Chapter 7
SEVEN
EVAN
With a last glance at Ronan, I set my cell phone in a cup holder, started the engine on my Jeep and drove onto the road, my pulse hammering.
What the hell have I done? I hooked up with a guy.
Ronan fucking Vale, no less. I’d played it cool while I was at his house, but now? Hell no. Let the spiral begin.
Taking deep breaths, I turned onto a larger boulevard, my headlights piercing the darkness between the streetlamps.
Would this affect my game tomorrow? How could I keep my head in it?
“Oh, my fucking God…” I had to put it out of my mind.
But I was so fucking stupid. I’d known that if I went to his house today, something like this might happen. I’d been excited about it even.
My phone buzzed, and I glanced at it. Dad scrolled across the screen. “Fuck!” I started the call, and it clicked through the car’s speakers. “Hey Dad.” I had to sound normal.
“Evan, why didn’t you call me? Benson is on the injured list. Are they playing you tomorrow?” he asked.
“Yes, Dad, I’m playing tomorrow. Coach told me yesterday. Sorry, I, uh, was going to call you but…” I’d been too busy rubbing off on Ronan Vale’s ass. Oh, my fucking God. As I clenched my jaw, I squeezed the steering wheel.
“Where are you now? You sound like you’re driving.”
No way to hide it. “I am. I’m coming home from…” Hell, I couldn’t tell him I’d met Ronan Vale and had dinner at his fucking house. That would steer the conversation into a dangerous place. “I had a chill dinner with Colton,” I said, turning the car onto another street. I was almost home.
“It’s late there. Shouldn’t you be in bed? You need rest. This is a big game tomorrow and could be a deciding factor for them to continue playing you.”
“Yeah, I know, Dad. I’ll get plenty of sleep, though. I promise I’ll go straight to bed when I get home.” What if my mind replayed the evening with Ronan and I couldn’t sleep? Fucking hell. I drove the car into the parking garage at my apartment.
“You need to stay focused, Evan. You probably should have reviewed some game footage. The San Jose forwards will dominate the net.”
I parked in my spot and shut off the engine.
“I know that, Dad.” Hell, I wasn’t an idiot.
But he was right. Instead of making sure I was fully prepared for tomorrow, I’d let my dick indulge in sordid acts with…
Ronan Vale. Dad would lose his shit if he knew the truth.
Hell, what would he think if he found out I was bisexual? I wouldn’t think about it.
“Well, okay. I suppose you’ll have time to work on strategy with the coaching staff at the team meeting tomorrow.”
“I will. Listen, I’m home now, so I need to end this call and go to bed.” I tipped my head back, sucking in a breath. Sure, I could take the call outside of my car, but I’d rather end it.
“Okay, well, listen, son. I’m proud of you and I’m looking forward to watching you play.” He paused. “Call me after the game?”
“Yeah, sure.” He wanted only the best for me. But hell, didn’t he understand the pressure I was already under? “I’ll do my best, I promise.” I slipped the keys out of the ignition. “Love you, Dad, and speak with you soon.”
“Love you, too. Bye now.” He ended the call.
With a growl, I pounded my fists on the steering wheel. “Fuck!” I had to get my head on straight. The playoffs were number one for me right now. Not seeing Ronan Vale. Not getting caught up in whatever this was between us.
Collecting myself, I stepped out of my car, stomped toward the elevator, and pressed the call button. Damn it, Ronan expected to see me on my day off again. How could I get out of it? Would it piss him off if I cancelled?
The elevator dinged, and the doors opened.
I stepped inside and pushed the button for my floor.
As the doors closed, my reflection stared back at me in the stainless steel.
I wasn’t the same man who’d left here earlier today.
When I’d left, I was a questioning straight man, but now I was bisexual, or fluid, or anything but straight.
I was queer. I’d jerked a guy off and enjoyed the hell out of it.
As I scrubbed my face, the doors slid open. I was a complete mess. I didn’t need this shit before the most important game of my life.
I plodded down the hallway to my door and then unlocked it with my keycard. I had to sleep well, and having another drink might numb my thoughts, but it wouldn’t help.
Trudging through my apartment, I stepped into my bedroom and flicked on the nightstand lamp from a switch on the wall.
I had some NyQuil remaining from the last time I was sick.
Should I take it? But then I’d feel the aftereffects tomorrow.
That shit always gave me something close to a hangover the next day.
Shaking my head, I clomped into my closet and undressed, tossing my clothes into a hamper.
I threw on a pair of pajama bottoms, brushed my teeth, and then slid between the sheets in my bed, staring at the fan on the ceiling.
