Page 53 of Icing the Play

“Yeah?” I worried my lower lip. Leo would be perfect to talk to. “So, what happened when you came out to them?” It had been when Archer’s dad had a heart attack and his life sort of imploded.

“My parents were shocked, and my brother saw a side of them he didn’t know existed.” He clenched his jaw. “But everyone got over it after some discussion and we’re better than ever.”

“My dad was a total prick to me, remember?” Archer said, leaning over Leo. “But he came to his senses.” He reached out and squeezed my forearm. “It might be hard, but it’s worth it in the end.”

Nodding, I focused on my beer, resting in the holder in front of me. I should have ordered a stronger drink, but then we were going to the gay bar tonight, so we’d have shots.

“Myles, we’re all here for you. Remember that.” Ace planted his hand on my shoulder. “My parents weren’t very accepting at first either, but they came around. Have some hope.” He glanced at the field. “And when they find out you’re dating a football star, I’ll bet they’ll be happy.” He freed a soft snort. “Damn, think of it. A guy in the NFL having a boyfriend in the NHL? Think of all the money you’ll have.”

“Stop it.” I smiled despite myself. Could my life turn out so well? “But what if our teams are on opposite sides of the country?” My gut tensed. I hadn’t been allowing myself to think so far ahead. My season hadn’t even started yet.

“You’ll be able to afford to travel. Couples do it. Think about rockstars or actors? They figure shit out.” Ace gave me a warm grin.

“Myles, just get through this season. Play your heart out and enjoy the time you have with Cooper now.” Leo patted my thigh. “Focus on making this work and good things will happen.”

“Thanks, guys.” As I grabbed my beer and sunk into my seat, I set my attention on the game.

Mississippi kicked a field goal to tie it.

“Fuckin’ A. Look at what happens when we’re not paying attention?” With a scoff, Ace threw his arm in the air.

“Shit.” If ASU lost, would Cooper assume hooking up thenight before a game was a bad idea? No, he wasn’t superstitious like me. I drank my beer.

Mississippi punted the ball and ASU’s special teams ran it down the field. Working through multiple downs while we cheered in the stands, they found themselves on the third yard line, with only six seconds remaining in the game. We needed a touchdown to win.

“Fuck, this is a nail biter.” I downed the rest of my beer and clung to the glass. What was Casey going to do? Pass to JJ or run Cooper?

The whole stadium stood and roared.

After the huddle, Cooper glanced my way into the stands and pounded his fist over his heart.

Was that meant for me? My chest flooded with warmth as all the guys glanced at me with wry smiles.

Cooper lined up with the team, and the center snapped the ball to Casey.

After running backward, Casey faked a pass while Cooper ran behind him.

As Casey’s arm dropped, he snuck the ball to Cooper.

With some quick footwork, Cooper tucked the ball into his chest and shot through an opening.

As defensemen rushed after him, Cooper jumped in the air over them to bring the ball past the goal line just as the clock ran out.

“Holy fuck, did you see that?” With hysterical laughter, I hopped, grabbed Ace’s face and kissed his cheek, then did the same with Leo and Archer. My man was the hero of the game today.

All the guys laughed and hollered, Archer pumping his fist and doing a little dance. “What a way to end the game.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

COOPER

After the post-game rituals, I showered and dressed for the gay bar where I was meeting Myles, with Eli and Casey tagging along. It was walking distance from the stadium, so I left my car in the parking lot there. As I stepped into my sneakers, my heart warmed. Myles didn’t know how much of a good luck charm he was. Seeing him in the stadium cheering me on with his friends had given me the boost I’d needed to pull off the last-second touchdown.

Eli, standing in front of his stall, all new and sleek and painted a mat black, threw me a smirk. “Can’t wait to see you dance in a gay bar.”

“Why? What’s so weird about that?” I planted a hand on my hip, a grin stretching across my mouth. But it was true, I’d never been to a gay bar, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.

With a shrug, Eli said, “You don’t strike me as being much of a dancer.”

---