Page 54 of The Husband Game

Charlie shrugged. “I know how to avoid getting dragged into idiotic social media arguments.”

“Of course. I am sure you do. Still, if you don’t mind, I’ll send you our general guidelines for players and families so you can familiarize yourself with them.”

“Sure, that’s fine. I won’t claim I’ve never said anything controversial but I do know how to temper that when it’s needed. I don’t want to cause problems,” Charlie said. “I’m here to be supportive of Dustin and his career.”

“Of course. And I don’t want you to be a robot,” Kate said. “Just … tactful. You understand, right?”

Charlie nodded.

Kate went on to outline some possible interviews for them, discussed media availability and scheduling, parameters for the questions they were willing to answer, and Charlie’s preferred pronouns.

“Do you consider yourself non-binary?” she asked with an arch of her eyebrow. “It’s no problem if you are. I just want to be sure to send the appropriate information in the media packets.”

Charlie shook his head. “No. I go by he/him pronouns. I simply like a variety of fashion choices. And I find it utterly ridiculous anyone should be shoved into a little box and be forced to only wear what society tells them. I wear what I feel comfortable in. What makes me feel beautiful and confident.”

“Got it.” She made a note on a pad of paper.

Charlie glanced over at Dustin, growing more serious. “My husband is a secure man. Being married to a man who enjoys wearing heels and lipstick and the occasional dress doesn’t threaten his masculinity.”

“Exactly.” Dustin glanced over at Charlie, squeezing his shoulder. He hoped Charlie actually believed that. Because Dustin was in awe of Charlie for being so secure in who he was.

If anything, Charlie was completely out of his league.

“And you’re fine answering questions about your sexuality, Dustin?” Kate asked.

He nodded. “Yeah, of course. You know I wasn’t really hiding intentionally. I just never cared to make a big announcement about it. None of my previous relationships warranted a press release. But since I got married, I figured it was time.”

Kate laughed softly.

Charlie leaned forward. “And in case anyone was curious, I’ve always been super gay.”

“Noted.” Kate’s grin widened. “So I’m sure you’ll get asked this a lot but I have to ask, how does it feel to have landed Toronto’s Most Eligible Bachelor?”

Charlie let out a little hum. “Honestly, better than I expected. I know how lucky I am.”

Dustin smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of Charlie’s head, wishing Charlie really meant it. “You say the sweetest things, kitten.”

Kate cleared her throat. “We have some events coming up that we’d like you to take part in, Charlie. The spouses and partners group organizes quite a few charity events throughout the season. I know you’ll be working once you have your visa but we’d like you to attend the events that work with your schedule.”

“Of course. I’d be happy to.”

“There will be a family skate around the holidays. And before I forget, we have a silent auction this fall. All of the proceeds go to charity. There are gift baskets and certificates for various experiences like massages or golf outings or cruises. And we auction off your husband, of course.”

“Excuse me?” Charlie arched an eyebrow.

Dustin laughed. “It’s for my time.”

Charlie glanced over at him. “Like a bachelor auction?”

“Much more family friendly than that,” Kate said with a little laugh, her blue eyes twinkling like she’d accomplished exactly what she’d hoped for. “It’s for all of our players, married or single. We establish parameters around what people can request, of course. Many of the winners choose a dinner at a local restaurant or some time on the ice with a player. That sort of thing.”

“Ahh.” Charlie patted Dustin’s thigh. “Good. Because I don’t share. This man’s all mine.”

Dustin’s cock twitched and he had to shift in his seat.

Charlie smirked like he knew exactly what he was doing.

“Understood.” Kate smiled at them both. “Okay, I think that’s everything. I’ll email you the event schedule for the season along with the other items I mentioned. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything.”

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