Page 4 of Twisted Minds

Hunter looks at the bed then the hard tiled floor. “I mean, it’s a big bed. We could both sleep in it.”

“Are you trying to seduce me?” I tease. His face blooms in the cutest crimson shade.

“I’m . . . I’m just saying. It’s uh, it’s big. I mean the bed is big. It’s uh, big enough for us both. I’m just saying it’s big enough, and I’m not a homophobic prick who thinks sleeping next to a man means they’re coming on to me or they want to fuck me.”

“Whoa, okay, wow. Slow down. I was teasing. I’m gay, so relax. But I won’t jump on you while we’re sleeping either. Not even into you like that.”Okay, slight lie.I’m not trying to start anything with him, but I wouldn’t say no. Maybe I slipped in the shower and hit my head and just don’t remember. It’s the only way to explain this sudden-onset brain damage. “It was just a joke, okay?”

Hunter’s broad shoulders relax. “I’m gay too.”

Okay, a hookup is not off the table then. . .

Definitely hit my head in the shower. What’s wrong with me?Get your shit together!This is the last thing this guy needs right now. The last thing I need too. Sleep. Yes. We both need sleep. On this bed. Not with each other. “Great, well, now that we’veboth come out to each other can we get some fucking sleep?” I’m slowly losing my patience. “Inside or out? Guest dibs.”

“Inside is fine.”

“In case there’s a burglar? Nice. I’ll do my best to protect you, but your biceps are about as big as my head. You may have better luck.” Hunter just rolls into bed, but I swear I see a tiny smile.

He presses his back against the wall, and I try not to feel offended by the amount of space he puts between us, but when I get into bed his eyes widen. “You’re not putting a shirt on?”

“I usually sleep naked so consider yourself lucky.”

“Oh yes, so lucky the hot guy next to me isn’t going to be naked.” Hunter smiles and it’s a brilliant thing to see. It’s the first time I’ve seen any spark of life in those eyes tonight.

“Idiot,” I huff, turning over to shut the light off.

“Thank you. Seriously, I appreciate this a lot.” The words come out in a heavy rasp that makes my stomach dip. Whatever Hunter’s fighting through isn’t for me to pry into.

“I hope tomorrow’s better. I hope your friend gets out without too much trouble.”

“Me too. It’s his first time getting arrested, and they were both drunk. I think the officers just want them to cool off.” Hunter moves in the dark, and I can feel the heat coming off his body and the sweet scent of whatever body wash or spray he’s wearing. I ignore it all. “Night, Mark.”

Still, I can’t help the little smile on my lips from hearing him say my name. “Night.”

two

Hunter

Why the fuck is everything so hot?

Sweat clings to my skin. Why am I so warm? What—opening my eyes, confusion hits me faster than the night before does.

I shouldn’t have taken Sawyer to that party—the huge one we throw every year before the season—but he is my best friend, and while he doesn’t play on the hockey team, he does help with a lot of things off the ice. Like schedules, equipment, and making us all really fucking good protein snacks.

I knew it was dumb to let him come when he insisted, but Derrick wasn’t supposed to be there. He’d told us earlier in the day he wasn’t going to come, so I’d thought it was safe.

Then Derrick did show up and fixed his smart fucking mouth to talk about Jane. Sawyer, like any good brother would do, beat the absolute shit out of him. It honestly shocked us all. Well, maybe not me, I work out with him, and if there’s one thing Sawyer does not play about, it’s his sister and mother.

So Sawyer got arrested, but not before accidentally elbowing me in the eye when I’d tried to pull him off Derrick.

I shove all that aside and watch Mark sleeping next to me.

Okay, maybe last night wasn’t all bad.

When I’d seen him in the hallway, I couldn’t help checking him out a little. Freshly showered, his stomach had been very visible and mouth-watering.

He’s also the reason I’m currently sweating to death—his arm is thrown over my chest, hugging me like I’m a plushie. His ice-blond hair is spilled over his pillow, those plush red lips parted a little, and he’s snoring softly. His features are sharp and delicate.

He is very, very handsome.

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