Page 51 of Crossed Sticks

16/

luca

We fell into a comfortable routine,spending our nights together in a blur of tangled limbs, whispered conversations, and breathtaking sex. During the day, we often had individual commitments—photo shoots for me, and pickup games with his new teammates for Harper. When we were both free, we shared everything from shopping sprees to the awe of Niagara Falls.

Once, after a daylong visit to the Buffalo Zoo, I took him to dinner at Scionti’s. We both loved pizza, and since theirs was some of the best in the city, it was a good way to end our adventure. After poring over the menu, we ordered a Margherita and a Romana, with fried mozzarella sticks and toasted ravioli.

The waitress brought the appetizers, and while we dug in, Harper talked about how sick he was of the heat. After swallowing the remains of a cheese stick, he asked, “What would you think about going to Maine the last week in August? It would be cooler there, and I know a place near Bar Harbor where there’s a great little inn. The beach is out front, and there’s a spa in back. I went there with my folks once, and I’ve always wanted to go back. It would be awesome to share it with you.”

His excitement made me smile. “It should be cooling off here then, too, but a trip sounds like a great idea.”

“Have you ever been to Maine? It’s a beautiful place, and the coast is spectacular.”

“No, but I’ve always wanted to go. I think my photo shoots should be over by then, but let me check the calendar.”

“Fingers crossed.”

I pulled out my phone and swiped into the calendar app. “All clear. Let’s do it.”

“That’s terrific. We’ll have so much fun.”

“Hey, guys. I’m a little surprised to see you here.”

I recognized Gabe’s voice before I looked up. He was with a skinny blond guy who looked like most of his other boyfriends. Gabe clearly had a type, and I wondered what he ever saw in me.

“Gabe.” Harper stood and held out a hand.

I followed suit, and after we’d all exchanged greetings, Gabe introduced his companion, Fallon.

“Oh my, three of the hottest jocks in town.” Fallon glanced at Gabe, then back at Harp and me. “Too bad you have goo-goo eyes for each other, or we could all go somewhere and have a good time.”

Gabe’s smile faltered, and I remembered he’d once dated a guy who tried to force threesomes on him. From the look he gave Fallon, I was pretty sure they were on their last date.

As Harp and I sat back down, I wondered if he’d said anything to Gabe about us dating. I never mentioned being friends with Gabe because I wanted to keep things comfortable as Harp got to know the team.

Gabe glanced between us and asked Harp, “Is Luca the guy you were talking about? The one you met when you first got here that you like so much?”

“Yes. I’d have told you his name, but I didn’t realize you knew each other.”

Harper’s grin melted my heart. He’d been bragging about me, which made me feel like a million bucks.

Gabe shot me a perplexed grin. “And Harpy’s the… Why didn’tyousay anything?”

“Honestly, at first, I didn’t even know Harp played hockey. After I found out who he was, I wanted to let you guys get acquainted in your own way. He’s amazing, and I didn’t want anything to keep you from seeing this on your own.”

Harp touched my arm. “I think it was very considerate.”

“I get it,” Gabe said. “Harpy’s kickass. If he stays healthy, we’ll make the playoffs for sure.”

Fallon cleared his throat and wrapped his arm around Gabe’s. “Honey, we should get going if you want to…” He glanced meaningfully at Harp and me, then finished his thought, “I know how much you like it when I?—”

Gabe silenced him by holding up a hand, then looked at me. “I remember when you messaged me. I told you I hoped things worked out, and I still do, more than ever.”

“Thanks, Gabe,” Harper and I said in unison.

“Let’s get together sometime soon. I’m glad you two have hit it off. Couldn’t happen to two nicer guys. You’re—” The waitress interrupted to deliver our pizzas. When she left, Gabe nodded at us and disengaged his arm from Fallon’s. “We need to get out of here and let you eat. Fallon has an early plane to catch.”

Since I knew Gabe well enough to recognize the edgy tone in his voice, I worked hard to contain a snicker. He was probably thinking,And I’ve got to find another young blond.

---