Page 126 of Perfect Storm
“I really don’t know,” Aidan said again. “Obviously you want an answer but I can’t. Give me some time.”
Aidan wasn’t sure what time was going to buy him—hopefully some kind of clarity—but there wasn’t anything else to say.
“That’s only fair,” Mo said wryly. “Considering what I said to you three months ago.”
Aidan nodded. He finished his drink. Wished he already had another one even though he rarely had more than one during the season. But this? This called for it.
“I’m gonna—” He gestured towards the doorway which led to the bar.
“Alright,” Mo said. Patted him on the back. Maybe if Aidan had given him even slightly more encouragement, his fingers might’ve lingered. But the touch was brief, and Aidan couldn’t even say he was disappointed.
When he emerged into the main room, there was Levi, hanging out at the bar with Griff, Lane, and Trevor.
“Hey,” he said, catching Levi’s elbow. Unlike Mo,histouch lingered. Aidan couldn’t help it, even though he was touching Levi in front of three of their teammates.
“There you are.” Levi grinned. “Wondered where you went to.”
Like Aidan hadn’t been looking for Levi for fucking ever before Mo had dragged him into their private conversation.
“Been looking for you,” Aidan said. He didn’t know how to tell Levi what Mo had just said to him—and he obviously couldn’t say it in front of any of these guys.
“Yeah?” Levi wiggled his eyebrows.
It should’ve been stupid. Not hot.
But it was hot.
“Have another drink,” Levi said. “Then we’re going.”
“Oh, we are?” Aidan raised an eyebrow.
“Got a better celebration in mind,” Levi said.
There was no question in Aidan’s mind that he wanted it. Wanted Levi. Because didn’t he always?
It was on the tip of his tongue to sayyes,your victory party sounds like the best fucking idea ever. One hundred and ten percent, ten out of ten, all gold stars.
But then he thought about what Mo had said. What Mo had just suggested. And even though he wanted it,cravedit nearly,he didn’t know what kind of person that made him to take advantage of Levi’s desire while not being totally honest about what was going through his head right now.
“Um,” he said.
Levi looked surprised. Not disappointed, at least. But surprised.
“Hey, bro, it’s all good. You played a hard game today. We’ll table it for later.” Levi smiled at him, as bright as ever, and his touch on Aidan’s shoulder lingered.
Maybe itwouldbe fine. Aidan let out the breath he’d been holding.
He had another drink. Laughed with his teammates. Lifted his glass in so many toasts he lost count.
Even joined in the chorus of boos when Cam said something careless about where they’d be in February.
“Can’t jinx us, rook,” Dawson teased him, slinging an arm around the punter’s shoulders.
Cam had blushed, Dawson ruffling his hair with his other hand. “You’re good, rook.”
When Aidan had finally finished his drink, quietly consulting with the bartender to cover everyone’s tabs, he met Levi’s gaze and Levi nodded.
But Levi was quiet in the cab as they headed back to the condo.
