Page 86 of Trade Deadline

His thrusts become unsteady, and another wave hits me when he comes.

I’m gasping for breath, and my heart is beating like a crazed drummer in my chest. Blaine falls next to me; one strong leg lays heavy across mine. I open my eyes to take in this gorgeous man, his chest rising and falling in quick concession, his arm covering his eyes. His lips part as he, too, tries to retrieve as much oxygen as possible.

How is this man real? He’s fucking perfect.

“Alex?”

I look up at him.

He takes my face between his palms. His eyes are filled with something that looks a lot like love before he says with a bashful grin, “You should get two minutes for tripping, ‘cause I’ve fallen for you.”

And my heart melts because only Blaine could confess his feelings with a cheesy line.

This perfect man, with the kindest heart. And I think I may have fallen too.

Twenty-Seven

Alex

Blaine wasn’t kiddingwhen he said Christmas with his family was chaotic.

His parents and Elliot arrived Christmas morning at nine, armed with a mountain of gifts and singing Christmas carols at the top of their lungs—badly. Jacob and I helped his mom with the food while Blaine, his dad, Elliot, and Zach watched the football game.

It turned out Zach’s best friend, Carter, was the defensive end for Denver, and the big guy sat there anxiously chewing on his nails whenever the defense was on the field. By the end of the game, his hair was sticking up all over the place from the number of times he’d run his fingers through it.

Blaine had absolutely spoiled us with gifts, my favorite being a beluga whale experience at Shedd Aquarium, but the biggest surprise was the photo Blaine insisted on doing. As he didn’t want to be in the photo, Jacob did the honors, and we all stood in front of the perfectly decorated Christmas tree, his parents standing to Blaine's right while he wrapped his arm around my shoulders, and Elliot and Zach were next to me.

He posted it on his Instagram with the caption:

Happy Holidays! I had an amazing day with my loved ones. Hope you all had a great day, see you on the ice!

He also includeda silly outtake Jacob had taken where his dad was dipping his mom like in a ballroom. Blaine must have said something funny because I was laughing and he was wearing the biggest smile, while Elliot jumped on Zach’s back, his hand to his forehead like he was looking in the distance, and Zach stuck his tongue out.

The most special thing in that photo was the way Blaine was focused only on me as he held my hip protectively. His smile was soft, and his eyes sparkled with love.

I find myself staring at the photo on several occasions throughout the day, still unable to believe this beautiful man wants to be with me.

It had been such a nice day, and the first time we’d celebrated the holidays since my grandparents passed.

But now the festive cheer was coming to an end, and so was the high I’ve been on as my phone vibrates.

“I've just received another one,” I sigh, tossing my phone down on the counter.

“What? Another message?” Jacob asks from the other side of the kitchen.

I nod and read out one of the many Instagram DMs I have received since Blaine tagged me in the photo. “This one says, ‘Do you realize he’s only with you because you're shiny and new? He will soon get bored.’”

Jacob scowls. “What the hell is wrong with some people?”

I click on the profile and the bio readsCaitlin, Chicago Thunder #80. CEO of the Blaine Olsen Fan Clubwith a bunny emoji. The photo shows the back of a red-haired girl wearing a B. OLSEN jersey.

“They’re apparently fans.”

“That's no excuse; Blaine's personal life is none of their business.”

Another defeated sigh escapes me as I block yet another account.

I know he’s right. Do they think they can pretty much bully me into breaking up with him or something? It’s borderline harassment.

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