Page 21 of Bought by His Brother's Best Friend

“Right. Well, with all the hotels packed because of the storm, we had to double up in rooms.” Tyler’s usual confidence seemed to falter. “I ended up sharing with Kevin.”

Kevin Kogan was the team’s newest defenseman—talented, outspoken, and if I remembered correctly from the few games I’d attended with Tyler, extremely attractive.

“Kevin,” Shane repeated. “The rookie you’ve been mentoring.”

“He’s hardly a rookie at twenty-six,” Tyler said defensively. “And yeah, that Kevin.”

I caught on before Shane did. “Something happened between you two,” I said, not a question.

Tyler nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. “We stayed up talking most of the night. One thing led to another, and...” He shrugged. “Let’s just say we discovered we have chemistry off the ice, too.”

I studied my old friend, noting the way his expression softened when he said Kevin’s name. “I’m happy for you, Tyler. He seems like a good guy from what you’ve told me.”

“He is.” Tyler’s smile turned more certain. “It’s new, and we’re taking it slow because of the team dynamics and all that, but... it feels right.”

“Wow.” Shane seemed to be processing this revelation. “So while Damien whisking me away to Paris, you were having your own moment in a Detroit hotel room.”

Tyler laughed. “Looks like it was a good time all around.”

“I’m glad you told me,” Shane said. “And I’m happy for you. Kevin seems like a great guy.”

Tyler visibly relaxed. “He is. You’ll have to meet him soon—not as my teammate, but as my... whatever we are.”

“Double date?” I suggested, only half-joking.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Tyler said with a laugh. “But yeah, eventually.”

Tyler shared more about his developing relationship with Kevin, while Shane and I recounted highlights from our Paris trip, the PG-rated ones, at least.

I watched Shane interact with his brother—the affectionate banter, the genuine support they offered each other. The sight filled me with a deep contentment. This was what I’d wanted for years without fully admitting it to myself. Not just Shane in my bed, but Shane in my life, with all the connections and complications that entailed.

“What?” Shane asked, catching me staring at him.

“Nothing,” I said. “Just thinking how lucky I am.”

He rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile. “You’re getting sappy in your old age, Damien.”

“Only with you,” I replied, enjoying the blush that crept up his neck.

“If you two are going to be this disgustingly cute all the time, I might reconsider my brotherly approval.”

“Too late,” I told him. “No take-backs.”

Our plates cleared, we finished our coffee.

“I should get going,” Tyler said, checking his watch. “I promised Kevin I’d help him move some furniture this afternoon.”

“Already doing boyfriend duties?” Shane teased.

“Shut up,” Tyler responded without heat, standing and pulling out his wallet.

I waved him off. “I’ve got this.”

“You sure?”

“Consider it a thank you. You’re the reason Shane and I are together.” I said.

Tyler grinned. “In that case, I approve of this relationship even more.” He stepped around the table to hug his brother. “I’m thrilled for you, Shane,” he said softly.

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