Page 60 of Crossed Sticks

Tapping my stomach, he gave me a cross look. “Stop thinking about sex for a minute.”

I put my hand over my heart and rearranged my lips into a pout. “You’ve never said that before. Does this mean the honeymoon’s over?”

“Nah, it just means I’m fucking thrilled because they only had one room available, and I got it for the entire week.” He set his computer aside.

A whoop of joy erupted from me as Harper climbed on top, his body heat igniting a blaze within me. I wrapped my arms around him, and we laughed our way through a happy kiss. The inn he’d found in Maine sounded like the perfect escape. Seeing his excitement for this place, a cherished memory of his, filled me with contentment. Not only did he want to go to Maine, but he wanted to share this amazing adventure with me.

We celebrated in our own memorable way. There was no mistaking him being erect again, which activated my own launch sequence. I did my best to tell him I was excited about the B&B as he kissed his way down my chest and stomach, but itgot harder as he approached my dick, which was… well, getting harder.

Eventually, we dragged ourselves out of bed long enough to order pizza and binge-watch a fantasy show we liked. Since I had a photo shoot the next morning, we went to bed early. I slept like a baby, safe in Harp’s arms and dreaming about our vacation.

20/

harper

Water drippedfrom my hair as I sprinted for my locker, narrowly avoiding a slip on the wet floor. I’d joined the guys for one last shinny game before Luca and I were set to leave for Maine. We planned to return the Sunday before Labor Day, in time for me to report to Amherst on Tuesday morning. From there, we’d take a bus to Rocky River, Ohio, where the Warriors held training camp.

Gabe’s locker was next to mine, and I’d just slipped on my boxers when he returned from the shower. “Great moves out there. Want a hint from your favorite goalie, though?”

“Always.” I swiped deodorant under my arms before reaching for my pants.

“You usually do a great job of deking, but when you’re going to fake to your left, you sometimes dip your right shoulder first.”

“Really? I’ll have to work on that.”

“I’ll watch and let you know if it keeps happening. You don’t want it to become a tell.” He dried off, then dropped his towel on the bench and reached for his briefs. “How’s Luca? I thought we were getting together for drinks.”

“He’s great. Sorry we haven’t called. We’ve been busy.”

“Wrapped up in each other, more like?” Gabe shot me a grin as he stepped into his jeans. “It’s okay. We’ll have time to get all the drinks we want once you get some of it out of your system.”

My cheeks tingled as I put on my shirt, and I didn’t understand my embarrassment. Luca and I were adults with nothing to be ashamed of. “Luca’s fantastic, and I’m so happy we’re together.” I’d told Gabe—along with anyone else who’d listen—that Luca and I were boyfriends, so everyone knew I was crazy about him.

Gabe pulled on a T-shirt, then tilted his head to the side. “You’re a good man, too. I’d say you’re both lucky as hell, so don’t waste it.”

“No way that’s happening.” I finished tying my shoes and stood up. “I’ve been through hell a few times. Believe me, I know when I’ve got a good one.”

He nodded, throwing a playful punch to the side of my arm. “Lunch?”

“I can’t. We’re leaving for Maine this weekend, and I’m meeting Luca to pick out some new vacation clothes. Rain check?”

“Anytime. And Harpy?”

I quirked an eyebrow.

“You and Luca take care of each other. He’s had it rough, too.”

Luca and I had arranged to meet at the mall in Cheektowaga. I usually hated what my buddy Cleevs called “shopping dungeons,” but it made sense to go there today. With any luck,we could get everything we needed and then chill until we left town on Saturday.

I found Luca leaning against the wall outside a department store, looking every bit the laid-back jock with his arms crossed just the right way to show off his enormous biceps. He broke into a snarky grin as I approached. “I was ready to send out the search and rescue dogs. Everything all right?”

“Sorry about that. Game went long.”

His dark eyes sparkled as they caught mine. A bright blue polo hugged his torso perfectly, and khaki shorts showcased the wonders of his legs and ass, a fact not lost on a nearby group of teenage girls practically vibrating with excitement. My breath hitched as his gaze swept over me, and the world spun as he leaned in for a quick, electrifying kiss. The girls tittered, and as he drew away, he bounced his eyebrows and turned a killer grin in their direction. “Witness this, ladies. Have you ever seen a hotter man? Lucky me, right?”

They fled, trailing loud giggles in their wake, and his grin was even broader when he turned back toward me.

“Way to get some attention.”

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