Chapter 14
FOURTEEN
JULIAN
I’d slept with Alex all night and instead of sex, we’d just…
cuddled. Like boyfriends. Like two men falling in love.
How this happened, I hadn’t a clue. Okay, maybe I had a clue.
He was wonderful and caring, and he was finally discussing a future where our relationship wouldn’t be secret.
We had Mason and Jett’s blessing, and it had given him some confidence.
Prior to departing for the flight home, I enjoyed some free time in my room.
Alex had asked how Dad would react to us, and I’d given him an answer he could live with.
But in reality, I wasn’t sure. Dad wouldn’t trade Alex if he found out, would he?
That would be mean-spirited. My father was high-pressure and driven, but he wasn’t mean.
My younger sister might shed some light on this. She was closer to him than I was, and I knew she’d keep our secret. I plopped onto my still-made bed with my phone in my hand and called her.
After a few rings, she picked up. “Hey, Julian. How’s the hockey life treating you? I was wondering when I’d hear from you.”
“Hey, Cam. It’s been an eye-opening experience.” I inhaled deeply. How should I bring this up?
“What do they have you doing? Are you the water boy?” She chuckled.
I chewed my lower lip and then said, with a quick laugh, “No, I’m an operations assistant to the coaching staff. I’ve learned about the strategies behind the sport, player development—”
“Okay, I don’t need a list.” She huffed. “Are you home? Didn’t you have a game in Canada yesterday?”
“We did.” Warmth floated across my chest. She’d kept tabs on me, no doubt. She was like that, feigning disinterest while secretly tracking my progress. “Have you spoken with Dad lately?”
“I have. He said he had an interesting day with you in San Jose. He thought he bored you to death.” She let out a sharp laugh. “And he was happy about it. He said it builds character.”
“Yeah, that sounds like him,” I said, picking at a button on my Oxford shirt.
I should ask her about her studies, so she doesn’t accuse me of being self-centered later.
I could be, but I didn’t need her to remind me of it.
“How’s life at Stanford?” This would be her first year as an official law student.
“The classes are hard, but I expected that.”
“And you’re smart as hell, so I’m sure it’s not a problem.” Plus, unlike me, she didn’t party when classes were in session. I left the button alone and scanned the room, my packed suitcase resting by the hallway.
“Uh-huh. Tell me why you’re really calling. Small talk isn’t your style. There’s always an agenda.” She tutted. “Is everything all right with Dad?”
“Yes, it’s fine.” She knew me too well. “But I have a situation.” I straightened on the bed, folding my legs and lifting my back off the pillows.
“Okay, tell me about it.”
“Well, it seems I’ve found myself a boyfriend.” My heart bloomed with emotion. After last night, I might have fallen in love.
“Really…” She let out a soft huff. “Who?” Her voice lowered. “Oh my God, not someone you’re working with. Dad might kill you.”
Shit. “Uh, yeah, someone I’m technically working with. It’s a player.” Of course she’d figured it out with me barely saying a thing. “What do you mean, kill me?” My gut twisted.
“You’re there to learn the business and not fool around with the players.” She paused. “Who is it? Don’t all the queer guys on the team have husbands and fiancés?” With a gasp, she said, “No, tell me you’re not hooking up with a married man.”
“I’m not, relax.” I gave a stuttered chuckle. “It’s Alex Volkov, the team captain. He’s not out publicly because of his family situation.” She wouldn’t like this much better.
“So, you’re dating a closeted player. Great. When’s the secret wedding, and will it require a code to get in?”
“Stop it. He’s considered some options. But my concern is Dad’s reaction.
He, uh, specifically told me not to fool around with the players.
” I ran my fingers through my slicked-back bangs.
“Most companies have a strict policy that doesn’t allow fraternization between coworkers if one of them is in a position of power over them, like a boss dating an employee.
But I don’t have any power over Alex, so—”
“But you could, given some time. Can you work in an office position, away from the team and travel, and still work directly with the coaches?”
“Maybe.” It wasn’t ideal. I’d lose the cozy nights with him on the road, and I’d started enjoying being a part of the team. Were we public, it would allow for more time spent at home together.
“It’s something you could investigate, and when Dad finds out, because you know he will, offer it to him. If it appears you’ve thought this through and have a plan, it will help your case.”
“Yeah, okay.” I had time to prepare for any repercussions. Alex wasn’t ready to come out tomorrow or anything. I sighed. I had some work to do. “Thanks, Cam. You always know how to solve my problems.”
“Of which there are many.” She let out a quiet giggle. “So, I guess you’ve finally given up on Ian?”
