Page 13 of Nix
“What about your father?” Mules realized that while the triplets had been the talk to the league as they were drafted one, two, and three that no one mentioned their family.
“My stepfather,” Nix told him. “He’s human and absolutely wonderful.”
“That’s good.” Mules drove past the gate to the garage.
As he pulled into the spot that was reserved for him, Evan could see Nix looking at all the cars around them.
“Nice, aren’t they?” Evan inquired. “Maybe if you get your license then you can buy yourself one.”
“I have a license.” Nix unbuckled his seatbelt as he peered through the windshield. “I just don’t like to drive. I never really had too. Gem or my mom took me everywhere I needed to go.”
Evan shut off the engine.
“And never get in a vehicle with Aries. He is a terrible driver,” Nix informed him.
“I don’t think I’ll find myself relying on Aries for a ride,” Evan assured him.
“You never know,” Nix told him. “Just make sure you don’t. Aries will offer but I’m telling you that it’s not safe.”
“Okay, I promise.”
“Great!” Nix clapped his hands then reached for the door latch. “Now let’s go win this game!”
Evan waited until he was alone in the SUV before blowing out a long deep breath. He was already tired. How was Nix not constantly exhausting himself? The boy needed a damn keeper.
Seeing that Nix was leaning very close to Marlin’s brand-new silver Porsche 911, Mules hurried to exit the SUV. “Nix!”
Nix turned. “It’s so pretty.”
“That belongs to Marlin. Don’t touch it.”
Nix drew away, placing his hands behind his back. “I didn’t touch.”
“I know.” He crossed over to Nix and took his arm. “Let’s go.”
“Okay!” Nix started to bounce. “You’ve played Seattle a bunch of times, huh?”
“I wouldn’t say a bunch.” He wasn’t that old.
“But can you tell me anything new about them? Something that I can use? I want to play my best.”
“You should always play your best,” Evan reminded him. Not that he thought Nix needed the reminder. The rookie went out in practice and in games putting his all into everyone of his shifts on the ice.
“I do! But we’re playing Luka Kotov!”
“How do you know Luka?” Evan asked. He tried to keep any jealousy out of his tone so the boy wouldn’t hear. Feeling the jealousy, Evan didn’t know what to do about. Great, first the barista and now a hockey player, Evan had to be losing his damn mind. He should not already be feeling so protective over Nix.
“I had a crush on Luka Kotov growing up,” Nix told him with a laugh.
“A crush, “ Evan repeated slowly. Was he going to have to take out one of his only friends?
“I followed Luka’s career my whole life,” Nix shared. “Even had his poster above my bed. He’s who first made me realize that I was gay.”
Fucking Luka! Evan stomped up to the employee entrance. Luka was attractive with his straight black hair and piercing blueeyes. Evan could see the appeal but Nix didn’t need to be looking at him. It was all Evan could do not to track down his old friend and make sure that Luka knew that Nix was off-limits. That Nix needed to concentrate on his first season in the league. Instead, he half listened to Nix as he practically sang Luka’s praises.
Chapter Three
Evan
