Page 5 of Running Back

Together, they headed back downstairs to a formal dining room. Several tables were also set up in an adjacent room, accommodating a ton of people. Rocky recognized several faces. He had a few clients there. They nodded as Rocky passed. Two chairs waited for them. Once seated, they were immediatelygreeted by their table mates. Rocky shook hands with the family solicitor. He was also Lennox’s husband. They had worked together a few times on various contracts. Rocky liked him a great deal. He didn’t hesitate to introduce Jakk.

Rocky motioned Jakk’s way. “This is Jakk Johnson. He’ll be signing with me soon. Jakk, this is Pierre Tremblay, Lennox’s husband and the family solicitor.”

Pierre shook his hand. “Bonjour. You’ve made a good choice in Rocky. What sport are you?”

Rocky couldn’t help but smile at the question. He knew Pierre didn’t follow any sport other than hockey, and only then because his husband played.

“Football. American,” he clarified.

Pierre nodded. He chuckled. “Almost as violent as my husband’s career.”

Jakk’s gaze slid Lennox’s way. “I thought I recognized you earlier. It wasn’t until we were headed back down that I remembered where I’d heard the name. Your team has done amazing these past few years.”

Lennox nodded. They fell into a conversation about stats and whatnot.

Storm, the youngest of the Cattaneo’s son’s husband and another of Rocky’s recently acquired clients, leaned his way. “Whoa. Good for you.”

Rocky looked his way with raised eyebrows. “What?”

Storm’s green eyes flashed with laughter. He exchanged a knowing glance with his husband, Barrett. When he looked Rocky’s way again, his lip ring caught the light. He had always been a serious one. To see him enjoying a laugh at Rocky’s expense actually warmed his heart. “Don’t tell me. Just friends.” He used air quotes and Rocky unexpectedly fought a blush.

Barrett and Storm burst into laughter.

Heads turned their way.

Thankfully, Storm was immediately distracted by the oldest Cattaneo son’s wife dumping a baby in his lap.

“Here. We have plenty.”

Storm beamed. He loved kids.

Rocky went back to focusing on Jakk.

Jakk stared at him.

For a moment, Rocky wondered if he had heard the exchange.

Jakk’s gorgeous gaze moved over his face, as if searching for something. “Are you okay?”

At that moment, Rocky realized something truly unfortunate. For whatever reason, Jakk truly cared, and Rocky was so incredibly screwed.

Chapter Four

Jakk was having amuch better time than expected. He hadn’t expected to have a bad time. Jakk had simply thought he would be uncomfortable while staying with someone he didn’t know and surrounded by strangers. Instead, he was made to feel like part of the family. Plus, there were a few hockey players present, giving him someone to chat with about sports. Even without all that, the alcohol flowed freely and Rocky had been right. He didn’t have to guard himself here. Except he had to check his longing. Goddamn. He couldn’t stop watching Rocky. The guy was just gorgeous.

After dinner, they had changed into more comfortable clothes for music and dancing in the garden. Rocky cut loose, so he followed suit. He had laughed so much, his throat hurt, andsmiled so much, his cheeks ached. His head swam with liquor, diluting his blood. When the music slowed, his inhibitions were already gone.

“Dance with me.”

Rocky looked surprised by the demand, but he immediately set his cup aside.

Jakk led him to the wooden platform in the center of the garden that was made for dancing. The moment he towed Rocky into his arms, he knew he had made a mistake. He didn’t stop.

“You surprise me.”

The remark stumped Jakk. “How so?”

He felt more than saw Rocky shrug. “It’s been less than seventy-two hours since you were outed against your will, and still, you didn’t hesitate to ask me to dance. A man. In front of all these people.”

---