Page 16 of Breakaway Goals
“See?Cute,” Danny teased, squeezing him. “No wonder you like him, Cap.”
“Never said I did,” Morgan grumbled, but he met Hayes’ eyes and Hayes realized he didn’t haveto say it because hedid. Maybe not like Hayes had always secretly, ludicrously hoped might be true—but this was enough. Of course it was enough.
Because if Morgan liked him like that, then Hayes would have to figure out how to break his lifelong, ironclad promise to himself that he’d never fall in love with another hockey player.
“Didn’t have to, Mo,” Danny joked. “Alright. I’ll get everyone together.”
It took ten minutes for Danny to convince the team to close out their tabs and head outside into the cool air.
The bar was only a few blocks from the hotel, and Hayes hoped the chill might clear his head, help him look away from where Morgan was chatting with Bram and Calvin.
It didn’t quite work, so he slipped to the back of the group, glad not for the first time that he could be unobtrusive.
He glanced at his phone. Zach had texted him.You gonna ever come down from that assist?
Hayes smiled.No,was all he said, because Zach would get it. Zachalwaysgot it.
Before Zach could text him back, they were at the hotel, streaming as a big group into the lobby. Some of the team got distracted by the fact that the lobby bar was still open.
But Hayes was done for the night and slipped off towards the bay of elevators, pressing the up button.
“These idiots forget we’ve got a practice tomorrow.”
Hayes looked over, surprised to see Morgan standing there, wry smile on his face.
“I didn’t forget,” Hayes said.
They exchanged knowing looks, already anticipating how hungover and cranky three quarters of the team was going to be tomorrow morning.
The elevator dinged open, and Hayes almost wanted to say,let’s hold it, in case any of these idiots come to their senses,but that would mean admitting—even to himself—that he didn’t want to share a private space with Morgan.
Morgan rested against the back of the elevator. Hayes glanced back at him. “Same floor?” he asked, after pressing seven.
Morgan shook his head. “I’m on eight.”
“Alright. Okay.” Hayes hit eight. Tried to even out his breathing andnotlook.
He even stupidly thought Morgan might appreciate that, but Morgan clearly didn’t, because he caught his attention, again. “You want to grab breakfast together?”
Hayes’ breath caught. He kept trying to put some space between them, but Morgan kept closing it.
Kept pushing right into it.
“Uh. Yeah. Sure.”
The floors ticked by. Hayes’ breath felt caught in his throat, his gaze tangled with Morgan’s. His hazel eyes were steady, but intent.
“Good,” he said. “I’ll meet you downstairs at eight.”
Hayes nodded.
Morgan chuckled a little under his breath, like he knew what Hayes was trying to do. But he couldn’t. Hecouldn’t.
“That really was a great pass, you know?” Morgan said absently.
Hayes’ throat went dry. “Thanks.”
He didn’t want to make conversation. He wanted to stay silent until the elevator reached his floor. Until he could get to his room and scream into his pillow like the thirteen-year-old he wasn’t anymore.
