red cup in hand. “Yo, superstar. Where are you going?”

“Dude, stop calling me that. I’m not a superstar.

” Out of all the people on my team, Callaway is the trickiest to navigate.

I used to be close with the defenseman when I was a freshman.

Now, while I never really hid the fact I was gay, I didn’t go around announcing it either.

Some of my teammates knew, and others didn’t.

When a scout from Olivia Cove approached me one night after a game, I confided in him.

I’d heard that the Wyverns were inclusive, but I needed to know for sure.

I’ve read so many articles about players, famous people—actors, musicians, athletes—who stayed in the closet throughout their entire career.

They mentioned how miserable and lonely they were. I didn’t want that for myself.

The scout told me my sexual orientation doesn’t affect my talent, and if I decide to come out, it shouldn’t change my chances at the draft, and it didn’t.

I was drafted high, and the cliché nickname ‘ superstar ’ was born.

What I didn’t expect was for it to change my friendships with some of my teammates.

Callaway seemed to take it the hardest, confused as to why I’d come out.

He didn’t particularly seem upset that I was gay, but more concerned.

Whether it was for me, the team, or himself, I can’t be entirely sure.

Either way, after a few awkward months, Coach Wilson had about enough and told us to get our heads out of our asses.

For the most part, we work well together, but we never fully regained the level of friendship we had before I was out. Sometimes, I get little hints of jealousy, and it makes me feel bad. Especially since I know Callaway is just as talented as me.

“Well?” he asks, taking a sip from his red cup. “Where are you off to looking so damn sharp?”

I glance down at my tight black tee and fitted jeans. For the most part, I look the same, but tonight I took extra care in styling my hair and added a little extra cologne—not too much, but enough to know I’m clean and smell damn good, not like a sweaty athlete.

“Meeting up with Felix,” I reply.

Callaway arches a brow. “Only Felix? You look like you’re trying too hard. Like you wanna impress some poor sap.”

Barking out a laugh, I shove past him right as my face begins to heat up. “Shut up, man.”

Callaway grins. “I fucking knew it,” he crows. “Okay, bro. Have fun with your ‘ brother .’” He adds air quotes with his fingers when he says the word brother.

Since parking by the bar is a nightmare, I decide to walk. It’s a cool night, but the California climate prevents it from becoming too cold. The moon is visible tonight, and there’s a light breeze. Felix is waiting for me a few blocks away from the bar.

“Hey, you!” I rush over and greet my little brother with a hug.

I don’t care what others think. Ever since Mom passed, he’s needed extra affection, and if I’m being honest, so do I.

Felix sinks into the hug, and when I pull back, he’s frowning.

Something about him looks sad tonight, and I’m ready to kick asses and take names. “What’s wrong?”

He lets out a deep sigh before he continues walking. “Nothing. Just had a fight with Jared.” Jared. Not ‘my Daddy . ’

“What did the fucker do to you?”

“It’s fine, Adrian. I’m fine. It’s just a fight. Couples fight sometimes. You can’t protect me from everything.”

I know that, but damn, do I want to. Felix is all I have left. Dad is gone. Mom is gone. I place a hand on his shoulder and stop him from walking. “I don’t think I can just switch it off, Fe. I love you. I always want what’s best for you.”

He turns to me, face softening. “He didn’t believe me. Jared didn’t think I was actually meeting with you, and he wanted to call you and ask. I told him no.”

Rage bubbles inside of me. Fuck that guy. “Is he hurting you, Fe?” I blurt, pleading. “Please, please tell me the truth.”

“Oh my gosh, of course not.” He must hear the desperation in my voice because he throws his arms around my waist. “Is that what you thought?”

My body begins trembling with a mixture of relief, fear, and helplessness clashing together.

“I promise you, no matter what, Adrian. I would tell you if one of my boyfriends is ever abusive toward me. I swear it.”

After a long moment of still clutching my brother, his words hit me. A relieved chuckle escapes my throat. “ One of your boyfriends? So, Jared isn’t the one ? Please tell me he isn’t the one.”

