Chapter 2
2
Duke
"We should go over and check in on Bailey today," I say, smearing coconut lotion all over Stellan's massive shoulders and muscled back as he lies front down on the sunbed. We may have retired from the NHL over a decade ago, but we both take pride in maintaining our athletic physiques.
"You're only saying that because you didn't get the same one-on-one time with him that I did," he replies, and even though I can't see his face, I can hear the smirk in his tone.
I lift up his speedo and squirt some oil down his ass crack.
"Oi!"
"Oops. Sorry," I say so insincerely he'll hear my smirk.
I smooth the sunscreen down his muscular legs in slow, even strokes, making sure every inch is covered. Even though we're both six four, Stellan is smooth and dark-blond—earning him the nickname of the Nordic Viking in our playing days even though he's originally from Pennsylvania—while I'm dark-haired, brown-eyed, and have a light smattering of fur across my chest and legs.
"Thanks," he says when I'm done, lifting up onto his elbows and turning to look at me. "And I appreciate you taking care of Bailey's scumbag ex the way you did yesterday."
I lift a shoulder, sitting on the edge of the sunbed next to my bestie and soulmate. "I just got to him first. I have no doubt you would've done the same."
When I heard the ruckus happening next door, I called out for Stellan, and we bolted over to help Bailey.
Stellan shakes his head. "Don't know if I would've been able to restrain myself the way you did."
"All I cared about was making sure Bailey was okay."
He sits up so we're directly facing each other. "He said they've broken up."
I shake my head. "Don't start."
"Why not? You said we can't do anything while Bailey has a boyfriend. He doesn't have a boyfriend, so, hello, the coast is clear."
"The coast is not clear." I get up and walk over to sit by the pool.
A few seconds later, Stellan joins me, our legs dangling in the cool water. "You're the one who suggested we should check in on him," he says softly.
"I meant it in a friendly way." I shuffle to hide the pressure building in my board shorts at the thought of our sexy young neighbor. "A neighborly way."
Stellan chuckles and gives my bulge a hearty tug. "Neighborly my ass."
I shake my head and shove his hand away. Did meeting Bailey the day we moved in ignite something in us? Yes, it did. But Bailey was in a relationship then, and therefore strictly off-limits. Just because he's single now, it doesn't mean he's ready to launch himself into a new relationship, not to mention one with two guys, because Stellan and I are a package deal.
"I don't want to be someone's rebound," I muse.
"Neither do I."
"He probably needs some time."
"We can give him all the time he needs."
"We don't even know if he'll be into…" I wave my hand between us. " This ."
Stellan frowns, kicking the water until it starts to churn around our calves. I place my hand on his thigh, his skin soft as silk to the touch, such a contrast to his powerful muscles. The love I have for him is indescribable, and it's not that it's not enough, it's just that we both know on some deeper level that having someone else to share this love with would be the final piece that's missing in our puzzle.
I look into his emerald eyes. They're gleaming even more brightly than usual, reflecting the pool’s light.
"We shouldn't do anything," I say.
"Ugh." He splashes some more. "You always say that."
It's true. He's the impulsive one, I'm more measured. It's why we were such great teammates when we played for the Thunderhawks—we balanced each other out.
He turns so he's facing me and presses his palm to my heart. "But I'm not alone in this. You do feel something for Bailey." His eyes search mine. "Don't you?"
Despite only meeting our neighbor once and being instantly put off by his way too handsy boyfriend, I can't deny that the second I laid eyes on Bailey, something inside me flickered to life. His hazel eyes, flecked with dark amber and green, his lean build, his boyish charm. A gentle whisper from the deepest recesses of my subconscious told me there was something special about the guy.
"I do feel it," I admit. "But whatever we do, we have to tread carefully."
His face lights up like I've just given him the green light to march over to Bailey's house and declare our intentions.
He sees my sour expression and laughs. "Okay, okay. We'll tread carefully."
"And slowly," I add.
"Fine. And slowly."
I shake my head. "Why don't I believe you?"
He laughs again then cups my face and presses his lips to mine. "Because I have a good feeling about this. About him." He stares at me with nothing but love in his eyes. "I think we may have finally found the one, baby."