Page 18

Stalking seems a little dramatic.

Theo

“ S o,” Adrian says, popping a fry into his mouth. His voice is a little too casual, and there’s a slight blush on his cheeks. “If we’re going to do this, I have to ask. What have you been up to for the last five years? If we’re in a fake relationship, I’d know something like that, right?”

My stomach flips with excitement, and my lips curl into a smirk. “First…” I drawl, mocking his nonchalant tone. “I’ve been dying to ask you about that first night we met. Why did you come up to me that night? And how did you know who I was? I wasn’t even wearing my nametag.”

That light dusting of color turns into a deep red blush that covers his cheeks. God, this man. He looks so fucking submissive and sweet like this. My cock jerks, and my pants get a little snug when I remember Adrian on his knees for me.

“I kind of always knew who you were.” Adrian squirms in his seat. “You’re the whole reason I decided to become a center.”

My mouth falls open, and I sit up straight. “Wait a second, that can’t be true. I remember reading an article from you when you first got drafted by the Wyverns. You mentioned training to be a center when you were thirteen.”

Adrian’s eyes sparkle. He takes a sip of water from his cup before leaning forward. “Did you just admit to stalking me, Da—Theo?” he teases, letting his gaze linger on me for a moment.

It’s my turn to squirm and blush as I subtly try to readjust myself in my pants. “Stalking seems a little dramatic, sweet boy.”

“Oh my god, you didn’t even deny it!” he laughs, the sound curling around my heart and burrowing there.

Grinning, I shake my head and take a sip of coffee from my mug. I know I’m showing my hand by not denying it, but I want Adrian to know just how much he’s pushed his way into my thoughts.

“I met you once before,” he says, causing me to arch a brow.

There’s no way I could forget. “When?”

“Nine years ago. I was thirteen. You were still playing in the NHL. You visited Brynn to talk about your career with the Wyverns, you talked about attending Brynn U and playing for the Ice Dragons, and you talked about being a center. You might have been talking to a whole lecture hall of students and families, but deep down, you were only speaking to me.”

“Damn,” I whisper. I never even knew I could have such a significant impact on one person’s life. For some reason, it hits me square in the chest, causing me to take in a sharp breath.

Adrian continues, as if he didn’t just shake my world to its core. “My brother likes to tease me, but you were also my sexual awakening. God, this is so embarrassing, but knowing Felix, he’ll spill the beans eventually, anyway. I had a bit of a celebrity crush on you.”

When my world finally tilts back and rights itself, I glance over to see Adrian just staring at me, that wild blush still on his cheeks.

“Say something,” he whispers.

I clear my throat and reach over the table, lacing his fingers with mine. “Two years ago, when Olivia Cove drafted you, I found out you were a center for the Ice Dragons. My alma mater. This talented twenty-year-old would be taking my place on the team I’ve grown to love.”

Adrian opens his mouth to protest, but I hold up a hand to silence him.

“I kept in touch with my team, coaches, and even the owner. So, I was fascinated when everyone seemed excited about drafting this new rookie. But then I heard you were finishing out the next two years here at Brynn U, and honing your skills on the ice. I will never forget the first game I attended where I saw you pull off a hat trick like it was no big deal. That night, I realized that even at the college level, your raw talent far exceeded mine.”

Adrian barks out a laugh. “That’s not true. You were my idol.”

I lift his knuckles to my lips and kiss them. “It is true. But what I’m trying to say, DeLuca, is that I’ve had a bit of a celebrity crush on you, too.”

“And now?” he asks, his voice shaky.

“And now, let’s just say I have more than just a crush on you.

” I squeeze his hand. “I also have a proposition for you. I’ve thought over the whole fake relationship thing.

And I’ll do it. We can pretend we’ve been dating for as long as you want, that we’ve grown serious, or whatever story you want to weave.

I’ll help you clean up your appearance. I can even coach you on the things our PR team taught me while I was in the NHL.

We can fake whatever you need until graduation, but I know what we have is blossoming into something very real. At least it is for me.”

“Me too.”

“Good. Then, behind closed doors, we’ll let our relationship continue to bloom naturally. We can take things as slowly or quickly as you want. We can lay down any rules or guidelines. But there are two more things I’m hoping for, sweet boy.”

He nods eagerly. “What’s that?”

“First, will you let me be your Daddy?” As soon as I let the words escape, I hold my breath and wait.

Adrian’s lips part in shock. “Yes, I want that. More than anything.”

My heart does happy fucking somersaults in my chest.

“And what’s the second thing you’re hoping for…Daddy?”

The smile that breaks across my face is intense, almost painful, with the way it’s splitting my face. I close my eyes for a moment and let it echo around in my head. Fuck. I missed hearing that word, and it’s even sweeter coming from Adrian’s lips.

“It’s my first request as your Daddy, sweet boy. And it’s a big one. One that I don’t mind if you take a few days to think over. But I’d like you to move into my place, at least until the end of the semester. Just until graduation.”

A gasp tumbles out.

“Hear me out. I know it’s quick, but I have a guest room and a spare key.

You can keep your room and most of your things at Delfy House if needed.

For all your roommates know, you’re just sleeping over at your boyfriend’s a lot.

But that house is getting out of control.

You’ve said that a lot of the seniors are partying almost daily now.

I know you’ve been struggling to sleep, and I’m just concerned you’re going to burn yourself out. Just think about it, please.”

Adrian offers me a sweet smile. “Okay, Daddy. I’ll think about it. Promise. I just have two questions for now.”

“Okay, what is it?”

“What happens after graduation?”

I let out a deep breath, nerves rolling through me.

If I had it my way, I’d say we remove the fake status from our title and continue to live together.

But I don’t want to put that much pressure on him.

Just because I’m sure that I want Adrian to be my forever boy doesn’t mean he wants to keep me, too.

I’ve failed at being a Daddy once, maybe he’ll move on once he gets signed.

“I figured you could see how you feel once you get your contract. We can continue seeing each other, and I can continue to be your Daddy, or if you want to part ways, then it’s completely up to you. ”

He studies me for a long moment, cocking his head to the side like an adorable puppy trying to decipher my words. After a few seconds, he nods, and I finally feel like I can breathe again. “And for my second question, please tell me we can get physical.”

My cock jerks to attention. “That isn’t a question, boy.”

A teasing smirk filled with mischief replaces the innocent look he was giving me. He pushes his empty plate to the side as he leans across the table so only I can hear. “Please, Daddy. Can I be physical with you?”

Fucking hell. I don’t think I’ve ever paid the check faster.