Irresponsible Puckboy (Puckboys #2)(50)

“I don’t think that works,” I say.

“Yes, it does, because now I need to get up to turn it off, and I won’t be tempted to stay in bed and come all over you when we need to get our asses to practice.”

I let out a long sigh. “And so it starts all over again. Another season.”

Dex slides out of bed and reaches above him. His lean muscles tighten, and my gaze drops to his ass.

Sleeping naked with him is new, but I’m definitely not complaining about getting that sight every morning.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever be hooking up with Dex, but in those moments where I wished for it, thought about it, or jerked off to it, there was always a moment of awkwardness. I tried to suppress my feelings because I knew if Dex was to ever be interested in me in real life, it would be difficult to go from friends to lovers.

But just like everything with Dex, being with him is easy. A lot easier than I thought it would be. And today might change everything.

It’s not the first time we’ve gotten ready for practice and gone together, but it’s got a different vibe.

Dex doesn’t seem to have my hesitance, but why would he? This is Dex. He doesn’t get hung up on things; he’s not the type of person to overthink every little detail … Maybe I need to take his lead and … see what happens.

When we get to the arena, Dex holds my hand from the parking lot to the players’ entrance, where I slip out of his hold.

He frowns, but I shrug him off.

“I don’t want to freak out the guys with all this PDA stuff. I figure while we’re with the team, we don’t act any differently to how we usually do.”

He hesitates before nodding. “Good idea.”

On our way to the locker room, we pass through the rink, where the rookies from last year, some AHL players who are hoping to get called up, and some newly drafted players are on the ice. They had an earlier start time than us so they could go through drills and show the coaches what they’ve got.

For some of them, this is their only shot. Being drafted doesn’t mean they get a contract. From here, they might get sent to the AHL for more training; some of them who are young enough will keep playing for the juniors. Most of them won’t make the team this year. Coaches like to wait to sign draftees until they’re older and stronger, but occasionally there’ll be an outlier. And from what I can see, everyone on the ice right now has the potential to be that outlier. Then again, if they outskate the rookies from last year, it might just mean our rooks will get sent down to the AHL for conditioning and more training.

“Damn. The new kids are fast,” Dex says.

“Or are we old and slow now?”

“The first one. Fuck, hopefully the first one.”

“Let’s go suit up and see which one of these guys might make the team.”

As soon as Dex and I walk into the locker room, I’ve never heard so many hockey players be silent at once.

Reeves, my backup goalie, is the first to say something. “Uh, congratulations?”

Dex smiles wide. “Thanks, man.”

“Where were our invites, assholes?” Braylon asks.

“We only invited people we like,” I quip.

Dex rolls his eyes. “It was literally us, the officiant, and a witness who worked at the chapel.”

“Exactly my point.”

The guys all boo me, but they know I’m playing with them. I’m happy it went this way and not—

“Is no one going to ask it?” Fensby cuts in.

Spoke too soon.

Patrick Fensby is the least likable guy on the team. He’s a center—same position as Dex—but Fensby is second line to Dex’s first. He puts a lot in the basket, but he’s not a team player. He always tries to be the one to score and has been called on it a thousand times, but because he’s one of the top scorers in the league, the coaches tend to look the other way. Because if a guy can get twice as many shots on goal, he’s bound to get some of them in.

He’s been gunning for Dex’s spot since he joined the team two years ago.

“Ask away, Fensby.” I act like I don’t care, because I actually don’t. I’m just worried on Dex’s behalf.

Fensby steps toe to toe with Dex. “How long were you two fucking behind Jessica’s back?”

“Here we go.” I want to yell the entire reason we got married in the first place was because of her. We’re in this mess thanks to the woman he’s defending because she happens to be where he parks his dick at night.

“We weren’t,” Dex says.

“Not what she says.”

“Why do you care?” I ask. “You’re with her now, and I couldn’t be happier for you. You deserve her.”

Dex points my way. “What Tripp said. There’re no hard feelings on my end, so if you make her happy, I’m happy for her.”

Hmm, that’s Dex’s lying tone, but he’s so subtle about it, I doubt anyone else would be able to tell.

“And so you’re suddenly gay?” Fensby asks.

“Hey, whoa,” Adler says, stepping up behind us. Team captain to the rescue. “We accept everyone here. And if Dex doesn’t have an issue with you breaking bro code and dating his ex, you shouldn’t worry about how he ident—”