Chapter 10 #2
He lets the thought hang in the air between us, adding to the stifling awkwardness already clouding the hall.
As much as I hate admitting it, I get it. The two of us together is probably equivalent to throwing a ticking time bomb down on center ice and expecting it not to blow the whole arena to smithereens.
I’m still brimming with irritation even as I stare at him, silently begging him to say yes.
Doesn’t stop me from wanting him to say it though.
“Your points are valid, and while I respect them, this is bigger than just you and me.”
One dark brow lifts, the corner of his mouth quirking into a smile. “Why am I not surprised you aren’t taking no for an answer?”
Because my brain refuses to register the word. It’s not in my damn programming. Which is something I’m sure Oakley’s had to have noticed in the years we’ve known each other.
Just like I know him well enough to realize I’m never gonna live this shit down. He might not be mad or popping off at me for suggesting this, but I know he’ll use this as ammo in what’s sure to be another six months of torment, bickering, and fights between the two of us.
Remember the time you tried to hit on me and I said no?
I can hear it now.
But if there’s one thing I can count on, it’s that he wouldn’t do it publicly. He’d never out someone. He’s a dickish asshole, but he’s not fucking heartless.
I scratch my neck before mirroring his pose against the wall opposite him. “You and I both know this could go sideways and blow up in our faces. I guess I just figured what’s the harm in trying? If we hook up and keep winning, it’s a literal win-win situation. Getting off and getting the W.”
“And losing every ounce of self-respect I have by sleeping with you.”
So that’s what this is about? That’s why he’s so leery of this?
My blood flares at his dig, and I have half a mind to call him on his bullshit about not fucking around with teammates or baby bi’s, when really, I’m the issue. I’d bet if I was any other guy on the team offering this up, he’d jump at the chance.
I grit my teeth and rein in the temper fighting to break free. “You didn’t seem to care too much when I was on my knees for you the other night.”
He rubs his thumb over his bottom lip and smirks. “Call it a lapse in judgment.”
Goddamnit.
I can’t help the glare I aim his way. “Still the best blowjob you’ve ever had if I had to bet my last dollar on it. I’d double down and say it was the hardest you’ve ever come too.”
His grin only widens. “The answer’s still no.”
Fucking hell.
Pushing off the wall, I close the distance between us until I’m standing right in front of him. My hands land on either side of his shoulders, flattening against the wall as I look him dead in the eye, and press in close enough so our thighs brush against each other.
That’s all it takes—that tiny bit of contact—to get the first waver in his resolve.
A sharp inhale causes his pecs to brush against mine, and even through the thin fabric of our shirts, the heat from his skin still sets my entire body on fire.
And in his eyes, I see it. Exactly what I’m feeling.
Want. Need. Desire.
Lust.
It’s all plain as day in those deep brown irises.
My voice comes out grated when I ask, “You sure about that?”
Oakley’s head sinks back against the wall behind him, and I catch the subtle shake of his head. But I also notice the thrumming pulse in his throat and feel his heart racing against my chest, both of which tell another story.
Then there’s the way his cock is thickening in his jeans against mine, and I’m pleased to find what he’s claiming is nothing but a lie.
Knowing he’s as affected by my proximity as I am by his is exhilarating. Intoxicating, even. It makes me want more.
More what? I’m not entirely sure.
More of his time? His attention? The look in his eyes he’s giving me right now?
Maybe just more of this feeling humming in my veins.
“Not even for the good of the team? To get to the Frozen Four? To hold that trophy over our heads and bring home a championship I know we both want? Because that’s what’s at stake right now, Reed.”
His teeth sink into his pouty, pink lower lip, and damn if my dick doesn’t take notice too.
Calm the fuck down. He hasn’t said yes yet.
But those three letters are right there. I know it. They’re sitting on the tip of his damn tongue, so close, I can almost taste them.
If there’s anything Oakley and I can agree on, it’s that this team is one of the most important things in our lives.
It might be for different reasons and we might have different goals down the line, but those things don’t matter right now.
What we should be worried about is the next game.
Then the one after. And each and every one until we’re holding that trophy over our heads.
Which is more than possible. The only thing needing to happen for us to get there is Oakley saying one simple word.
Yes.
I’m fucking sure of it.
I need to get him there. To see things from my point of view, and going off our track record, I’m gonna need every weapon in my arsenal to get through to him.
My tongue darts out, and Oakley’s eyes track it as I wet my lips.
Say yes, Reed. C’mon.
I lean in even closer. As close as I dare.
“I can tell you’re frustrated. Believe me, I am too.
You drive me fucking insane, and most of the time, not in a good way.
But what better way than to work it out on each other?
I’ll even let you go first. Whatever you want.
” I run my lips over the pulse point on his throat, just below his jaw as I work my way over to his ear.
“I bet you’d like to fuck my face, for real this time.
And you can. I’ll get down on my knees for you, here and now, if you say yes. ”
My mouth glides along his skin until it hovers against his lips, only a sliver of air separating us. Still too far apart, but close enough to brush when I whisper, “Just say yes, Oak.”
His breath comes out hot against my lips, in harsh pants, like he’s just run a marathon. I feel the same, but also keyed up and ready to go. Ready for him and whatever he’s willing to give me. Which I’m hoping starts with him closing the gap between his lips and mine.
When he grabs the back of my neck, I’m sure he’s about to do just that.
But instead, he uses the grip to switch our positions, pushing me back against the wall.
Crowding into me the way I was him, overwhelming me with his presence.
And something about the way he just man-handled me…
makes me itch for another taste of him. Has my blood humming with need and want like I’ve never felt before.
He doesn’t even have to roll his hips into me for me to feel his cock rubbing against mine, and it makes me want to get both of us naked. Fast.
But as soon as it’s there—the heat and friction I’m desperately seeking—it’s gone.
In its place is a bucket of cold water delivered by the man I now wish I didn’t lust after.
“Not happening, de Haas,” he mutters, leaning back to meet my gaze before stepping back. “Not in this fucking lifetime.”