Page 68 of Trade Deadline

I’m really happy it’s brought in more business, given what Alex mentioned about the money struggles he and Jacob are dealing with. It's just unfortunate that it comes at a time when they’re short-staffed.

If it had been anyone else, alarm bells would have been ringing like crazy in my mind, thinking Alex was only interested in me for my money, just like the rest. He's not like them, though. His reaction to me paying for our date snuffed out that worry, and I want to help them. I just don’t know how.

Because I have a feeling that if I offered to help them with money, Alex would shut down that suggestion quicker than I could say the word “please”.

“How are you?” I shout through the boards.

“Good!” He smiles. “How are you feeling?”

I raise my hand, tipping it from side to side like a scale. “Better, now that you’re here, but it’s going to be a tough game.”

He gives a nod of understanding.

This is something I didn’t know I would appreciate when it comes to dating a fan.

Hegetsit.

He gets my schedule. He gets my different moods depending on what team we’re playing. He gets my diet and how I have to take naps and stick to a grueling routine because he’s been watching the team for decades.

I’m about to tell him how hot he looks when I catch the “C”on his jersey.

Again.

Um, what the fuck?

Why the fuck is he not wearingmyname?

“Why the fuck are you wearing that for?” I point an accusing finger.

He looks down at his jersey, and when he lifts his head, he’s wearing a mischievous grin as he shrugs. “You haven’t given me one of yours.”

I open my mouth to argue, but he has a point. Taking off my glove, I hold up one finger, letting him know I’ll be back in a minute. I quickly skate over to the bench where the team’s equipment manager, Jordan, is organizing her case of blades.

“Can you arrange for one of my jerseys to be delivered to my seat, please?” I point over to where Alex is sitting.

Jordan gives an exasperated sigh. “What am I? Your PA?” She snorts. “Sure, you got it.”

I thank her and skate back over to where Alex is waiting with a beer in hand. This time I don’t slam into the boards with my body, but I slap the plexi with my hand to get his attention.

“I don’t fucking like you wearing another man’s jersey.”

“And why is that?” I know he’s baiting me.

“I want you to wear my name because you’remine. I want everyone in here to know you’re here with me. For me.”

Twenty-One

Alex

“He’s got it baaaaad!”Nate sings as we watch Blaine skate away to join the team for the rest of warm-up after his alpha-possessive moment.

My knees feel weak, and my dick is hard.

Blaine texted me yesterday morning saying he really wanted me to come to his game tonight, and he’d left two tickets at will call again, so I knew he wanted me here. I just didn't know how bad.

Or maybe I did, which is why I wore this jersey.

He’s been so attentive since we met. Nothing like the guy that’s plastered over the bunny blogs, labeled a man-whore and selfish. Saving my ass when Jacob was sick, constantly checking in to see how I am, how Jacob is, what he can do for me, inviting us for Christmas—it's like online Blaine Olsen is a mere illusion compared to the person he is in real life.

---