A Secret for a Secret (All In #3)(59)

I do what Bishop suggested and channel all the negative energy into protecting the net. It’s incredibly effective, especially the part where I envision Corey’s flattened face on the puck every time it gets close to the net. We end up with a shutout, which means I feel fantastic about the game, and most of the negative energy seems to fade away with the back pats and my teammates complimenting me on a job well done.

I’m in a great mood as I shower and get ready to meet up with the girls, who are likely already at the bar. Corey’s too busy with whatever’s happening on his phone to pay attention to me, which is probably good for both of us. I’m riding a high, and I would gladly knock him out if he decides we need to have a go at each other.

“You’re going to stay for a couple of beers tonight, right?” I ask Bishop as I shrug into my dress shirt.

“That’s a rhetorical question, right?” Bishop makes an adjustment in his underwear. They always have a ridiculous pattern on them. Tonight it’s a pineapple and olive dancing together. It’s hard not to look at them.

“Uh, just making sure. I think I might have a drink.” I fasten the top button on my shirt and make sure the collar is smooth.

Bishop’s brow quirks. “You all right?”

“Yeah. I’m great, actually. My family’s coming to visit, so Queenie’ll get to meet them, and I told her how I feel about her, and she feels the same, so we’re solid. It’s good. Everything is perfect. I think I might ask her to move in with me. For real this time. Maybe after the holidays. That’s not too soon, is it?”

Bishop holds up a finger, taps his lips a couple of times, and then looks at me like I’m the stupidest person on the face of the earth. “You realize I’m the last person you should ever ask for relationship advice, right? I told the woman I’m married to that her face was a boner killer.”

I cringe, because that’s a horrible thing to say, let alone to the woman who willingly sleeps beside him every night. “That was before you realized who she was, though.”

“Yeah, but the point is, I’m not the person you want to ask for advice. I mean, I’d tell you to pin her the fuck down before she realizes she’s made a mistake, if you were me, but you’re not me. You’re likable and friendly and shit. I’m lucky I’m nice to look at and that I can give my wife multiple orgasms; otherwise I’d be fucked, man.”

“Is that a common thing?”

“Is what a common thing?” Bishop works on tying his tie.

“Multiple orgasms.”

He looks away from his reflection for a moment. “You asking me for pointers in the bedroom?”

“No. Of course not. I know what’s effective with Queenie. I just didn’t realize multiples were that common.” I’m actually a little disappointed. Although I won’t admit that to Bishop, or anyone else. Jessica was always very . . . proper. And basically silent. It didn’t matter how many questions I asked, how much direction I sought, everything was always “fine” or “nice.”

Queenie is the opposite. Which I love. She’ll tell me exactly what she needs and how she needs it. And she seems to really like that I seek direction from her. I can only learn her body if she shares with me what makes her feel the best.

“Can I ask you something without offending you?”

“As long as you’re not disrespecting Queenie, sure.” I tie a windsor knot without looking in a mirror.

“Are you, like, missionary only?”

“Pardon?”

“Positions. Do you have more than one you like?”

I meet my best friend’s questioning gaze and consider how much information I want to give him about my private, personal life. “I can appreciate all views.”

His eyebrows climb into his hairline. “I thought I knew you.”

“You do know me.” I shrug into my suit jacket and check for any lint I missed.

“Queenie’s good for you, though, because this isn’t a conversation we would’ve had a year ago.”

“I’m not being disrespectful.”

He puts his hand on my shoulder. “No, man, but with Jessica there wasn’t ever a conversation, about anything. She was an accessory. Queenie is a partner. She’s the olive to your pineapple.”

“That sounds awful.”

“It’s actually not that bad on pizza, but you need hot peppers, bacon, ham, and pepperoni to balance it all out. The pizza isn’t the point. It’s that you found someone who lights a fire under your ass. It’s a good thing. That’s all I’m saying. And multiples are the fucking bomb.” Bishop makes a fist and approximates a jerking-off motion before he realizes Rook is watching him. “It’s good for everyone.”

“Especially my ego,” I agree.

“Fucking shit!” Corey barks from across the room. He punches at his phone and brings it to his ear. “What in the actual fuck, Sissy? I told you I’d take care of it. What the hell were you thinking?” He screws his eyes shut and exhales heavily through his nose. “This is going to be a nightmare to manage. What? No. Don’t do that!” he snaps, then changes his tone. “Come on, baby, that’s a bad idea. Where are you now? I’ll come get you. We’ll figure out how to fix this.” He pushes up off the bench and stalks out of the locker room.