Chapter 13
Vox
Connor has been watching me all night. I know because I’ve been watching him all night. I’ve just been way less fucking obvious about it.
I could feel his eyes on me as soon as he stepped inside Meltdown, and they’ve been clocking my every move since.
Am I the asshole for giving in to the abundant attention that’s been thrown at me tonight?
Probably.
But I have a reputation to uphold, and if I were to shy away from the advances of my smoking hot, adoring fans, then Grey and the team would start asking questions.
And I really don’t want him doing that because now that I’m certain Connor’s into me, what I want is my coach.
I had assumed Connor was straight, but the other night proved me wrong. And if it hadn’t, the looks he’s giving me tonight definitely would.
His tone is annoyed as he tells me to go back to the celebration, but I have a strong feeling he’s annoyed with himself for wanting me, and for once, I don’t think that’s my arrogance talking.
Either way, I can’t resist as I throw a two-fingered salute and a sultry, “Yes, sir,” over my shoulder as I follow his order.
I’m downing another beer someone ordered for me before the tab was closed out with my free arm wrapped around a ski bunny, quickly losing interest in the environment, when the hottest guy—besides Connor—I’ve seen all night awkwardly approaches my table.
The guy’s adorable, with the whole shy vibe really working for him.
“H-hi,” he stammers.
A quick glance behind him tells me his boyfriend isn’t thrilled about his reaction toward me, and I don’t even have to look at Connor to know he’s watching this interaction like a hawk.
I feel it.
Interesting position I find myself in.
I slide my arm from around the girl at my side and extend it to the smokeshow practically drooling on the floor in front of me.
“Hey, man. Vox Montgomery,” I say, introducing myself. “You a snowboarder?” I ask, assuming the answer is yes, since this is his reaction to me.
“Liam Miller,” he replies, sliding his hand into mine. “And yeah, I love all that stuff.”
The guy’s palm is sweating with nerves, and for some reason, it makes me want to cradle him and tell him to relax; I’m just another guy.
I patiently wait for him to ask for a picture or an autograph or give me his congratulations before resuming his evening with his well-dressed pit bull over here, but when he makes no move to do either, I turn my attention to said pit bull and arch a brow. What do you want me to do with this?
The guy, who is also attractive—and honestly a great choice for the gigantic softy—rocks back on his heels with his hands in his pockets like he’s going to wait the poor guy out. But finally, with a slight roll of his eyes, he addresses me, albeit begrudgingly.
“He’s a huge fan,” he says, stepping closer to my table. “He was hoping he could grab a picture and an autograph, and then we’ll let you get back to your night.”
“Of course!” I say enthusiastically, maneuvering my way out from behind the table to join them. “Get in here!”
I wrap my arm around Liam’s waist because the guy’s several inches taller than me, and it’s just the easiest stance to assume.
But mmm, he smells fucking good. And he’s so big.
I can’t keep my eyes from darting to Connor, who looks like his teeth are about to break from clenching his jaw so damn tightly.
Liam drapes his arm over my shoulder, but I quickly reach across my body and pull his arm down to my waist to match my position.
I lean over to check in and make sure that’s okay with him, but as I lean in, he turns to face me at the last second, and I end up kissing him. No tongue, but the world’s softest fucking lips greet me.
I pull back in shock, laughing, while Liam goes stock still next to me.
Quickly surveying the two men on my radar, the guy with Liam looks pissed and a little like he might pass out. Connor looks like he wants to beat my ass, and a thrill runs through me.
Whispering into Liam’s ear, I ask if the guy he’s with is his boyfriend because that kiss was a total accident, so I’ll apologize if needed. I’m not here to start shit…well, not between them anyway.
Liam adamantly shakes his head no as I risk a second glance at Connor. The scathing look he’s giving me could melt my fucking skin, and damn, I want to see him break.
If Liam and the pit bull aren’t together, I have an idea.
Leaning back up to reach his ear, I compliment his lips, explain I’m trying to make someone jealous so they’ll give me a chance, and finally, I ask if I can kiss him…like, for real.
He’s wearing a slightly shocked and dazed expression, but slowly, he nods his head yes.
I turn my body into his and cup his face with my left hand, pulling him down to me as I stretch up and run my tongue along the seam of his lips.
It only takes one pass before he opens up, allowing me full access to his lips and tongue.
I angle my head the other direction, deepening the kiss, and I have to admit, Liam is a good kisser, but it’s all wrong.
He’s not the man I want in my arms.
My hope is that this little stunt is enough to push Connor over the edge.
When I finally pull away, Liam’s adorable cheeks are flushed, and his lips are glossy.
In my peripheral vision, I notice his guard dog is no longer standing in front of us.
Looking back at Liam, I see his eyes are darting around Meltdown in search of his friend.
Maybe that kiss can make two men admit their feelings, I think to myself.
Signing a napkin, I hand it to Liam, shake his hand, and watch as he goes in search of his buddy.
Facing Connor, I’m both surprised and not, to find that he’s still watching me. I know this is a dangerous game. I know he needs this job. I just can’t bring myself to stop wanting him.
Fuck, I’ve wanted him since I was fourteen years old.
Is this a good idea? Hell, no.
But control’s never been my strong suit…especially not self-control.