Page 155 of Breakneck Hockey

“Besides, looking after each other is part of being in a relationship,” I add.

“Did you just say the ‘R’ word, Sutter?”

“I did. And I mean it. My mom and Francisco have a great relationship and it’s because they lean on each other’s strengths. That’s how I see us. That night with Charles and Stevie? I didn’t know what the fuck to do. You waltzed in there—literally and figuratively—and saved the fucking day.”

He smiles, and I get an idea. Jack says Casey needs me to declare myself? I’ll fucking declare myself. I’ll do it every Goddamn day if he needs me to. I let go of his face and take his hand instead, holding it up in the air as if I’m giving away the next heavy-weight title belt.

“This is my boyfriend, Casey Alderchuck, and I fucking love him!” I make sure it echoes loud and clear.

The sparse smattering of people pull out their phones. I doubt they’re even hockey fans—especially if they’re not watching this particular game somewhere—but everyone in our generation knows a crazy internet moment when they see one.

Just another thing Gina will love me for. After this, I might be out of a hockey career, too. But fuck it. I’m not losing Casey for anything.

He spins us away from the prying cameras, laughing. “Okay, okay, Sutter. I didn’t know you were gonna go unhinged Romeo on my ass.”

“I’m sorry I made you doubt us, even for a second. It won’t ever happen again.” I press his nose.

“I … I guess I did. A bit. But only when you didn’t text me back, asshole.”

“That’s the last time I do the whole ‘give you space’ bullshit. If you want space, you’re gonna have to drug me first,” I promise. I only half mean it. I think Casey only wants space about a quarter of the time he says it and that he has no real gauge on how long he needs space for. I go over that brief time limit, and I’m in shit. Because I understand that about him, I’m gonna take responsibility if I let it go over. I’m here to understandhim. Behisman. That means tailoring my approach to his needs and desires, and not using some blanket, generalized recipe society and the internet’s spit out.

He wraps his arms around me and nestles his head into my chest. “Drugging you could be fun.”

I squeeze him back, harder than he’s squeezing me. “Definitely. I’ll spank your ass for that and have a grand ol’ time. Everyone’s happy.”

Casey laughs some more. “Sutter?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re the world’s most insensitive asshole, which is why you’re perfect for me and the reason why I’ll always hate you just a little bit. But I fucking love you so much I can’t breathe sometimes, too. You’re not allowed to leave me, okay? Even if I tell you we’re breaking up, let me storm off thinking that, but then chase my ass down and tie me to your bed with all your fancy-ass marine rope and remind me how the fuck it is.”

“Way ahead of you, kitten.” I’ve got a bunch more marine rope on order. I reach into the collar of my jersey and remove the necklace I’m wearing. It was a late-night craft project I got Charles to help me with. “Here.”

Casey inspects it. “Did you glue two pennies together, Sutter? Why are they both tails?”

I place the leather throng over his crown. “This is so that you always know I’m thinking about you. There isn’t any time that you aren’t invading my thoughts, brat.”

“This is legit romantic, babe. You’re gonna ruin your reputation if this keeps up, but I approve.”

Whatever. I kiss the top of his head. “Alright, let’s go celebrate, er, not breaking up.”

For once.

“You don’t want to go back in and watch the game?”

“Not sure we’re allowed back in the building after that. We’ll be lucky to be able to play the next game.”

“Good point.”

“Whatever we do’s gotta be PG, though. I’ve got Charles with me, and uh, guess I should explain that, too.”

“Alright, after. But are you trying to tell me all of that on the ice didn’t get your dick hard?”

I’m not even gonna try to say that. “My dick could cut glass right now, baby,” I breathe into his ear.

“Then I say we wrangle ourselves back in the building, sneak into a shower stall, and take full advantage of the second and third periods.”

Chapter 34

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