Page 164 of Slew Foot
When Rafe returned to the table, he found Mickey talking to Gavin and Dakota, who had pulled up chairs.
“Perfect timing!” Gavin said. “I was about to ask Mickey something.”
Rafe glanced between them. “What’s that?”
Gavin smiled. “Mickey, how would you feel about wearing the A next season?”
Mickey blinked. “You … you want me to be an assistant captain?”
“Yes. You’ve showed a lot of initiative this season. I know the ear infection took its toll, but I was incredibly impressed by how you fought to get back and the way you stepped up during our last game.”
Mickey’s stunned expression almost made Rafe laugh. But mostly, he was proud of Mickey. He reached out and squeezed his thigh to let him know.
“Do Connor and Graham know?”
“Yes. And Coach Rasmussen was the one who suggested it. Hoyt is also very on board.”
“I … I don’t know what to say,” Mickey said.
“That’s okay.” Gavin patted his shoulder. “If you need more time to think about it or?—”
“No,” Mickey blurted out. “I want it. I … I never expected it but I do want it.”
Gavin held out a hand. “Then congratulations. Would you like to make an announcement, or should I?”
Mickey shrugged, like it still hadn’t really sunk in yet.
“I’ll do it,” Rafe said, and Gavin nodded.
Rafe rose to his feet, put two fingers between his lips, and whistled.
The pub abruptly went still and quiet except for the sound of the jukebox playing.
“Hey, guys,” he called out. “Guess who your new assistant captain is?” He gestured to Mickey who looked a little flustered but pleased too when a big cheer rose up.
“Next round’s on me!” Rafe called. “Let’s celebrate!”
Another cheer went up and then guys swarmed over to congratulate Mickey. Still looking stunned but pleased, he disappeared into the happy, celebrating crowd for a while.
After their teammates were done and everyone went in search of new drinks, the music switched to something upbeat and fun. Across the room, Jesse grabbed Kady, dragging him over so they could do some sort of silly dance routine together.
Rafe laughed.
He laughed because he was so fucking happy and he loved this team and this city and … his gaze landed on Mickey.
And that man.
He dragged Mickey over and planted a kiss on his lips.
A few wolf whistles rang out and Rafe laughed against Mickey’s mouth. But Mickey put a hand around the back of his neck, dragging him down for another, more heated kiss. Rafe went hot all over as he thought about what it would be like to go home with Mickey tonight.
Unlike on New Year’s Eve, Rafe wouldn’t be going to sleep alone in a hotel bed.
He’d be going home to sleep in the bed he shared with Mickey.
Who would probably bend him over the bed or cuff him to it. Mickey who would probably tease Rafe until he was out of his mind and begging for it. He might make Rafe cry or scream or …
This time, Mickey was the one to laugh, breaking the kiss. “Not here,” he said.
