Chapter 23 #2
“It’s been building for a while, but I’ve been fighting it,” he admits. “Not you, but the whole ‘how do I handle a relationship’ thing.”
I nod in understanding.
“But during the game, whether I screwed up or scored, all I could think about was you. I loved knowing you were here for me, and I want to be there for you too.”
Ethan kisses me again and suddenly I remember where we are.
“You realize that by kissing me right here, right now, you just came out to the entire team, your coach, and probably some of the student population?”
“Go big or go home.” Ethan chuckles.
“Are you sure?” I caution.
“Yes. But I won’t lie; I’m scared shitless,” he confesses. “I’m going to need you to help me. I have no clue what I’m doing when it comes to being a boyfriend, and the last thing I want to do is hurt you.”
His words make my heart pound fast and fierce. There’s so much more to Ethan than his frat boy image. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice that his teammates are heading our way and Archie and Hudson are smiling at us.
“We’ll figure it out together,” I reassure him. “Just be yourself.”
“You mean drive you crazy?” he quips with a cocky grin.
“Exactly. Now, hurry up and get changed,” I urge with a smile. “We have a lot to celebrate.”
“The guys want to go out.”
“Of course.”
“But after—” He stares at me with a heated glint in his eyes.
“Yes, after.”
Ethan nods and gives me another kiss before stepping back. His teammates start to clap and whistle, and Ethan’s face gets redder.
“You were right!” he turns and calls out to his teammates. “Happy now?”
“Not as happy as Jett!” Silas shouts in return.
There’s more laugher and clapping as Ethan turns back to me.
“Don’t move.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
Ethan nods and stalks off to join his teammates as they hug him and then head into the locker room. I turn around to find Archie and Hudson, now joined by Jackson, waiting for me on the bench, huge grins on their faces.
“What?”
“I never thought I’d see this day,” Jackson murmurs. “I was sure Ethan would be single forever.”
“No shit.” Archie chuckles.
I walk over and sit my ass down on the bench, and just in time because my knees are weak.
“Is this really happening?” I ask out loud, not sure if I’m talking to myself or my friends.
Hudson pats my shoulder.
“Judging by the way he kissed you, I’d say yes.”
I lean forward, resting my forearms on my knees, trying to breathe.
“I think Jett’s in shock,” Archie mutters.
“He’s not the only one,” Hudson adds. “Wait until the rest of campus finds out Ethan’s taken. Condom sales will plummet.”
I can’t help but laugh, and some of my nerves ease.
Part of me wants to run around the rink screaming “Ethan’s my boyfriend!” And the other part still doesn’t quite believe it’s true.
I don’t know how long we sit there. My friends are talking, but I can’t focus on what they’re saying. One moment I’m staring at my shoes, and the next Ethan is standing in front of me again, freshly showered and wearing jeans and a clean jersey.
“That was fast.”
“We’re totally psyched up and ready to party.” He smiles and offers his hand. “Me more than anyone.”
“No surprise there.”
“You ready?”
I stand up and we interlock our fingers tightly.
Ethan pulls me into his side and wraps his arm around my waist as we make our way down the hallway to the exit, our friends following.
We step outside, and I still expect him to let go, but he doesn’t.
Students are milling about on the quad, and I can feel their stares on us, but I’m so excited that I don’t care.
Several of them come up to Ethan to congratulate him on the game, and the more we walk, the more people seem to gather.
The walk into town is the same. I’m sure not all the looks we’re getting are positive, but we’re with our friends so I feel safe.
Hell, I’m surrounded by massive hockey players, so I guess that helps.
When we arrive at Boots, it’s early evening, but the place is already packed.
Luckily Phoenix, the owner, knows us and manages to find us two tables on the patio.
They’ve got outdoor heaters going and it’s as warm as summer out here.
Once we settle in, the Crew and I offer to buy the first round of drinks.
Everyone’s hungry too, so we order platters of wings and fries.
Most of the guys are sticking to soda and iced tea, but a few of us split a pitcher of beer.
I take one glass and sip it slowly. I have plans for my boyfriend later, and I want to be sober for all of them.
After we scarf down our food, I share the pics and videos I took of the game, and we get into a heated discussion about who scored the best goal.
Ethan, no question.
Dane stands and holds up his glass of beer, and a silence falls over our rowdy group.
“Every goal we scored was the best, and it was a hell of a game. The Cougars have made it to the next round, and hopefully the final after that. To a great week of college athletics, and to an amazing group of people I’m proud to call my friends!”
We all cheer to that and clink glasses.
“And most important of all, to Jett!” Silas calls out from the other end of the table. “For taking Ethan off our hands and keeping his mouth busy. At least for a while.”
“Fuck you, Si,” Ethan claps back with a grin.
Everyone laughs, me included. My boyfriend pinches my ass, and I chuckle and try to squirm away from his retaliation, but I’m sitting at the end of the row near the fence, so I’m trapped. Trapped by Ethan’s hard body. He leans into me, his hot breath teasing my ear.
“Just for that,” Ethan whispers, “I’m going to edge you for hours.”
“That doesn’t sound like punishment.”
“It will be when I tie you to my bed so you can’t touch me.”
I bite back a moan at the filthy visual.
“You play dirty.”
“Only with you, boyfriend.”
Before I utter another word, Ethan’s taking my lips, and the kiss is so deep and hot that I forget where I am and who’s watching.
“See?” Silas calls out. “Jett’s taking one for the team already.”
I’m game for that.