Page 67 of Stick By Me

A muscled bartender waltzed down to us, and we ordered our shots and some beers.

“So, I wanted to tell you that I called my dad tonight.” I gauged his reaction. “He um, didn’t answer his phone, but I did leave a message and…and I told him about you.”

“You did?” Leo raised his brows. “What did you say? It was a message?”

The bartender set down our drinks and Leo paid for it. “You can get the next round.”

With a nod, I said, “I told him I met a really great guy. And you are.” I held up my peach-colored shot. I didn’t want to dwell on the phone call with Dad. “To winning and your first time in a gay bar.”

With a soft laugh, Leo said, “There have been and will be a lot of firsts with you, Archer.” He tapped his glass to mine, then downed it.

I drank my shot down, my chest blooming with emotion. Could things get any better? “Let’s go sit with the guys and maybe later, I’ll show you my dance moves.” I ticked a brow at him.

A DJ with spikey hair and a shiny shirt stepped up to the stand. Thumping music filled the room.

Snatching Leo’s hand, I tugged him through the crowd, men dancing, and to the table by the wall where the squad waited.

Leo greeted everyone with quick hugs, then hopped onto a tall chair next to me and set his beer glass down. Leaning into my ear, he said, “I have a feeling the whole squad is going to get lucky tonight.”

“Yeah?” I sipped my beer, then threw a grin at Jonah, who was giving me a smirk. “Let’s go show them how it’s done.” To hell with waiting for later to dance. Grabbing Leo’s hand, I brought him to the dance floor and hooked my arms around his neck, gazing into his dark eyes.

Leo pressed his forehead to mine and set his hands on my hips, moving in time with me to the beat, up and down, side to side.

As the song morphed into a faster version ofEnjoy the Silenceby Depeche Mode, people shouted in the bar and pumped their fists, then crowded the dance floor.

“I love this song.” Leo held me tightly to him, his leg sliding between both of mine, our hips pressing together. He swayed me slowly, cheek to cheek and sang the song into my ear, his voice sultry and gritty at the same time, changing the wordgirltoboy.

Who knew Leo could sing? Emotions surged inside me. I clung to him. Holy fuck, I loved this man. I never even knew what love was before he came into my life. And now, he was going all in for me.

As the bridge started up in the song with the haunting keyboard melody, he loosened his hold enough to cover my mouth in kisses, his soft lips brushing mine, then pressing harder, his tongue tentative, then forceful.

I slanted my mouth over his and poured my heart and soul into our kisses, our connection, my heart spilling over with love.

As the chorus started up, he cupped my cheeks and sang theverses to me, his gaze darting between my eyes, as if he were saying the words directly to me.

When the verses stopped and only music remained, he pulled my head close, and in my ear, said, “Words matter, Archer. I love you.”

My eyes stung and my breath hitched. Don’t cry in the middle of the gay bar. I’d never live it down. With a nod, I grabbed his cheeks and locked my gaze to his. “I love you, too, Leo.” I sniffled, then wiped the wetness from my eyes. Every time I heard this song for the rest of my life, I’d never think of anything but this moment.

With a wide smile, he kissed me hard, then broke the kiss. “I’m staying the night. I need to be with you.” He swiped his nose, then said, “Remy will cover me.” He tapped my chest. “For now, Archer. It’s not forever. Axel will know and everything is going to work out. I’ll make sure of it.”

I dropped my mouth open. I had no reason not to believe every word he said. “I can’t wait to sleep in your arms.”

Jonah popped up next to us. “You boys look like you’re having a moment. Everything okay?” He wound an arm and me and one around Leo.

Lifting my chin high, I said, “Wearehaving a moment. A very good fucking moment.” I gave Leo a knowing look. “Leo’s spending the night.”

“Is he, now.” Jonah looked Leo over. “Does that mean you’re making breakfast?”

“It does. I hope you’re stocked up with food.” Leo hugged me to his side.

“We are always stocked up. No way to have an empty pantry with all these puck boys in the house.” He huffed out a snort. “We have to keep our manly figures.” Holding his arm over his head, he twirled on the dance floor.

The others joined around us, Ace, Mason, Tyler and Myles.

“What’s going on? Group hug?” Mason wrapped his arms around us from the other side and all of them joined in.

“Damn it, you guys. We’re not on the ice and no one has scored a goal.” I belly laughed. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this happy.

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