Page 59 of The Husband Game

“Later in the summer I’ll be doing the NPE skills camp.”

When Charlie gave him a blank look, he added, “It’s an intensive week-long skills camp sponsored by a big energy bar company, NutritionPro.”

“That’s here in Toronto or …”

“Yes.” Dustin sliced off another piece of pork. “Thankfully. You probably won’t see me much during that week though.”

“Time with the boys?” Charlie teased.

Dustin finished chewing. “Well, probably some of it. But mostly, I’ll stagger home and collapse after because I’m so damn tired.”

Charlie laughed. “I guess I better find some ways to occupy my time.”

They made their way through lunch and Dustin used any opportunity he had to flirt a little.

At one point, he leaned forward over the small table to wipe an imaginary smear of salad dressing from Charlie’s lower lip.

Charlie went a little pink and wide-eyed, which made Dustin grin.

“Just looking out for you, kitten,” he murmured, and the liquid look Charlie shot him from under his lashes made his blood heat.

After Dustin had cleaned his plate, the waiter came by. Charlie’s salad was only half-eaten but he let it be taken away.

“Did you not enjoy your meal?” he asked, concerned.

“Oh no, it was delicious. I—I wasn’t kidding when I said I eat small meals throughout the day. Lots of nibbles here and there add up.”

“Okay,” Dustin said, smiling at him, but underneath, he felt a faint flicker of unease. He knew he couldn’t compare the average person—particularly one of Charlie’s size and stature—to the guys on his team.

But something still seemed a little off.

Charlie worked out religiously but in the entire time they’d been together, had he ever seen Charlie eat a full meal? Sure, he had all his little “nibbles” but was that really enough?

But before Dustin could press more, the waiter arrived carrying a small cake.

“Compliments of the chef,” the man murmured. “He’s a Fisher Cats fan and wanted to congratulate you on your wedding, Mr. Fowler.”

“Oh,” Dustin said, surprised. “Please tell him thank you.”

“Certainly, sir. He would like you to know that this is a three-layer torte, featuring dark, milk, and white chocolates. It is topped with a chocolate macaroon, a disc of dark chocolate with a salted caramel filling, a dusting of cocoa, and gold leaf.”

“It looks incredible,” Dustin said and Charlie murmured his agreement.

After the waiter left, Charlie shot him an amused glance. “Does that happen a lot?”

“Of course not,” Dustin teased. “I’ve never been married before.”

Charlie rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“I’ve had a few things comped over the years,” he admitted.

He’d also gotten verbal abuse from fans on the street. There were upsides and downsides to playing in a Canadian market.

Charlie inspected the cake. “I suppose I should get some shots of that too.”

He’d taken several pictures during his lunch and Dustin reminded himself he was going to need to do more of that too.

Their lives together needed to be on display. Charlie’d held up his end of the bargain but Dustin was slacking.

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