Page 6 of One Touch

Fuck that. I wasn’t going to let some guy ruin everything I’d worked for. He had to earn it if he wanted to be part of the team. He thought because he knew my brother, we were friends, but he’d learn real quick he was enemy number one.

Time to buck up, Bambi.

CHAPTER3

MILLER

Loweringmyself into the ice bath, I both rejoiced and swore at the cold temperature. My body hurt in places I hadn’t felt in years, which was saying something. Training camp had been good. We’d just finished our last practice this morning and had the rest of the day to rest before the game tonight.

After the encounter with Lathan on day one, I expected him to avoid me at all costs. Color me surprised when he teamed up with me during practice. Granted, he hadn’t said anything other than to bark commands, but it was more than I’d anticipated.

Every grumble from his mouth made my smile brighten. My twisted brain didn’t care that the guy hated me for no apparent reason or that he called me Bambi. I was just happy to have his attention.

Like right now… Lathan strutted into the training room, spotted me, and scowled at the mere sight. A wise person would leave him alone as he requested, but I’d never been known for being smart.

“You excited about the game?” I asked.

He ignored me, but I didn’t let it stop me. It helped to focus on him instead of the freezing cold and the timer that told me how much longer I had to stay submerged.

“I am. I know it’s preseason, but the first game always hypes me up. A whole new season ahead of us where anything is possible.”

Lathan rolled his eyes, but it didn’t deter me. In fact, it made it more fun to see what reactions I could get from him.

“Anyone coming to the game for you? Not for me. Texas is a bit far from my family, not that they came to a lot of games when they were closer. They don’t really understand hockey but they’re supportive in their own way.”

“Yo, Fahn! You for real made this?” Stryker Bell asked from the open doorway. He was holding up one of the friendship bracelets I’d made the team.

“Uh, yeah. Just something I like to do.” I shrugged and noticed how still Lathan had gone.

“Dope.”

My timer went off, so I pulled myself out of the ice bath. My boxers clung to me, and I took the towel the trainer handed me. When I looked up, I caught Lathan staring before he turned his back and stalked out of the room.

Stryker raised his brow, but I shrugged. I couldn’t explain Lathan’s behavior without getting into our history. Based on his reaction to my arrival, I was the only one who’d been affected by that one touch, so I’d keep that to myself.

Stryker slapped my shoulder as I headed into the locker room. Most of the guys had left, wanting to maximize the time they had off before the game. The few that were still present nodded at us. The team had been welcoming and open so far. There was only one player who seemed to have a problem with having queer players on the team—Chet Doyle.

So far, he hadn’t done anything, but if the snide remarks he made under his breath when the coaches weren’t around were any indication, it wouldn’t be long until he did. I didn’t want to be around when he got braver, so I kept a wide berth.

I didn’t know if that was why Stryker and I had bonded—both being openly queer players in the league—or if he was just generally a nice guy, but I was happy not to be the only queer guy on the team for once.

“I’ll catch you later,” I said to Stryker after I’d dressed. He waved, not looking up from his phone as I headed out. The parking lot was practically empty as I headed over to my rental. My car and all my belongings were due to arrive early next week, and I couldn’t wait. I loved my car. It was the first nice thing I’d bought myself after signing with Chicago.

It wasn’t flashy or anything, but it was mine, and that was what I loved about it.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t notice the shadow until it was too late. A body pushed me against my door, and their forearm pressed into my throat. The instant our skin made contact, that familiar electricity I only associated with Lathan raced up my body. His light blue eyes were hard as ice as he stared at me. They were so cold I could almost feel the cold searing into me.

I was a few inches taller than him, and my brain had all kinds of ideas on how to use that to my advantage. The press of his body against mine was sending all the wrong signals, and I willed my dick to stand down.

It did not listen.

“Awww. Did you miss me?” I teased in an attempt to distract him from the thickening cock in my pants.

My words broke his stupor, and he sneered. “Keep your love life out of the locker room, Bambi.”

I blinked in confusion. What the heck?

“Come again?” I gasped.

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