Page 63 of One Touch

“Yeah. It did. That was shocking coming home to.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’ve been staying with Lathan for the time being. I have a few feelers out, but nothing has been right.” Mostly because none of them came with a six-foot blond with ice-blue eyes.

“Oh, no! That’s terrible. Real estate in Austin can be overwhelming. It took us two years to find the right place.”

“Even if it wasn’t, we’re not moving now. We have too much stuff.” Samson chuckled.

Lexi smiled and slapped his stomach. “Half of it is your hockey stuff, mister,” she teased before turning back to me. “Any location you’re looking at? I might know some hidden gems from our search.”

“Something close to the stadium and the Rainbow Lounge. Those are really the two places I spend the most time at.”

“I haven’t heard of the Rainbow Lounge. What is it?”

“It’s a non-profit organization for LGBTQ+ youth. I volunteer there as much as the schedule allows.”

Her eyes widened, and she smiled. “That’s amazing. I didn’t know there was something like that in Austin.”

“Yeah. It’s a great organization. I’m helping them prepare for a gala to raise enough money to start a hockey club.”

“Really? That sounds awesome,” Samson said.

“Yeah. They’ve got me helping with some of the promotions.”

“Does the team know? I bet several others would attend, and the Aces organization itself would contribute.”

“I hadn’t wanted to pressure people.”

Samson nodded and gave me a kind smile. “It’s not easy being the new guy, but you’re a big part of the team, Miller. You and Silver are fire together. I’ve never seen anything like it. I’d almost believe the two of you have been skating together for years instead of months.”

Was it warm in here, or was my face just heating on its own?

“Uh, thanks. It’s been great clicking with him on the ice. We’ve known each other since college, so maybe that translates on the ice.”

“Hm. Perhaps,” Samson mused, his gaze assessing.

“Hey, don’t forget about me,” Lexi interrupted, and I could kiss her for taking her husband’s all-too-knowing gaze away from me. “I want to help. Does the Rainbow Lounge need regular people volunteers?”

“I can pass along your information if you want. They do background checks for all volunteers since there are youth involved, but I’m sure they’d gladly take any help they can get. There’s a secret guest attending that they’re keeping hush-hush, but it’s increased the size and security of the event.”

“Ooh, sounds fun! Count me in. It will be great to do something outside of the house once in a while. I’m an interior designer, but I haven’t done anything in years.” She sighed and settled her hands on her stomach. “Three kids is not for the faint of heart. I’m not sure I’m going to survive the fourth one.”

“You’ll be fine, babe. You’re a great mom and wrangle us all just fine.” Samson kissed her cheek, and she blushed.

“Stop it. You just like the baby-making process a little too much.”

Samson chuckled and wrapped his arms around her waist. “What can I say? I’m a hockey player. We’re a different breed. When I find the one for me, I claim them over and over.” He nuzzled her neck and longing to do the same to my man, smacked me upside the head. Samson wasn’t wrong. I wanted to do nothing but claim Lathan over and over.

“And that’s my cue to get a refill,” I joked, but neither Samson nor Lexi heard me.

I chatted with a few other players and met their girlfriends and wives. Everyone was friendly and cheerful as I made my way across the room. By the time the speeches were over, I was ready to leave. I’d lost track of Lathan thirty minutes ago, so I could only hope he was ready to go. I pulled out my phone and shot off a text, telling him to meet me at the coat check-in. He thumbed up my message, and I sighed in relief. Finally.

Samson and Lexi were also gathering their coats when I approached, but their attention was lost to one another as they shared a deep kiss. I handed the attendant my ticket and waited quietly to the side.

“Here you go, sir,” the attendant said. The couple broke apart at the words. Samson looked smug, while Lexi appeared slightly embarrassed.

“Good night,” I said and retrieved my own coat.

“It was lovely meeting you,” Lexi said.

“You too.”

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