Page 91 of Off Season

“Well, let’s tell them to go home so I can have you all to myself instead.”

“This isn’t our house. You will have to be patient.”

His eyes widen slightly, lips parting with an unspoken question. I know he’s been desperate to bring up us moving in together since he first asked a couple of weeks back. I’ve even caught him looking at home décor inspiration boards on his iPad.

Cupping his face with my hands, I rise up on tiptoes and steal a quick kiss.

“To answer the question you’re thinking right now, yes, I think we should move in together before you start training camp.”

“Really?”

“It makes sense, and I have to admit, I like having dinner cooked for me every night.”

“I’m offended that you only want me for my cooking skills,” he says, grinning. “But I’ll cook for you morning, noon, and night, as long as I get to wake up with you every day.”

“Well, you have other interestingskillstoo, but we can talk about those in detail later.”

“Sounds.” He kisses me. “Like.” Kiss. “A.” Kiss. “Deal.”

“Will you two stop making out? It’s time to eat!” Elliot calls out.

Ethan takes my hand, lacing our fingers together, and leads me to where I’ve placed all the dishes everyonebrought with them. Once everyone’s plates are full, I take a seat next to Ethan at the dining table, resting a hand on his thigh while he talks to Blaine. My fingers flirt along the seam of his pants on the inside of his thigh, edging higher and higher. He grabs hold of my wrist, and the look he gives me is laced with desire.

I bite down on my bottom lip and smirk.

“If you don't fucking stop, you’re going to see those particularskillsearlier than expected. And in public,” he whispers.

Alex looks at me from across the table, a knowing smile on his face. Blaine throws his arm around Alex’s shoulder, and he leans into him. I love the way they love each other.

Ignoring Ethan’s threat, I pick up one of the cupcakes and use the tip of my finger to scoop some of the frosting off and bring it to my mouth. I let out a low hum as I suck my finger clean from the sugary goodness.

Ethan growls under his breath, so I do it again. He turns slightly on his chair and angling his body toward me. He spreads his legs, reaches down to grab hold of my chair leg, and pulls until I’m seated between his spread legs. His hand goes around my throat, fingers pressing under my jaw, and he turns my head until his lips hover over mine.

“Stop being such a goddamn tease, or you’ll be in a world of trouble.”

A shiver runs down my spine, and I’m about to tell him to put his money where his mouth is when someone coughs.

Oops!

Ethan drops his hand, and my face heats when I raise my eyes to see several people watching us wide-eyed with their mouths gaping.

“This is the best birthday ever!” Elliot hoots, knocking off the party hat he’s wearing. “The only way you could top this is if I had a pet otter in a top hat.”

“That’s not gonna happen, El,” Zach says.

Elliot lets out an exasperated sigh. “Dude, it’s my birthday. Just indulge me.”

“Actually, there is something I’d like to say,” Ethan announces.

He pushes his chair back and stands up, taking my hand in his. Anxiety swirls in his eyes, and his breath comes out a little shaky, but his words come out smooth.

“J, seven months ago, this dumbass,” he starts, pointing at Blaine, “brought you into my life, and I didn’t realize how much of an impact you would have on me. You’re like sunshine. I wanted to be near you all the time, to feel your warmth. I felt comfortable around you, and I didn’t really understand why until we spent time together in England.”

Everyone is completely silent as he continues.

“You made me look at life differently. I was so jaded for so long, allowing ghosts to rule me when there was no reason to be afraid. I have a family around me, and they love me, no matter my flaws. They loved me even when I couldn’t let the fuckers in,” he admits with a chuckle, motioning around the table, and they all laugh.

“You made me see that I’m not broken. I’m not unlovable. I have a purpose away from the ice. You made me see that I want to be worthy ofyou.I want to grow old withyou.I know this is too soon, but you’ve taught me life is short and we need to live each day to the fullest, so I’m telling you, Jacob Lowry, I want us to live together. I want us to have a family. I want to invite these crazy fools toourhome inEngland on vacation and watch as they tear up the place. I want to watch you grow into an even more amazing human being than you already are.”

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