Page 15 of Goaltender Interference

“Yeah, well, your mistakes are why you’re on my team now,” Connor snapped.

“Andyourmistakes are why you’re pissed about that,” Jesse countered with a shrug. “So fuck you.”

Connor’s expression hardened. “Look, neither of us are happy about this so let’s put it behind us. It was one night, it meant nothing, and from here on out, we’re teammates.”

“So, you’re saying you don’t want to keep hooking up?” Jesse wet his lips. “Shame.”

“No I don’t fucking wanna keep hooking up. Jesus Christ, you’re my responsibility now, God help me.”

“It is a big job keeping me in line. Pro tip though—I’m much better behaved when I’m getting dicked down on the regular. Keeps me out of trouble.”

“Well, find someone else to do that job,” Connor said shortly. “I have a family and team to worry about. I don’t have time to worry aboutyou.”

“Maybeyou’rethe one who needs to get dicked down more. Because even for you, this Captain Growly shtick is getting a little ridiculous.”

“Listen to me, Webber.” Connor pointed a finger.

Jesse resisted the urge to grab it and lick it like a popsicle. See? He could behave. He batted his lashes instead. “Listening.”

“I don’t have time for your shit. The only thing I need from you is for you to focus on playing hockey, you got it?”

Jesse saluted. “Aye, aye, Captain!”

“Motherfucker,” Connor muttered under his breath. “Can you be serious for one moment?”

“Motherfucker … yeah, your mom is hot,” Jesse agreed. “I’d fuck her, if she was single.”

Connor turned even more purple. “That’s another thing! Stay the fuck away from my family, do you hear me?”

“Loud and clear,” Jesse said, though he liked the O’Sheas and had no intention of staying away from them. Nor did he think they’d stay away from him. “Looking forward to the upcoming season,Captain.”

Connor growled and reached for the door handle. He wrenched the door open, stalking through it.

Before he disappeared from view, Jesse blew him a kiss and winked.

Maybe this trade could be fun after all.

CHAPTER FOUR

LATE AUGUST

“We’d like you to put Webber up at your place for the season. He could use a … steadying influence.”

Connor tried not to choke on his post-supper coffee as he stared across the table of the swanky seafood restaurant in Back Bay.

Gavin Racinelookedperfectly normal. The Boston Harrier’s General Manager hadn’t suddenly sprouted a horn or tails, so why the fuck was he trying to ruin Connor’s goddamn life like the devil himself?

Connor managed, “Uh, I’m not sure that?—”

Gavin leaned forward. “My job’s on the line here, O’Shea.”

“I’m sorry?” he said hoarsely.

Rubbing his forehead, Gavin suddenly looked tired. “The ownership group is getting antsy. They don’t like how long the rebuild is taking.”

“I thought it was a re-tool,” Connor said drily.

Gavin managed a half-hearted smile. “That’s what I’m aiming for, but realistically …”

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