Page 56 of Defensive Zone

Zach closes the distance between us and cups my face with his hand, pressing his lips hard against mine. Resting his forehead against mine, he murmurs, “You mean it?”

“Yeah, I mean it. I’m in this, Reid, if you’ll have me.”

His answering kiss tells me everything I need to know. We’re doing this. Together. It might have taken me years to catch up, but I’m here now, and he’s got all of me.

Peyton attempts to lift Zach up off his feet when we pull apart, swinging him in a circle like a toddler before righting him again.

“Fuck, I’m the only single one left,” Peyton cries when he puts him down.

“Uh, no, you’re not,” Blaine replies, then points to Elliot and Jackson. “What about those two?”

“Jackson’s a dad, he doesn’t count, and Elliot’s in love with the fireman.”

“Amnot,” Elliot retorts.

“Yeah, you kinda are,” Blaine quips.

“Fine, maybe I am. Only a little bit, though.” Elliot sighs with a roll of his eyes. “But it still means I’m single. So, quit being all mopey, Pey, and order some pizza. I amhungry.”

Peyton blinks at him. “It’s not my apartment!”

“Ugh. Can’t you be the responsible adult for once?”

“I’ll order it,” Ethan grumbles from the back of the group and makes his way over to us. He puts his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “I’m pleased for you both, truly.”

“Thanks, Ethan.” Zach smiles.

When the guys disperse and follow Ethan to give him their pizza order, Zach turns to me and lets out a relieved sigh. “I was really nervous about telling them.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. I knew they would be nothing but supportive and happy for us, but I was still nervous about their reaction.”

“No, I get it. They’re important to you.” I take his hand, lacing our fingers together. “I’m glad you’ve had this, though. This support network around you. I never really understood until now just kinda… how alone you were without me, I guess. I’m glad you’ve got these guys.”

Zach presses his lips to mine in a gentle kiss, and when we move to sit on the couch, Elliot’s standing in front of us, blocking our path.

“Okay, so I’m like super happy for you both. If I had pom-poms, I’d be doing some kind of cheer right now and making a song out of your names, but how about we do a little less kissing and more gaming?” He holds out the game controller, but his face falls when Zach holds up his casted wrist.

“No can do, bud. I’ll be on your team though for moral support.”

Elliot seems content with that, and Zach gives me a quick kiss before taking a seat next to Elliot and Blaine as they power up the game console.

Heading into the kitchen, I place my beer down and lean against the counter next to Ethan.

“How’s he doing?” Ethan asks quietly. “He mentioned the other day his cast is coming off soon, but he didn’t say anything about the headaches.”

“He’s doing okay, but the migraines are still knocking him around. The doctor doesn’t seem too concerned, though. She said it’s pretty normal, given the severity of the concussion.” I chew on my bottom lip. Ethan’s been the Thunder’s captain forover a decade, and as the oldest guy on the team, he’s naturally taken on the “papa bear” role.

“I had a word with Chris and told him that Zach might not always tell us about it. He will try and play through it, so we need to watch for signs. I’ve been reading up on it so I can keep my eye on him. Any slight sign of a migraine, and I’ll be getting him checked.”

My breath whooshes out of me. Ethan’s hit the nail on the head regarding the concern that’s been swirling in my chest. Zach can be stubborn as fuck. I know that, and I’m so fucking relieved that his captain knows that too.

“Thank you, it means a lot knowing he has you looking out for him,” I say, genuinely grateful. “I’m not going to lie to you, it’s been stressing me out. I’ve felt helpless these last few weeks, you know? I wish there was more I could do to help him, take some of that pain away, because I know that the second the doctor says his wrist is good, it’ll all come down to his headaches, and I know he’ll downplay his pain just so he can get back out there.”

“Just being here for him is helping him. He’s an intelligent guy, but it’s a case of making sure he knows hockey isn’t everything, and now that you’re here and you’re together, I’m hoping he’ll make the right decision and put his health first.”

Swallowing roughly, I ask the question that’s been playing on my mind since Jacob came over. “Did… did you know?”

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