“He isn’t the one ,” Felix whispers. “He isn’t the Daddy for me.”

Another long minute passes with Felix and me clinging to each other. I don’t feel like the older brother I try so hard to be, and Felix doesn’t feel like the person I’m protecting. Rather, it feels like we are two children trying to stay afloat.

Finally, Felix pulls away first. He punches me in the arm. “Ouch!” he yelps.

I burst into laughter as he waves his hand back and forth in pain.

“What was that for, brat?” I ask, rubbing the spot he punched.

“That’s for making our meet-up so serious! You owe me a freaking milkshake.”

I grin. “I’m pretty sure they don’t serve milkshakes at the bar.”

“Fine. Then get me one here.” Felix tugs me into the ice cream shop, and I get the impression he planned this.

We shuffle inside, and Felix eagerly bounces around, reading all the various flavors and combinations before settling on vanilla.

He always does this, claiming he’s so indecisive that vanilla is just the safe bet.

I’m pretty sure he’s just waiting for the perfect Daddy to figure him out and order the right flavor for him.

Jared always lets him fuss about it before Felix gives up and orders vanilla.

Jared really is all kinds of wrong for my baby brother. Felix deserves only the best.

“Now, tell me about this guy you met,” he says as he sips from his straw. We are only a block away from the bar, and if I’m going to say anything embarrassing, it’s probably best if I get it out now.

Only, I open my mouth and the words that tumble out are none of the things I mean to say.

“He’s perfect, Felix. He’s sexy, with this bad-boy style that I had no idea was my thing.

He’s kind and smart. He leans forward and really listens when I talk.

I’m not entirely sure he’s in the lifestyle, so probably not, but he has this dominant air about him. ”

“Why am I just hearing about him?”

“We officially met at the bar the other night. And I just found out he’s in my finance class.”

“The one with Professor Higgens?”

I nod.

“Oh my gosh, this is just like my rom-coms. What was your meet-cute like? Did he approach you and offer to buy you a drink? Did he ask you to dance? Did he shove away some himbo flirting with you?” Felix bounces on his toes, and I laugh.

My cheeks heat as I remember the amount of shock I experienced seeing him out on the patio. I can’t believe I kneeled in front of him and poked his fucking cheek. What a weirdo.

“Oh my god! You’re blushing!” Felix squeals before sipping his milkshake.

“Um, he works at the bar.” Opting for the less embarrassing answer.

Felix stops abruptly, causing me to slam into him from behind. “Oh my goodness! This is so exciting. So, we’re stalking him.”

My heart begins to pound wildly in my chest, and my cheeks grow hotter. I glance around, afraid that Theo will pop out of nowhere.

“No!” I hiss. “We aren’t stalking him.”

“Then what are we doing here, at his place of employment?” Felix’s voice is pure sass.

“We aren’t stalking him,” I repeat.

“No, let me guess. We’re just here to hang out. If we run into him, then great,” Felix says, with a smirk. “We’re just trying to see him, maybe chat with him. Or hell, maybe even dig up a little information on him.” “Ahh fuck.” My lips twitch. “We’re totally stalking him.”

Felix cheers. “I knew it!”

“Fine. Fine. Now hush, brat. Please don’t embarrass me.”

We walk up to the front door and let the security guard check our IDs.

He places a wristband around my wrist and leaves Felix’s wrist blank, indicating he’s under twenty-one.

Since this bar is technically considered on campus, they don’t exclude anyone over the age of eighteen and offer food and non-alcoholic drinks to the underage students.

My eyes adjust to the low lighting and trail over to the bar.

Theo is standing there chatting with his co-worker, Kayla.

She sees me first and nudges him. Theo’s head pops up, and our eyes meet from across the room.

Even from here, my cock jerks at his attention.

And when Theo recognizes me, I practically swoon at the wide, happy smile spreading across his lips.

“Is that him? Wait a second, why does he look familiar?” Felix asks, trying to get a better look.