Page 32 of Goaltender Interference

But although Connor definitely got more pucks in the back of the net after that, Jesse caught or blocked more than he would have liked. By the time Tyson finally called it, Connor was fired up, eager to see what it would be like having Jesse on their team this season.

He lookedgoodin the black, red, orange, and yellow team colors.

Connor and Jesse were both flushed and laughing as they skated toward the still-rolling cameras. “Welcome to Boston, Webber,” Connor said with a smile, tapping Jesse on the pads.

It was in the script for him to say but hemeantit. However weird shit had been with Jesse so far, this part of it was going to be good.

Jesse was good.

“Thanks, O’Shea,” Jesse said, bumping his catcher into Connor’s glove, his eyes bright and happy. “Glad to be here.”

They wrapped up filming after that and Connor was the first in the shower. He soaped off, hoping to get in and out before Jesse even got his gear off. But Connor was still scrubbing his hair when Jesse sauntered in the wet room and cranked on the showerhead across from his.

Jesse’s gaze was blatant and appreciative when he raked it over Connor’s body.

Connor’s skin went hot, hotter even than the water falling on his shoulders, and he bit out an oath and turned away before his cock could give him away.

Even then, he could feel Jesse’s gaze on his skin. And, God help him, he liked it.

Things with Viv had been rough for a long while before they split.

None of it was that surprising. He’d been gone a lot and she was home with three kids, one of whom was getting serious about his hockey. That wasn’t a recipe for a good marriage, though somehow, his father and two of his brothers had managed it.

Connor was the only one who’d failed.

He ducked his head, letting the water wash the soapy bubbles away.Fuck. There was a mood killer.

He finished his shower quickly after that and when he turned, he saw Jesse staring at him. He’d half expected him to be putting on a show, stroking his cock while he pretended to soap up or something, but to his surprise, Jesse simply stared, brow a little furrowed.

“Everything okay?” Jesse asked quietly, barely loud enough to be heard over the rush of water.

Connor nodded. “Yeah, it’s fine.”

Jesse frowned, like he was about to argue, but all he said was, “I am sorry about this morning.”

“I know, Webber,” Connor said with a tired sigh. “I know.”

Because that was the thing. He was starting to think that maybe Jesse was a magnet for disasters.

It didn’t mean he was off the hook for being responsible and on time. But maybe Connor needed to figure out a way tohelpthe kid instead of yelling at him.

“Hey, you wanna grab a late lunch on the way home?” he asked, wrapping a towel around his waist. “I can show you a bit of the city after.”

Jesse’s expression brightened. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

CHAPTER NINE

The next few days were both stressful and boring.

Jesse was honestly trying to be on his best behavior as he paid a fortune to get his Jag out of the impound lot and found a secure long-term parking area where he could safely leave his baby.

He unpacked and stuck to Connor like glue while he met more people from the organization, went through orientation shit, and took a behind-the-scenes tour of Boston’s arena. He got his access badges and sat down to meetings about the franchise’s expectations for him this season.

He listened closely to the strength and conditioning staff when they discussed their plans for him and offered his own suggestions for things he wanted to work on.

Mostly, he tried not to piss off Connor.

Although, he’d been pretty nice in the past few days, actually.

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