Page 9 of The Husband Game

He liked that Charlie snapped and snarled, the weighty sadness disappearing when he was angry.

In the handful of times they’d seen each other since, Dustin had enjoyed riling him up that way, if only to see him animated and alive.

At one point, Charlie had said he’d hated Dustin, but it hadn’t felt like hate.

It hadn’t felt like hate at all.

The air around them had been electric with sexual tension and if the memories of their hookup last night were any indication …

Although, Dustin wondered, can it be called a hookup if you’re married to the person?

It might have been a hasty, drunken marriage in a Vegas wedding chapel, but it was legal.

His lawyer had assured him of that half an hour ago. The I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed and they were legally wed. ’Til death or divorce did them part.

Dustin’s phone buzzed with a message from Wade. I’m off the phone with Kate. Call as soon as you’re able.

Apprehensive, Dustin stared down at the screen. He and Wade had spent most of the morning on the phone or texting and it was really starting to hit home what a mess he was in. Hopefully his agent had a plan to help them smooth out that tangle.

Dustin hit dial on Wade’s number, heart beating a little too fast.

“How bad is it?” he blurted out when their phones connected.

Wade let out a tired-sounding laugh. “It’s … not great, Dustin. My team and I have spent the morning on a conference call, trying to figure out a strategy to manage this.”

Dustin winced. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s my job.” Wade laughed ruefully. “But as I’m sure you can imagine, this situation is exceptionally complicated and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.”

“I know.”

“As of right now, everyone in the Fisher Cats organization thinks this marriage is legit, if, uh, hasty. They’re irritated with you not giving them a heads-up but if you’re happy, they’re happy. A little confused and surprised about the gender of your spouse but supportive.”

“That’s something.”

“It is.” Wade cleared his throat. “Your wedding announcement blew up last night. By morning it was on all of the gossip blogs and once the NHL account shared your post with their congratulations and the team confirmed it, it pretty much went viral.”

“So there’s no containing it?”

“Ha. No. Not a chance.”

“And it would look terrible if we tried to get it annulled.”

“Yes. That’s hardly befitting the guy negotiating to get a player code of conduct passed.”

Dustin groaned. “That’s bullshit. The code is supposed to be about guys who are abusers. Not being a little rowdy in the off-season.”

“Well, we know that,” Wade said in a reassuring tone. “But you have to realize that some fans and players see it as a measure designed to encroach on guys’ ability to have fun.”

“Yeah, I’ve gotten some nasty texts and DMs to that effect.”

“I know. But think of the optics, Dustin. Every single person who is against the code of conduct will use this as an excuse to call you a hypocrite and attempt to undermine everything you’ve done in support of it.”

“Fuck! So what are our options?”

“Well …” Wade sighed. “As I said, nearly everyone in the Fisher Cats organization seems to assume you and Charlie have been dating quietly and this marriage is completely legitimate if a bit of a whirlwind. Kate is shrewder and I think she suspects there’s more to it. She made a pointed comment that there better not be an equally whirlwind divorce.”

Dustin winced. “Right.”

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