Page 23

23

Nick

December

I t’s our last match before the holidays, and the entire team’s hyped. We’re in the middle of the game season and our current standings look great. With five minutes left on the clock, I’m confident that this is going to be another win.

When I said Caleb was what we needed to actually get far this year, I wasn’t wrong. It’s not only his skills that make us a better team but also his competitiveness and his passion. After the team has warmed up to him in their own ways, it’s as if he’s lit a fire in us and reminded us why we need to win.

“Good one,” Coach says, nodding at me, Rhys, and Caleb during a change of line. I can’t help but beam, and Rhys looks just as happy. Caleb, too, grins smugly at his uncle.

We’ve finally gotten over ourselves. We’re working together much more seamlessly now, and even Caleb and Rhys don’t tear each other’s throats out every chance they get. Coach constantly threatening to put us all on the bench if we didn’t start getting along worked.

Or at least that’s what he and the team believes.

Ever since Caleb and I started messing around, it’s as if our issues simmered down as well. We get along a lot better now. Now that I’m no longer overthinking so much, my control is back. Being on the ice feels like second nature again, like it’s always been.

And Caleb? Maybe the solution to his antagonistic nature was sex, because he no longer goes out of the way to rile Rhys up. I’m not sure if I’d call them friends, but last week, I saw Caleb pull Rhys over and they talked about some plays.

And maybe Rhys has picked up on the fact that I’m much fonder of Caleb than I let on, because he’s let his walls down as well. He’s no longer as protective as he once was and isn’t as snappy when Caleb approaches me for whatever reason.

For a while, I wondered if he knew what Caleb and I have been up to, but I think Rhys is just happy that I’m finally getting along with my roommate, and that it carries over to how our line works together.

Or he does know, and he’s not asking. Same way I don’t ask him about the longtime crush he has on his brother’s best friend.

The day gets even better when thirty seconds left on the clock, Rhys passes the puck to Caleb, and he scores. The crowd roars and Caleb looks around as if seeking someone, and then his eyes land on me.

My heart jumps when I find out I’m the one he was looking for—even if I didn’t do shit in that play.

“Nice! Hat trick!” Rhys yells, and that’s when I realize that was Caleb’s third goal in this game, and his first hat trick this season and for our team.

We’re still coming off the high of a win when Coach calls Caleb over and tells him that some people from the media want to interview him. It’s not unusual for reporters to request to talk to certain players, especially when they excelled in the game.

“Do I have to?” Caleb asks.

Schultz smacks him hard on the back, making him stumble, and I instinctively catch Caleb by the arm. Snickering, Schultz says, “You’re today’s star, dumbass, and you’d better get used to it, seeing as you’re off to the NHL soon.”

Caleb runs his hand through his sweaty hair and says to me, “Wait for me.”

“Sure.”

He gets pulled to the side towards a small group of reporters, and I watch him fondly for a second before turning away.

I’m about to follow the rest of the team down the tunnel when an unfamiliar voice calls my name. The stadium’s still loud and several names are being thrown around, but the person who calls me—a middle-aged man in a pin-striped suit standing near the entrance of the tunnel—has a commanding tone that immediately catches my attention.

“Yes?” I ask.

“Aleks Polinski,” he says, extending his hand. I shake it, wondering why his name sounds familiar.

Coach suddenly appears by my side, raising his eyebrows. There’s a hint of a smile on his lips as he ushers us along the tunnel. The rest of the guys glance at us but keep a good distance, and we take Coach’s lead and halt right outside the team’s locker room.

Aleks sheepishly rubs the back of his neck and says to Coach, “I know you told me to wait for your go signal first, but he was already going past me.”

Clearing his throat, Coach turns to me and says, “Mr. Polinski is an old friend of mine and an NHL agent. I’ve mentioned him before. He wanted to speak to you, but apparently, couldn’t listen when I told him to wait for me to ask you first.”

Coach’s tone is light and there’s a flicker of amusement in his eyes. While he usually has a pleasant demeanor, it’s unusual to see him with so much warmth. Usually, he only reserves this warmth for Caleb.

He and Aleks must be good friends.

Grinning wide, Aleks shrugs a shoulder. “So, Nicholas—”

“Nick,” Coach corrects.

“Nick. All I want is a chat and for you to hear me out. I’m very interested in representing you.”

I’m quitting hockey after college. That’s what I’m supposed to say, but at the moment, I can’t quite find the courage to. Until this point, I’ve had no trouble dictating those practiced words.

Standing in front of an actual agent who’s persistent enough to catch me after a game, I don’t know how to say I’m not in any way interested.

“Sandoval,” Coach says, his tone careful. “No pressure. Say the word, and he’ll leave.”

“I promise,” Aleks says.

Chuckling, I’m about to tell him I’m not interested, but Caleb’s face flashes in my mind—of him talking excitedly about signing on to Buffalo after college, to playing with and against his idols, and of him eager to make a name for himself.