Ronan had been so nice tonight, so understanding.
I’d been so awkward and unsure of myself.
I’d acted on impulse and he’d obviously enjoyed it, but looking back, I probably should have kissed him more or let him jerk me off too. What was I thinking?
Groaning, I switched the lamp off, rolled over, and tucked a hand beneath my pillow.
My last kiss with Ronan filled my head. He’d been so understanding and full of hope to see me again.
How the hell would I even consider cancelling on him?
It would hinge on the game tomorrow. If I sucked, then I’d have to cancel and focus on the next game.
I’d have to explain it to him so he didn’t think I was ditching him.
Fucking hell…why did I have to meet him now?
With a scoff, I shut my eyes. Go to sleep, Evan. Please, God, go to sleep.
The next morning, I’d been up early at the rink for our optional morning skate.
I’d tossed and turned all night, but damn it, this skate would help me get reacquainted with the ice, and I needed it.
Ronan had infiltrated my damn dreams. As I slipped my foot into a skate and began the tightening routine on my strings, Lucas slapped me on the shoulder.
“Hey, man.” He gave me a shit-eating grin. “Did you help Ronan Vale out with his home gym?” He bent over and tongued the corner of his lips. “How was he?”
I blinked a few times. I couldn’t get away from it. “Yes, I saw him yesterday, and it was fine. He’s a nice guy.” I wouldn’t elaborate.
“Yeah? Did you show him a thing or two?” Straightening, he chuckled.
“I’m setting him up with an exercise ball and foam rollers. He doesn’t stretch much or do core work.” I slipped my foot into my other skate. “He has back pain, so…”
“Oh, so you’re helping him with his back pain.” He held up his hands and made claws with his fingers. “Did you massage his back for him?”
Lucas’s brother, Mason, strutted toward us in his team shirt and shorts. “Who’s getting a back massage?” He smirked at me, his ice-blue gaze finding mine, his almost black bangs hanging to his cheekbones.
“No one.” Shit, Mason was notorious for chirping on people. He was as cocky as they came, but had the skills to match. I tied my skates. “I’m, uh, going to head out onto the rink.” Obviously, Mason didn’t need a morning skate.
Mason pushed his hand against my jersey and pads, covering my chest. “Hey, Crosby, I’ve got my eye on you. Don’t burden Ace with all the work tonight.”
My gaze cut to Ace, dressing at his stall.
“Ah, leave him alone, Big Hopkins,” he said. “He’ll do fine tonight.”
These guys had a history. They all played together at ASU, even lived in the same house. “I won’t let any of you down.” I gave Ace and then Mason a pointed look. Nothing like a little more pressure.
“Hey, I think Laine is already out there.” Lucas flashed a quick grin and slapped my shoulder.
“Great.” We could practice some simple drills and make sure we were in sync for tonight.
Once I hit the ice, it felt like home. All my worries faded away the more I worked on my skills with Laine. Afterward, I finished with stretching and headed home for a nap and hydration. I was ready.
While sitting on my couch, I lifted my phone and perused for some good foam rollers and a ball for Ronan. When I found the ones we had in our gym, I texted the links along to him. My phone chimed with a text.
Ronan
Thanks for sending this. I’ll buy them now and see if I can get them by tomorrow.
Fuck, he was still hoping we’d see each other tomorrow.
I rubbed my chin, rereading his text. Should I cancel on him now?
An ache ghosted through my chest. No, that was mean.
What if I played the best game of my life tonight?
Wouldn’t I want to share it with him? I shook my head.
“You stupid bastard.” Hell, I wanted to see him again.
A few hours with him couldn’t hurt. Since I needed dinner, I might as well have it with him.
Evan
You’re welcome.
Should I add, see you tomorrow? But what if I changed my damn mind? I pressed my lips together. I’d leave it there and see how I felt tomorrow. If I played like shit tonight, I’d have to do something about it. I wasn’t sure what yet—
My phone went off in my hand, startling me. Fuck, was he calling me? I held the screen to my face. No, just Colton. I answered the call, holding the phone to my ear. “Hey Colton.”
“Hey, Evan. I heard you’re playing tonight with the Coyotes. Why haven’t you called me?”
Shit, I last spoke with him during the NFL draft, the day his boyfriend joined the Broncos. It seemed like a lifetime ago. “I…I’ve been busy.”
“Too busy for your best friend?” He huffed.
“Sorry, it’s just, a lot has happened. I’m working hard to make sure I don’t suck out there tonight.” Yeah, working hard with Ronan Vale and sharing orgasms. I put the phone on speaker. Should I tell him about that? No.