Page 94 of Perfect Storm
“Nope,” Levi said unapologetically.
And Aidan smiled. “Exactly.”
Chapter 14
“Howwasthegame?”Logan asked Levi as he lay in bed.
Aidan was gone, at brunch with his agent, who’d swung up to Toronto on a trip to the East Coast to check in with his players before the season started.
Usually he and Logan FaceTimed, but Levi had specifically told his brother he was naked in bed, so he wouldn’t have to additionally explain that he was naked, inAidan’sbed.
Because the big bed, the room, the decor, the floor-to-ceiling windows with the sunlight streaming in, told the whole story and Logan wasn’t stupid. This wasn’t the guest room, and Levi didn’t want to lie to his older brother and tell him it was.
“It was fine,” Levi said. “I played like, a series. I don’t know, like ten plays? We scored a TD. Beautiful fucking slant to Trev. Don’t know if you saw it.”
“Sure did,” Logan said. “Flynn looks strong.”
Strong and gorgeous and confident.
Levi had never been more proud to block for a quarterback in his life, and he knew that meant something, but he was feeling a lot better about it if hedidn’tlook at that too closely.
“Yeah, for sure,” Levi agreed.
“And you at left tackle.” Speaking of pride, it was practically leaking out of Logan’s voice. “Didn’t think you’d ever want to make the switch.”
Another bit of motivation Levi didn’t really want to examine too closely. But it was bone-deep in him at this point. He wanted to protect Aidan and shield him and make him smile, too. Relieve even just a fraction of the weight he carried around on those capable shoulders.
And not just because the sex was great, though it was, but because Levi had begun to see that nobody had ever done that for him before.
“It was the right choice,” Levi said simply.
Logan’s silence was telling. “Oh yeah? Just you volunteering to move over? To deal with a whole new set of problems?” His voice was arch. He’d clearly been reading the media chatter surrounding Levi’s switch. Levi didn’t know if he was flattered by that, or annoyed.
Or maybe it was more fear that Logan would assume all the right things.
“Like you’ve never done that,” Levi muttered.
“Yeah, I sure have, but you? I can’t saynever, ’cause you’re a Banks, through and through. Never saw a challenge you didn’t want to meet. But mostly, you just didn’t see them.”
It was an uncomfortably accurate assessment. Typical Logan. Levi wished he was slightly less observant.
Before he could drop any more truth bombs, Levi changed the subject. “And how was the sideline for you yesterday, bro?”
Logan groaned. “I had to watch Dylan suit up. It sucked. I hated it.”
“Dude, you’re never even on the field at the same time as your guy. Not in preseason. Not in a regular game, either.” Logan played center on the offensive line and Dylan, his boyfriend, was the Piranhas’ kicker.
“I know.” Logan still sounded frustrated. “It still sucks? Like he was involved and I was just . . .there.” He echoed all the things that Levi didn’t like about the preseason, either.
They reallywereboth Bankses, through and through. Levi had a feeling if they got Landry on the phone, it would be the same for him. He’d whine about how he’d had to watch Riley throw to some other tight end that wasn’thim.
“Season starting soon, though,” Levi promised.
“Yeah,” Logan agreed.
Levi wet his lips. Wondering if he should say something about what was really on his mind. Why he’d really called his brother. Even if he was nebulous, Logan might guess—but then, why should he? He didn’t know about Aidan.
Landry did, which was why it was Logan he’d called. There was a slightly better chance Levi might be able to talk about this and not give it all away.
