Page 58 of The Boyfriend Zone

The observation struck me as significant, though I wasn't quite sure why. It was something to think about later, perhaps—the idea that my value to hockey might extend beyond my years as a player.

Back at the hotel, everyone showered and packed up for the return journey. Lucas slipped an arm around my waist as we waited by the bus, our bags at our feet.

"Today was good," he said softly. "Seeing you in your element, even if it wasn't the way you're used to being there."

"It was," I agreed, surprised to find I meant it. "Different, but good."

On the ride home, we sat together again. The conversation was lighter this time, playful banter about everything from Lucas's terrible taste in music to my apparently "concerning" addiction to spicy food.

"It's not an addiction," I protested. "It's an appreciation for flavor."

"Sean, I've seen you put hot sauce on ice cream," Lucas countered. "That's not appreciation. That's a cry for help."

"It was mint chip!" I defended. "Mint and chili is a classic combination."

"In what universe?"

"The universe of refined palates, Lucas. You wouldn't understand with your bland, suburban taste buds."

Lucas gasped in mock offense. "My taste buds are sophisticated and worldly!"

"Your favorite food is grilled cheese," I pointed out.

"A perfect food!" Lucas insisted. "The platonic ideal of comfort and simplicity!"

"My point exactly," I said triumphantly. "You're a food simpleton."

"And you're a heat-seeking masochist," Lucas retorted, poking me in the ribs.

The playful argument continued until I noticed Lucas stifling a yawn. "Tired?" I asked, shifting to make my shoulder available as a pillow.

"A bit," he admitted. "Watching you bounce around the bench like an excited puppy for three periods was exhausting."

"I do not bounce," I objected.

"You absolutely do," Lucas countered, even as he settled against my side, his head finding the spot on my shoulder that seemed made for it. "It's cute, though. Like watching a hockey savant have religious experiences over proper defensive positioning."

I was about to argue further when I realized he was already dozing off, his breathing slowing as he relaxed against me. Instead, I pressed a kiss to the top of his head, marveling at how natural it felt to have him there.

Zach, passing by to retrieve something from his bag in the overhead storage, caught the gesture and gave me a knowing smirk.

The ride back to campus seemed shorter somehow, the familiar landscapes passing in a blur as I alternated between watching Lucas sleep and chatting quietly with teammates who stopped by our seat. When we finally arrived back at the university, it was nearly midnight, the campus quiet and still.

Lucas stirred as the bus came to a stop, blinking sleepily as he straightened up. "We're back already?"

"You slept through most of it," I informed him, running a hand through his hair to tame the rumpled mess my shoulder had made of it. "And you definitely drooled a little this time."

"Did not," he protested, scrubbing a hand over his face. "I'm a dignified sleeper."

"Sure you are," I agreed, helping him gather his things as we prepared to disembark. "Very dignified. Like a puppy having a dream about chasing squirrels."

Outside, the night air was chilly, and I noticed Lucas shiver as we stood waiting for the team to unload the equipment. Without thinking, I shrugged off my team jacket and draped it around his shoulders.

"You'll freeze," Lucas protested, though he made no move to return the jacket.

"I run hot," I explained with a smile. "Especially after games, even ones I don't play in."

"Must be the company," Lucas suggested, pulling the jacket closer around him.

---