Page 136 of Cold as Ice

“It could cost you—”

Elliott knew that. “And a million other things could happen, too. The actual chance of me getting drafted by Toronto is small—you know that. I’m not going to hide this away because we’re afraid. And I know you agree with me.” Okay, hehopedMal agreed with him.

Mal’s gaze was sober and intense. “Two months ago I’d have told you no. No way. There wouldn’t be any circumstances I would tell you picking this over even thechanceyou could play in Toronto was a good idea.” He sighed. “But you’re right. It would be awful.”

He reached down and took Elliott’s hand, squeezed it. “I told Dr. Bricker you were my boyfriend. You are. And I don’t want to hide that.”

“This could really suck, you know,” Elliott said wryly.

“Yeah, it could, but we’ll deal. It could be worse, you know?”

Mal tugged on his hand and they were walking, hand in hand, towards the rink. And Elliott thought, because he couldn’t help himself,it could be like this all the time. But even if it’s not, it’s still worth it.

“How exactly?”

Mal shot him a shit-eating grin. A grin he’d never even imagined, two months ago, that Malcolm McCoy possessed and now here he was, giving it tohim.

It turned out dreams did come true.

“You could still think I’m an unfunny and way-too intense asshole? And I could think you’re a party boy who doesn’t take anything seriously?”

“Did Ieversay that you’re funny, McCoy?” Elliott chuckled.

Mal shot him an incredulous look. “Are you fucking kidding me?” Then he hesitated for a second. “You’re totally winding me up on purpose, aren’t you? God, I hate it when you do that.”

“No, you don’t,” Elliott said, grinning. “Because just think of what you can do to me later, in retribution.”

Mal nodded and then suddenly, Elliott was being yanked into a pair of firm arms and he was being kissed.

Here was the thing: Malcolm wasn’t ever going to be a comedian. He was always going to take some things a little too much to heart. He could, occasionally, still be a stubborn asshole. But he was also the fiercest, most loyal friend and partner that Elliott had ever dreamt of having.

Actually—scratch that. He’d never dreamt that Malcolm could be that, or that he evenwantedthat. He’d only thought Mal was the hottest guy he’d ever seen in his whole life.

And he was still that, too.

Mal pulled back, patting him on the cheek. “Yeah,” he agreed, his gaze full of happiness. “Just think of what I can do.”

“Oh my God, whatisthis?”

Elliott looked up and Zach was standing there, a shocked look on his face.

“I thought he knew,” Mal said under his breath. “Why else say that thing the other day before practice?”

Elliott nodded.

“Honestly, what the fuck, you’re just making out now?” Zach shoved a hand through his hair and there was no denying the complete astonishment on his features.

“You had to know this was an inevitability,” Elliott said. “And if you’re mad about Coach, we’re literally on our way to tell him.”

“Yeah, right now.” Mal nodded, too.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Zach nearly shouted.

Elliott had never seen their assistant coach look like this before. He was livid. Really, truly upset.

“I told you to get along with him!” Zach exclaimed, pointing at Elliott.

Mal shrugged. “Admittedly, I took it a step further than that.”

---