Aleks and Coach eye me, waiting for my response.

And, surprising even myself, I say, “I’d love to talk.”

***

Fifteen minutes later, I have even more mixed feelings than before. Aleks reiterates that while it was only a casual getting-to-know-you conversation, he definitely wants to sign me as a client. Apparently, my name has been creating a buzz, and several teams have been sending out feelers. Teams that were disappointed I didn’t join the draft some years ago.

It’s not exactly a surprise to me, though I’ve been fighting very hard to ignore these hard facts.

Aleks tells me he was Coach’s agent back then, and that they’ve been keeping in touch. Coach then says he’s not the only agent trying to get to me, though he’s been very adamant in telling everyone I wasn’t interested. It’s just that Aleks is a lot more persistent than the rest, and at that moment, I can’t find it in myself to be disappointed by that.

Once Aleks has thanked me for my time and leaves, Coach turns to me and says, “I apologize. I hope I didn’t overstep.”

I shake my head, knowing he’s been doing all he can to respect my decision all this time. “Nah. We only talked, anyway. Nothing’s set in stone.”

He gives me a warm smile. “Caleb told me you might be rethinking your future, but I didn’t think he was serious. Should I be relieved Aleks was this pushy about meeting you? Though, while we’re on this topic, should I tell the other agents who are asking to speak to you that you’re open to options now?”

Wait. Fuck. Panic rises in my throat at the realization of what exactly I’ve just done. Forcing the anxiety away, I mumble, “Honestly, Coach, I’m still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing.”

“Got it. Go think about it, then. Maybe talk to my nephew about it. That boy’s a menace, but he’s smarter than he lets on… and I’m getting the impression you two are a lot closer now than you were when the year started.”

I hide my smirk behind my hand. You have no idea.

When I get to the locker room, there’s loud music blasting. Most of the guys have taken their showers and changed to their suits, though Caleb’s still in his base layers and messing around.

He, Schultz, and Vega are yelling at the top of their lungs and standing on top of their benches. Rhys is in a good enough mood that he doesn’t go into captain mode and tells them to knock it off—even if Vega’s fallen off the bench for doing this exact same thing last year.

Caleb spots me arriving and grins, and my chest warms. He jumps off the bench and strides over to me. “Where’d you go?”

“Coach wanted to talk to me.”

“Really? About what?”

“Um… nothing important.”

I don’t want to tell him about Aleks Polinski yet. Maybe next time. Caleb’s mood must be better than I even thought because he brushes away my response.

“Hey, drinks on Jennings tonight!” Schultz yells and laughs and cheers resound through the room.

“What!?” Caleb turns on them, though he’s smiling so wide I can tell he doesn’t mind. “Fuck you!”

“You’re not my type, baby!” Schultz cackles. “On that note, can you bring Maddox along?”

“I told you he isn’t into jocks!”

Caleb ignores Schultz calling after him and heads to the showers, and I laugh and follow his lead.

The showers are empty now and Caleb’s peeling off his shirt and throwing it aside. My face heats at the sight of his narrow waist. He’s got dimples right above his hips, a detail I’ve somehow missed before.

As if sensing I’m watching, Caleb turns around and snickers at me. “Quit looking at me like that, or I might get on my knees and give you what you want”

I flush. “Caleb!”

Caleb waggles his eyebrows at me and removes the rest of his clothes, and I can’t help but let my stare drift to his cock. I put a hand against my throat and swallow, and when my eyes snap back to his, the asshole’s smirking at me.

“Shower’s empty, I think we can get away with it,” he says, walking backwards to the furthest end of the room.

My voice is tense. “No way.”

“Relax, golden boy. Totally fucking with you.” He gives me one last cocky grin before disappearing into the furthermost cubicle.

I rub a hand over my face, and it takes me too long to realize that I’m grinning like a fool. The sound of running water starts, and Caleb sings along to the faint music coming from outside. My grin gets even bigger.

He’s just… incredible. Some time ago, I couldn’t stand him. Now, I get this dorky smile when he teases me—and seeing him get along with the rest of the team makes my chest buzz. He still annoys them any chance he gets, but it’s much more light-hearted now.

Like me, the rest of the team is seeing a version of Caleb that’s way too easy to like.

The day’s events as well as Caleb’s good mood spurring me on, I look around the shower room to confirm that it really is empty. There’s nobody else around and as I make my way towards Caleb, and I yank my clothes off as I walk.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I open the curtains to Caleb’s cubicle. He startles and turns around, wide-eyed. His jaw drops as the water cascades around him, but before he can say anything, I get in and crowd him.

Caleb’s shock diminishes and he grins wickedly at me, placing a firm hand on my bare chest. “My, my. Feeling adventurous today, I see.”

