Page 23

CHAPTER 23

Rodney

Ice skating has never really been my thing. Maybe it’s because my brother was always out on the field tossing around a football instead, and that’s what I grew used to.

But being on the ice with Andry is different.

He’s so happy simply standing in the arena. When he steps out onto the ice, his smile takes over his whole face. It’s fascinating to watch.

“He’s a natural,” a voice says from beside me.

I turn to find Jake Bellport wearing a curious look.

“Hey Jake! What are you doing here? I didn’t know you were coming.”

He points across the ice to where his partners Leon and Maddox are talking with the photographer and the media team. “The guys said that if Andry got to bring his boyfriend, then they should be able to bring theirs.”

“I’ve already texted Raymond. He is indeed up and on his way.” My brother pops up on my other side, a smirk in place.

Bellamy skates up next, followed closely by Bishop. “He called Atlas too. The ice is going to be packed soon.”

“Wait!” Jake shouts. “Are we going to have even numbers? Could we have a pickup game or something?”

“We don’t need to run the risk of getting hurt between games.” That comes from Leon as he skates over, dragging a frowning Maddox.

Jake moves to stand between them, his hands immediately going to the pouting man’s face. “What’s wrong Daddy Maddy?”

I blush at the affectionate name. Not because I’m uncomfortable. More like it’s still odd to be surrounded by others in this lifestyle.

“The photographer was being rude to me,” he grunts.

“He was telling you he was here to get pictures of everyone, and that Jake gets final say in them since it’s for the team. You’re just mad because you wanted to surprise our boy with some of the shots.” Leon tugs Jake out of Maddox’s hold.

I’m not an expert, but I’m pretty sure this is foreplay for these guys. The way Jake bites his lips and pushes back into Leon tells me he’s quite enjoying the moment.

Andry skates over at the exact moment, thankfully breaking the tension. “Is everyone ready?”

We all give the affirmative, then we go about playing a halfway game of hockey. Really, it’s more a game of keep away.

The photographer and his team skate around as well, taking photos and the occasional video. I’m not the best skater of the group, obviously, but I manage to hold my own. Even so, Andry remains at my side the whole time to make sure I don’t fall.

I soak up his attention, thankful he’s got this opportunity to be around these guys. Aries might annoy me sometimes; however, he’s really gone all out to help us. I’m thankful he has my back.

A few hours and several shots later, I’m sweating and breathing so hard I feel damn near asthmatic. No wonder all these guys are in such good shape! This is not for the faint of heart.

We’ve been playing a pickup game of sorts with Leon and Bellamy playing as the goalies. They were only chosen because of their size. Well, that and Bishop refuses to stand in the goal because of some superstitious belief it will affect his game.

I don’t argue with the man. First of all, he’s scary big. And secondly, who am I to judge him for his beliefs? I have things I’m particular about in my academic career as well.

The men who do this for a living cut across the ice as if it’s nothing, their bodies turning on a dime with each change. Meanwhile, I focus on not running into anyone else.

I hate to think of how these photos will look. Can they see the terror in my eyes? Will they know all I thought of the whole time we were on the ice was how soon I could get off it?

Hopefully not.

This needs to be believable. The people seeing these images need to think we do this for fun all the time.

It doesn’t matter if it’s true or not. It’s about the image we provide the people.

That’s what Aries told me anyway. And I trust him, considering he’s been good about keeping himself out of the news since meeting Raymond.

Looking over at my future brother-in-law, I smile when I notice him struggling as well. I feel vindicated in my scrambling.

When the game finishes, the score is tied. It makes the professional athletes shout in protest, each declaring the next goal should win. I beg off, moving to the side as they duke it out.

It only takes a few minutes for there to be a winner. No surprise, it’s the team with two of the professional hockey players on it. Bishop and Leon gloat as Maddox and Andry huff out their frustrations.

It’s only when my boyfriend turns to find me that his frown vanishes. In its place, he throws me a blinding smile.

Next thing I know, he’s cutting across the ice at lightning speed. He’s all grace as he skates up to me, his blades turning at the last second and spraying my lower half. I give him a mock glare as he laughs.

“What’s wrong, little genius? Don’t tell me you’re tired.”

I shake my head, then stop and nod. No point in lying.

“This was intense. I can’t believe you guys do this for fun. Or that you choose to subject yourself to this all the time. It’s kind of masochistic.”

Bishop pops up then. “Are we discussing kinks again? I don’t want my boy hear about your sex lives. He’s an innocent angel.”

“He’s not that innocent. We know what you two got up to after that one away trip, remember?” Leon makes grunting noises as he thrusts his hips lewdly.

The group laughs. Meanwhile, I blush deep enough to be mistaken for a tomato.

At least the camera crew has packed up for the day. They’re not catching any of this on audio.

Except…

“Hey, guys. Can we get one more shot?” The photographer asks as she skates over with her camera in hand. “I just thought of a cool idea we could do if you all have your partners here.”

It takes a bit of wrangling to get everyone on the ice. Once we’re all paired up, she points to put us in place. My arms are wrapped around Andry’s waist, just as she instructed me to do.

All is well up until she raises her camera. “We’re going to do a group kiss shot.”

“I’m not kissing my brother on the mouth!” Jake screams.

The photographer gives him wide eyes. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Let the woman talk, Jake,” Bellamy adds. “I’m sure she meant for you to kiss your guys.”

“That’s right. I want to get a shot that shows connection for everyone. It’s going to prove that love comes in all shapes, sizes, and skin tones.”

As she waves a hand down the line at us, I realize she’s right. There’s a diverse group of men here. We don’t represent everything there is, obviously. Still, we’re a darn good example that being LGBTQ+ is part of the sports world too.

The kiss isn’t anything dramatic once she signals us all to commit to the moment. Yet at the same time, it feels life-changing. It’s like everything I thought before shatters, leaving behind a fully formed version of me that’s stronger than ever.

And I know that’s how I feel with Andry in my life. He’s steadfast in his support of me.

We wouldn’t be here if that wasn’t the case.

The man has literally coordinated a revenge effort to not only get back at my bullies, but to also show them we’re here to stay. He wants to throw in their face the thing they love most — hockey — is actually gay as fuck.

Really, most sports are if you think about it. All that ass clapping and naked time in the locker room. Very suspicious!

“Excellent work!” The photographer pulls me from the moment with her praise. “I’ll get these over to you guys soon. They won’t take much work at all. You guys were great. Some of the best clients I’ve ever had.”

Jake skates over to walk her out, with Leon and Maddox close behind. The rest of us remain on the ice for a moment longer before a loud gurgle rings out. All eyes shift to Finn, who ducks his head against Bellamy.

“Sounds like my little one is hungry. Should we all go grab a bite to eat?” The big guy asks.

Several people give their agreement. We settle on some burgers, despite Aries protests that we could simply go home and have Ma cook for everyone.

“You know she’d love it! Think of how happy she’d be to feed us all,” he tells me dramatically.

I shake my head. “We can’t throw all of us on her last minute. She needs time to prepare.”

A single finger points my way. “You and I both know she could feed a small army with a twenty-minute notice. The woman always has food ready.”

“Let’s go with burgers this time and then Ma can feed us all later,” Andry suggests when things get heated. “While I’m sure she could handle it, it’s best to give her notice. Maybe she’ll want to make something specific.”

For some reason, that idea settles better with my brother. He agrees and then we’re all on our way to eat.

The entire drive there, all I can think about is how different my life is now. All the things I thought I’d never get to have are within reach.