“He has a new boyfriend. Some guy he met at work.” But that wasn’t the reason I’d fallen for Alex. Alex himself was the reason I’d fallen for him. “Besides, I wasn’t after him. We’ve been friends for a long time now with nothing between us.”
“Sure, I must have hallucinated all these years.” She scoffed. “Really, Julian. You can’t fool me,” she said. “I never liked him much, anyway. He was always so conceited. He didn’t respect you. You were a different person with him. He never allowed you to do the things you loved.”
“He…” We’d discussed this when my relationship ended with Ian, though it was a long time ago.
“Yeah, well, now he’s got some other man to treat poorly.
” And I had Alex, who was nothing like Ian.
I felt good with Alex, confident and secure.
Alex was open with his feelings. Sure, our relationship was secret, but his feelings for me were not.
“Well, I’m glad to hear you found someone new. It worried me to think about all the men you hooked up with.”
She’d mentioned this several times over the summer, but I’d always blown her off. “I know. You can stop worrying about it. There’s only one man in my life.” My eyes widened. Oh my God, it was true. I’d committed to Alex. Here I’d thought I’d never commit to a man again.
“Good to hear. I wish you well with Dad. If you need any help with him, just give me a shout.”
“I will.” I glanced again at my luggage. “Hey, I need to leave for the lobby so I can board the airport bus.” A small grin quirked my lips. “Thanks again, and love you, Cam.”
“Love you too. I can’t wait to meet Alex,” she said. “Bye now.” The call ended.
The next day, I collaborated with the coaches on the team roster, listening to their opinions on who to keep. It was grueling. I’d grown to value every player who’d joined us for preseason games. But with the regular season only days away, tough decisions were necessary.
Between meetings, I sat at my desk and reviewed Gagnon’s stats. He was skilled, and the coaches were leaning toward keeping him and letting Sampson go to another team or placing him with the Firebirds.
My phone buzzed on my desk, beside my laptop.
I glanced at it, and my heart stuttered. It was Ian. I hadn’t heard from him since the charity event. Picking up the phone, I read his message.
Ian
Hey, it’s been too long. How about dinner tonight? Are you free?
Scratching my cheek, I reread the message. Dinner? Alex had mentioned coming over sometime, but we hadn’t made plans yet. Still, I should check in with him. He’d been worried I still cared for Ian, so checking with him felt appropriate.
After shutting the door to my office, I called Alex and returned to my office chair, leaning back in it. Alex had visited the gym this morning, but had returned home to care for his wrist.
The phone rang once. “Hello?”
“Hey, Alex. How’s the wrist?” I chewed my lower lip. He wouldn’t care if I met Ian for dinner, right?
“It’s fine. I’m icing it,” he said. “How are things there? Are we keeping Gagnon?”
“Looks like we are.” Even though Sampson had been a decent player. “It’s hard letting players go.” I rubbed my eyes. “I’m glad I won’t be the one to tell him.”
“Yeah, it’s hockey, and we all know trades happen.” After clicking his tongue, he said, “He’ll either get picked up by another team where he might do better, or he’ll take Gagnon’s spot on the Firebirds. He’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, guess so.” I brushed my fingers along the edge of my laptop. I should tell him about Ian. “So…Ian texted me.”
“He did?”
“Yeah, he wants to have dinner tonight.” I waited for any sound from Alex, but there was only silence. “Are you okay with that?”
“Sure, why wouldn’t I be okay with it? He has a boyfriend, and you’re just friends.”
I let out a long exhale. I had my answer. “Maybe one evening you could escape Margot and come to my place. Maybe tomorrow?” I bit my lip.
“Yeah, I can tell her I’m meeting up with Mason and Jett or something.” He sighed. “She’s been doting on me since I came home with this injury.”
Heat prickled through my chest, and I straightened in my chair. “Like what has she been doing?”
“Oh, just the usual. Nice dinners and making sure I’m icing enough, getting me things so I barely need to move off the couch.” He chuckled. “It’s fine. She’s just concerned about me.”
“Yeah, okay.” Now I really wanted him at my place tomorrow. “Come over tomorrow evening. I can take care of you better than she can.” I lifted my brows. Did he catch the innuendo?
“That’s an invitation I can’t turn down.” He snickered softly. “How about six?”
“That works. When you arrive, I’ll have several restaurants you can choose to order from.” If only he could stay the night. Someday…I glanced at my laptop. I should get back to work. “I’ll text you the address and see you at six.”
“Sounds good. And Julian? Don’t enjoy dinner with your ex too much.”