Page 65 of Bad Pucking Roommate

“More or less.” I nod in agreement.

“Even if a grandfathered relationship is a thing, they’ll want to know why you didn’t bring it to their attention right when it came up,” Noah points out.

“That’s easy to explain,” I dismiss. “Since no one knew about it, we thought our jobs were safer if we kept quiet. Plus, fraternization means dating, not fucking, so we weren’t even technically breaking the rule until last night.”

“TMI,” Noah mutters as Xander says, “Actually fraternization means anything beyond friendship. Even if you weren’t officially dating before, you’d be fraternizing.”

“No shit?” I’m momentarily stunned.That’s not ideal.I turn to face Justus. “I’m sorry. I really thought we were operating in a gray area.”

He squeezes my fingers. “Me, too.”

“Yeah, because I convinced you we were.” I sigh and turn back to the guys. “So, we can’t claim this pre-dated their stupid rule?”

“You could try,” Noah says. “But there’s no proof, and without that your best hope is that you’re too valuable together for either of you to be let go.”

“We did start rooming together before that announcement.” Justus sounds hopeful. “By our own request.”

“That’s favorable. Not foolproof, but favorable,” Xander says.

Justus’s palm starts to feel a little sweaty in mine, so I try to alleviate some of his worry. “I still don’t see why we’re even talking about this. The people in this room are the only ones who know about us, and chances are you see this spark or whatever because you know to look for it.”

“I think you’re underestimating how obvious you are.” Xander gives me a weak smile, but I don’t let it deter me.

“We’re only obvious because we’re not hiding. Not from you guys. We can keep it secret, at least until the end of the season, if not longer.”Turning to Justus for confirmation, I notice he seems a little pale. He always is, but he’s got sort of a gray tinge to his skin now.Does he think I’m afraid to let the truth out?“Unless you want to say something?” I ask him.

“This fraternization thing isn’t public, right?” Niko asks before Justus can answer me. “I mean, if these two come out as a couple only people within the organization will know it’s supposed to be against the rules. But once it’s out management would look pretty stupid to enforce something that breaks up the team.”

“I suppose a public declaration could force them to back down, especially after openly supporting you and Noah in your relationships.” Xander worries his lip.

“Omigod!” Tripp shouts. “I just realized if you two come out you’ll make four gay guys in the starting lineup.Four! How hot is that?”

“Dating you doesn’t make me gay.” Noah hugs Tripp close enough to kiss his forehead.

“Semantics.” Tripp waves a dismissive hand. “Seriously though, how hot would it be for an all-gay team to demolish the competition and win the cup? I say rip that Band Aid off and tell the world.”

“There’s a flaw in that plan, Tripp,” I tell him.

“What?”

“I’m pretty sure Niko’s the only gay guy on the team. Noah is…demi? Pan? And I don’t think Justus or I know what we are, so it wouldn’t be accurate to label us as an all-gay team. Besides, you saw the way the press hounded Niko and Noah with ridiculous questions when they came out, this team doesn’t need another round of sexuality questions that have nothing to do with hockey. Unless Justus wants to say anything.” I squeeze my boyfriend’s hand as I turn to face him. “I know you hate lying and secrets, so if you want to announce something I will, and we’ll make the case that this pre-datesthe no fraternization rule. We’ll do it publicly, so management has limited options to object. If that’s what you want.”

Justus’s shoulders seem to droop. “I don’t know what I want. I do hate lying and secrets, but I don’t want my relationship to be on display. Especially not now. I mean, I still don’t even know what to call you. Are you my friend with benefits? My boyfriend?”

My jaw falls open. “Friend with benefits? Seriously? I hope that’s not what I am.”

Justus turns an adorable shade of pink. “Well, it’s not like we’ve given anything a label. I mean, until last night we hadn’t even hadsexsex…”

“TMI,” Noah saysagain.

Tripp smacks his chest with the back of his hand. “Bite your tongue, big guy. If they want to share details, I’m all ears.”

“Seriously?” Xander groans. “Isn’t Noah’s dick enough for you?”

“It’s more than enough, thank you, but I’m just as pro sex as I always was. I’m happy to swap stories, share tips, anything to help my friends bust a nut. Especially baby gays, who are just starting to explore the wonderful world of dicks. There’s so much fun to be had and I can’t wait for them to experience it.” Tripp claps his hands together with a devious smirk.

“You do know they have dicks of their own, right?” Niko asks. “They probably have a pretty good idea of how to use them by now.”

“How is he even more obnoxious when he’s got a boyfriend?” Xander looks to Niko for support. “Seriously, Noah. I thought you’d have tamed him a little bit.”

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