Page 70 of First Puck

“After everything I did for you.” He sighed even more dramatically. “I sacrificed my body for your love, and this is how you repay me?”

I glared at him dully, until he opened one eye, checking my reaction.

“Oh, shut up.” I gave him a small smile before he burst out with his booming laugh, loud enough to catch Tommy’s attention.

We just had to pretend we weren’t aware of him or his reactions to us.

“Come on,” he said, nudging my shoulder. “It’s all a bit of fun, there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Brad actually hurt you, though,” I said softly.

“Yeah, and so do other players. My sexy ass is a prime target for all those jealous wannabes out there trying to make a name by knocking down Ryan Austin’s kid. It’s not like it’s anything new. If it hadn’t been Brad, it would be a Bulldog tomorrow.”

My lips parted but I paused, with nothing to counter him. I already knew he was right. But Brad taking down a teammate in a practice game was different than someone crashing into Lance during a match.

“Honestly, you’re as much of a cocksucker as me.” Lance grinned. “And you’re miles ahead,” he said as his eyes traced Tommy’s back as he talked to the bartender.

“You could push harder, too, you know,” I said

“Not yet. Whenever I try something, he just runs off. He’s not the same breed of idiot as Brad.”

“Hey, that’s harsh.”

“Well, am I wrong?” He arched a brow as he leaned in close so Tommy would definitely get the wrong idea. “Even if you don’tadmit it, you know I’m right,” he said, his voice curling over his tongue.

“We’re all morons here, we’re just showing it in different ways,” I replied.

He kept himself close to my ear, nearly resting his head on my shoulder as he gazed at me adoringly. I let it go, even though people were staring.

“Anyway.” He sighed. “We’ve got a big game tomorrow. It’s not worth you getting all depressed and then fucking it up.”

“Alright, but I mean it, Lance. I’m not doing it anymore. No more Brad plans, no sneaking around. We just kissed earlier, and I feel guilty enough that—”

“Ah ha!” Lance shot back with a wide grin. “Alex, my son. Are you admitting Brad 9.0 has, in fact, been a success? Does this mean you’re backing out just as we reach the peak of the experiment?”

“No, that’s not it. There’s nothing successful about this. I just don’t think it’s fair to lie to people.”

He stilled, caught by my statement. The seconds grew more tense with every one that dripped by. “Okay.” His shoulders lowered and his chest deflated. “Okay, I hear you. But can you do something for me?”

I was surprised at the whisper of vulnerability in his tone. The last time I had heard it was when we were on my bed, and he told me the full story of his mom’s health.

“Sure, if I can.” I wasn’t going to deny him when he sounded like that.

“Just keep pretending for a bit longer. If something happens with Brad and you want to abandon me, shun me, leave me wasted by the side of the road like some poor waif—”

“Lance,” I stopped him before he got into it again. My sympathy quickly evaporated as his usual smirk returned.

“Yeah, okay, fine. What I mean is, as long as you and Brad don’t get together, keep being my fake boyfriend.”

“You still have a plan?”

“Who do you think I am? Of course I have a plan. Just because you’re giving up on Brad 9.0, doesn’t mean I am. It’s just going to evolve into the brand-new sparkly Tommy 1.0.” He spread out his arms like some entertainer, revealing a grand new spectacle.

To be honest, I felt sorry for Tommy. Lying to Brad was bad enough, but at least Brad had a bright side personality. I couldn’t imagine how Tommy would react when he found out the truth.

“I don’t know where things are going with Brad at the moment,” I said, choosing not to tell Lance what I actually thought. I felt guilty giving him such a weak excuse, especially with everything else going on for him.

“Yeah, but I know what you’re like. If I leave my favorite child alone, you’ll just get all mopey and then lose your edge. Let’s have a bit of fun and forget all our baggage and woes! I hear a pool cue with my name on it!”

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