Page 35 of Icing the Play

I sipped my drink. “Okay, what are you saying?” Maybe letting him talk and keeping my mouth shut was best. I unwrapped my burger and bit into it, the juicy meat filling my tongue with flavor.

“I’m saying I won’t be happy about you guys dating, but I can’t stop you.” He licked the sauce off a finger, snapped a napkin out of a holder on the table, and wiped his mouth. “Right? I can’t stop you.”

Nodding, I chewed. I needed an angle here. “You want Myles to be happy, right?” I peered at him.

“Of course I do. I care about him. He’s a genuinely decent guy.” He shrugged. “Even if I’m not the one he wants to be with.” He tensed his brows. “If you guys start dating, just keep it out of my face for a while, okay? I need some time.” With a huff, he sagged his shoulders.

Shit, had he started falling for Myles? “JJ, if I date him, I’ll do right by him.” Holding my burger, I lifted my chin. “You’re right. He’s a good guy, and he deserves the best.”

His gaze locked on mine. “You’re damn right you will. If you hurt him, I’ll be coming after you.” He pressed his lips together.

I widened my eyes. He was serious. “That won’t be necessary. I won’t hurt him.” I obviously had someone special in Myles. “Just to verify, though, I have your blessing to date him?”

Rolling his eyes, he tsked. “Yes, you have my blessing.” Witha smirk, he said, “Just keep your happy couple selves away from me for now.”

“How long do you need?” I ate more of my burger, my pulse slowing. Did this mean I couldn’t invite Myles to our games or any parties my friends were at?

“I don’t know. A month?” He drank his tea. “Maybe not that long. I’ll let you know.” A sly grin played over his mouth. “I saw a hot dude at the gym yesterday. Had the tightest ass I’ve ever seen.” He winked at me. “You know what they say. The best way to get over someone is under someone else.”

I choked out a laugh, holding the back of my hand to my mouth. “Yeah, okay.” We were cool.

Later that evening,I made my way into the house. With JJ out of the way, I was free to pursue Myles. I was ready to turn on the charm. I strolled into the kitchen, my gaze landing on Ace and Zoma, sitting practically on top of each other on the sectional, watching some hockey game footage on YouTube.

“Hey, is Myles home?” I strutted through the room, stopping at the couch. Would he want a home cooked meal or dinner out? And after, would we hookup in my room or his?

“He’s home. I think he’s in the shower.” With his eyes narrowing, Ace smirked at me. “Don’t get any ideas about showering with him. We’ve got our eyes on you.” He pointed two fingers at his eyes and then at me.

“What? Why?” I shifted my stance. What the hell had Myles told them? Or maybe he was prepping for me? I could only hope. My dick plumped in my athletic shorts.

Zoma straightened on the couch. “Ace is just…being Ace.” He patted the cushion next to him. “Come and have a seat.”

“Okay.” I rounded the sectional and sunk in beside Zoma. I guessed everyone wanted a say in our relationship. I eyed him.

“We, um... know the situation. Myles has been pretty nervous about you talking to JJ.” He tilted his head. “So, do you have good news?”

“I do.” With a grin creeping over my lips, I said, “JJ told me it was okay with him for us to date.” But I’d keep JJ’s secret.

“Good.” Zoma clapped his hands over his heart and leaned in closer. “Just so you know, there’s a very nice restaurant in Tempe with a garden wall. Very romantic. After Myles had told Ace about it, he took me there on our first date. I’m sure you’d score some big points if you took him there.”

Ace huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “Babe, why are you giving him a leg up? The guy should work for it.”

“Stop it, Ace.” Zoma slapped at Ace’s thigh. “I just want Myles to be happy and I know how much it would mean to him to go there with Cooper.”

“That’s it. I’ll try to get a reservation tonight.” I glanced at them both. “You don’t think he’s busy with studying tonight, do you?” Shit, I had a paper to start, but fuck it. It could wait.

“Nope, he was home studying all afternoon.” Zoma beamed at me.

“Okay.” I fished my phone out of my backpack and opened the screen. “What’s the name of the place?”

“Society,” Zoma said.

I Googled the restaurant and clicked on the website. “Oh damn, I might have to change.” I checked their online reservation. “There’s an opening at seven.” I typed quickly, securing the table.

“What has an opening at seven?” Myles stood in the hallway, a pair of sweat pant shorts hanging low on his hips, drying his blond hair with a towel.

“Put on something nice. I’m taking you to dinner.” I jumped from the couch, strolled to him and kissed his cheek. “You can’t back out, and JJ gave us his blessing.” I slapped his ass and started toward my room. I needed to change and freshen up.

“Where are we going?” Myles called out.

---