Page 16 of Icing the Play

JJ glanced at the timer on the bike. “Five minutes are up. Let’s go hit the bench.” He strutted away from me.

I dismounted from the bike and followed him. “Go easy on me today.” I knew he wouldn’t.

After classes,I sat at the dinette in my apartment, my laptop open to the ASU housing message boards. There had to be someone out there unhappy with their current living situation. I scanned message after message, but they were looking for someone to move in.

The door swung open and Tony strolled in. “Oh good. You’re home.”

I glanced at the mess in the kitchen. It had only gotten worseand now we hardly had any clean dishes or glasses on top of the pots and pans. “Yeah, hey, we need to talk.” I straightened and rubbed my palms on my thighs. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be difficult.

Sliding his backpack off his arm, he fell into the chair opposite me. “Look, I’ll clean up the kitchen after I study. I have a paper coming?—”

“I’m going to move out. A friend from high school is here, and he has a room for me.” With a deep inhale, I said, “I’m on the message boards now. I figured I could find someone to take over my lease.”

He sneered. “Don’t bother looking. I have someone already.” He stood. “A friend of mine wants out of his parents’ house.” He shrugged. “He’s not in college, but he’s got a decent job.” Clenching his jaw, he said, “He’s not a fucking neat freak like you.”

“Me?” I dropped my mouth open. I was a neat freak for asking to clean up his fucking dishes and not stealing my shit? “Yeah, whatever.”

“Let me know what day you can move, and I’ll tell my friend.” Bending over, he picked up his backpack and strode toward his bedroom. “I’ll be in my room getting my paper done.”

I twisted in the chair to watch him go. How fast could I pack my things and move? By Sunday maybe? I couldn’t move on game day. “I’ll know by tonight.”

“Good.” He slammed his door shut behind him.

Under my breath, I muttered, “What a fucker.” I wound my gaze to my laptop screen. Holy fuck, problem solved. My heart lifted. Now I just needed to tolerate JJ and Myles being together.

Later that evening,I’d texted Myles and driven to the address he’d given me. I was looking forward to the homecooked meal his buddy Ace was cooking. I hadn’t yet told him about the deal with Tony. It needed to be face-to-face.

After parking my Tacoma truck in front of the house, I looked over the bungalow in white bricks with a red-tiled roof. There was a large tree in the front yard, and landscaping rocks underneath. Good, no grass to deal with. This place would be my home if everything went well.

Exiting with my backpack, I walked up the walkway. As I lifted my hand to knock, the door swung open.

“Hey, Cooper, come on in.” Myles beamed at me. His ASU athletic gear showed off his thick arm muscles and mouthwatering thighs.

Fuck, the guy had some legs. My stomach flip-flopped and my balls tingled. “Hey, Myles. You look good, man.” I winced as I patted his shoulder, and I stepped inside his place. Was commenting on his appearance necessary?

A large man stood behind a kitchen island with a slow cooker in front of him. He had a head of messy brown waves, dark eyes, and some serious stubble on his jaw. But a good-looking guy over all. “Hi.”

“Ace, meet Cooper.” Myles grabbed my elbow and led me toward the kitchen.

“Ah, you’re the awesome goalie ASU had who won the championship.” Holy fuck, I’d forgotten I was meeting an NHL player tonight. I’d been too upset about Tony.

Myles rolled his eyes. “Way to suck up to him.”

With a warm grin, Ace lumbered to me and held out his hand. “You can suck up any time. It’s nice to meet you, Cooper.” He shook my hand.

A slender man dressed in nicer board shorts and a fitted t-shirt strolled to us. “Hello, Cooper. I’ve heard great things about you.” He stretched his hand to me. “I’m Zoma and I’m Ace’s boyfriend.”

“Oh, nice to meet you.” I gave his hand a quick shake.

“I hope you like pot roast with veggies and potatoes.” Ace strode into the kitchen and opened the lid on the slow cooker.

“Oh, do I. I’m from the Midwest. I was raised on that shit.” I followed Myles to the kitchen island and peeked inside the cooker. The scent of braised beef floated over my nose. “Smells great.” I scanned the kitchen and main room. Everything was in its place. These guys weren’t slobs. Fuck yeah.

“Let me take your backpack. We’re ready to eat.” Myles slid my pack off my shoulder and rested it on the tile floor by a well-used green sectional.

Where would I put my now-stained couch when I moved in? “Hey, Myles, we need to talk.” Might as well get it over with. I glanced at Ace, plating food with Zoma. He’d said they were cool with this.

“Yeah?” As he faced me, he stepped closer.

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