“Quit teasing me.” I fist his hair and yank him in for a kiss, swallowing whatever other chides he has, and Caleb returns as good as I give. He slides his lips against mine and I can feel him smile against me. Water gets in my eyes, so I close them, using my hands to feel my way around. Caleb’s already got shampoo in his hair and his skin’s slippery with suds.

He moans when I press him against the tile, his cock heavy against mine.

“Not that I’m complaining,” he says hoarsely, kissing my jaw. “But what is this about?”

“In a good mood is all.”

Slowly rocking against me, Caleb holds me by the jaw. His eyes glint with amusement. “Winning gets you worked up, huh?”

“Like it doesn’t get you worked up. Be quiet. We can’t get caught.”

“Yes, sir,” he mocks.

Laughing, Caleb pulls away from me to grab for the shampoo. He squirts some into his palm and then entangles his hands in my hair, fingers scraping against my scalp, and I feel myself slackening under his touch.

He kisses me, his mouth wet and hot, and I’m pliant underneath his roaming hands. The water’s warm against my back as he massages my hair, then he grabs soap and drifts his hands all over my skin. It’s so oddly affectionate and tender that my heart stutters—I came here to mess around, thinking that’s what he’d want to do. I didn’t think we’d actually be taking a shower.

Just when I’m trying not to smile about how obsessed he is with cleanliness, he reaches between us and wraps slick fingers around both our lengths. I gasp and almost stumble in surprise.

I let out a strangled moan and bury my face against his shoulder.

He huffs out a laugh and murmurs, “What was that about being quiet?”

Sucking a spot on his neck, I inhale his scent. Caleb sighs and angles his head away to give me more access. He strokes both of us with a hand, and I clutch his hips tight. He hisses in surprise and retaliates by playing with the sensitive vein under the head of my cock.

Fuck. It feels so good, and I rock against him. My hands drifts downwards, and I cup his ass. Feeling bold, I slip a finger between his crease and press it against his hole.

Caleb swears and buckles, his hold around our dicks tightening in the most delicious way.

I’ve never in my life touched anyone like this before, and my heart hammers in my chest as I tentatively press against him once more.

“You want to fuck me?” Caleb rumbles against my ear.

Yes. My dick twitches at the idea, and Caleb grins against my temple.

“Not here,” he says.

“I didn’t—that’s not what I—”

“When I let you fuck me, we won’t be in a hurry,” he says. “We’ll have all the time in the world, and I’ll go slow and ride you. Then, right when you’re at the edge, I’ll hold you down and sit completely still so that you can’t come.”

I groan. “Caleb.”

“I’ll ride you all night. Or I can get on my knees, and you can fuck me from behind, if you’d like. I don’t care. Fuck me how you want, Nicky.”

God. My breath hitches and I bite down on his neck, electricity jolting down my spine as I thrust against his hand. The sensation of his dick rubbing against mine as he jacks both of us at the same time feels out of this world, and his dirty talk is driving me even more insane.

“You going to let me fuck you too?” he asks, sounding hopeful.

“Yes.”

“Baby…” God. Caleb and his nicknames. It’s the first time he’s used that one, and my heart skips a beat. He murmurs, “Really?”

“Caleb, I’ll let you do anything to me.”

He inhales sharply and his whole body stiffens, and he spills between us. His movement falters and just as I’m about to take over so I can come, he pushes my hand away and wraps long fingers around me and tugs.

Eyes shut tight, I groan and throw my head back and reach my climax. Heat pools at my gut and my breath gets stuck in my throat as I come, and Caleb works me through it, even if I’m sure he’s just as spent from his own orgasm.

I pant and bury my face against his shoulder once more, and Caleb snickers quietly and strokes my hair.

“You good?” he asks softly.

“So, so good.”

“Nick!” Rhys’s booming voice makes us both freeze, and I pull away from Caleb with panicked eyes. In contrast, he grins widely at me. His cheeks are flushed, and his lips are puffy, and I’m sure I look as thoroughly fucked as he does.

Rhys could take one look at us and know what we were up to. Though finding us naked together in one cubicle would probably be a bigger clue.

“What?” I call out. The shower’s still running and probably drowning out my voice, so I turn it off, fearing Rhys might come closer.

“Meet you at the bar?” he yells.

“Yeah!”

“Great. You too, Jennings. You owe us all a round.”

The door shuts and silence follows, and when I meet Caleb’s face, he’s smirking.

“He knows we’re messing around,” Caleb says. “There was only one shower running, and you switched it off and made it even more obvious.”

Oh. Shit.

“He doesn’t know,” I say, kissing him one last time and moving away, turning the water on again to finish our shower.

Honestly, though—yeah, I think this confirms my suspicions that Rhys knows.

Him not making a fuss over it and not pushing me for answers makes me chuckle. I’ll talk to him when I’m ready and when I’ve figured out exactly what all this means—not me being bi, but me being way into my roommate to the point that I forget how to behave.

And from the way warmth spreads across my chest when Caleb smiles at me, I know I’ll need to figure it out soon.