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“Yeah, that sucks. I know someone with the same problem.” Motherfucker. I’d laugh if this whole thing wasn’t so ridiculous.
He gives me a small smile. “Thanks, Seth.” I melt. Say my name again.
Richie: I miss my Einstein.
Einstein: What if I told you my name is Seth Grant?
“I guess I should introduce myself properly. My name is Seth. I’m doing my master’s in science at UVM. I hate talking hockey because for my whole life I’ve been overshadowed by my twin brother, who plays for the NHL. All my friends growing up used me to get to him, and I knew a college hockey player would be all over that if I told him who I was. I want to become a professor. Up until a few months ago, I was adamant I was straight, but it was only because I was avoiding the truth. I’m demisexual and pan.”
But Einstein is one of the most attractive men I’ve ever seen.
I’m finally looking at Einstein, and I can’t hold back anymore. I take my opportunity to close the gap between us and kiss him hard.
“You’re into this?” His mouth lands on my neck, and he sucks hard. “So fucking into it.” Thank God.
“You’re hot. I find your body sexy.” I run my hand down his chest and lower my head to kiss along his shoulder. “Not because it’s a novelty to be with a guy, but because you’re you. You’re my Einstein.”
Realizing he’s Foster Grant’s brother should make me pull away. Foster’s my friend, and I’ll probably get my ass kicked for this, but I don’t care. What we have … what we could have, I’d face a firing squad if it meant I could be with him in this way.
“Should I tell Jacobs you’ve been checking out my junk?” “Please do. My boyfriend is a possessive motherfucker. He’ll tear it right off.”
“Okay?” Beck forces himself to inhale. “I’m fucking fantastic. So fantastic, I’m buying everyone a round of fruity-as-fuck cocktails. Want one, Cohen? Seth? Of course you do! This is great. Lunch is great. What a fantastic day.”
“You’ll have Foster.” Zach shakes his head. “He’s not like that for me. Foster is so many things, but he gets me to stand on my own feet. I liked knowing you’d always be there to take care of me and make things better.
“As my boyfriend’s best friend’s little brother—” “I’m the older brother.” He narrows his eyes. “Nah, I don’t see it.” “I don’t think you know how childbirth works.”
“Science is cool. Science is hot.” Richie leans in. “You’re gonna Bunsen burn me right up.” “Oh no.” “You can polish my beaker any day.”
“You’re my Einstein. That trumps friendship. Any day.”
“Pretend it’s a protein shake with kale. If I can swallow that, I can swallow anything.”
And without a doubt, I’m in serious like with Seth.
“I’m a nudist!” I blurt. They both look confused. “I’m trying to recruit Seth into my cult. That’s why I’m naked.”
“So, I have some slightly disturbing news,” I say. “You do?” I nod. “I think I’m kind of dating everyone I’ve ever slept with? And, we didn’t break up. So, I’ve cheated on all of them with you. A lot.”
“That was fast,” I say, lobbing my wrapper at the trash, secretly relieved when it goes in. “I’ve had plenty of practice with swallowing now.”
“We might’ve found it entertaining that you had no idea kissing a guy is not hetero behavior, but actually acknowledging your sexuality? There’s nothing to mock about that. That only deserves support.”
“I don’t think I want to live in a world where TJ Beckett is serious and not a fuckboy.”
I’m not gonna lie, Westly Dalton is fucking intimidating. He made it to the Big Show. He could’ve been one of the greats. Now he’s coaching a bunch of college kids.
After I shower and dress, I take out my phone to see a message from Seth asking how my day was. Then one two minutes later saying I didn’t need to reply right away because he knows I’m busy and he was checking in. Then another later asking to pretend he’s playing it cool.
“Well, let’s not forget about the Witcher.” “Hmm.” His teeth graze my ear. “I still have that costume.” Dear God.
“Eww. Your first thought after that was of Foster?” “No. My first thought after that was I will do anything in my power to make sure that happens again. And again. Even if Foster is pissed at me, my feelings for you won’t change.”
“Come on, he’s not going to bite.” “I know he’s not going to bite. He’s not four. What he could do to me is much, much worse.”
Do I lead up to this, or just— “I hope you don’t care that I brought my boyfriend with me.” Blurt it out.
“Turns out a lot’s changed since you left.” “I’ll say.”
“I figured out I’m demi and pan. Who knew?” Foster’s expression softens. “Wow, Seth. That’s … that’s great.”
He scoffs. “That’s bullshit. If I didn’t know, no one could have because I know you better than anyone.” Zach lifts his hand. “Except me.” “Is that really still the case?” I ask. Confusion crosses his face. “It’s not like we’ve hung out much lately. And I get why, of course, but I’ve been going through a lot. And Foster, when the hell was the last time it was you and me? I don’t mean hanging out at home, but actually doing anything together. It’s been years.” Is it really a surprise I feel like they’ve left me behind at times? I swallow thickly.
With limited time, you have to prioritize where to spend it, and for you guys, it’s with each other. That’s what happens when you care about someone. You want to spend time with them. They’re your priority. I didn’t get it before, because I’d never had it. But ever since Richie and I started dating, he’s shown me. He’s never had to tell me I’m his priority, I just … am.”
“Cohen, looks like you’re stuck with me again.” “Nah.” Richie moves closer and rests his hand on my thigh. “I’m stuck with Seth. You’re just that annoying brother we have to put up with at Christmas.”
That’s when I hear, “Is everyone on this team fucking gay?”
“If we want to get technical, Jacobs is the only gay one.” Jacobs calls out as he walks past, “Nope. I’m bi again! I think.” “He’s mine, that’s all that matters,” Beck says as he drags him away.
“It’s goddamn contagious,” Henrikson says. “You’re so right,” I say dryly. “If you can’t beat ’em, beat ’em off instead.”
Seth looks up at me. “You’d do that for my friend?” “Aren’t we all friends here? Friends look out for each other.”
I want to point out that if we work out in the long term, there’s a good chance we’ll all be brothers-in-law one day, but it’s probably too soon to fantasize about that kind of thing let alone say it out loud. But the thoughts are there anyway.
The way he walked right over and kissed me? I’ve never felt so wanted before.
“Summer? That’s as long as Beck and I have been together.” “Almost.” Richie’s hand rests against my lower back. “Unlike you two, we kept our hands to ourselves for a bit.”
If my big brother found out one of his friends was sticking it in one of his siblings, he’d knock them out.”
“You’re dating Cohen to piss off your brother, aren’t you?” His tone is even cockier than I’ve heard from him yet. “That could be the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard.” “Right.” Asher holds my stare as he takes a long drink from his glass. “Personally, I’d do anything to piss mine off. Including date his old teammate, whether I was gay or not.”
“Are you …” “Gay?” Asher’s lips twitch. “Not that I know of. But I’m the kind of person who never says never.”
“You have no idea. When you’re stuck at home where everyone’s depressed as fuck, getting to tease cute guys is always a highlight.” … Cute? Ohh … Nope. Go back. I suddenly really want to rewind to the part where I assumed he had a thing for Richie because that was a thousand times more preferable to this. Him calling me cute makes me uncomfortable.
First time exploring another man’s body. First time acknowledging with actions that I’m bisexual. But the most important one, the first time I’ve ever looked at someone and wanted more. Wanted a future.
On the ice, Foster scores, and we’re officially distracted from my depressing future. We jump out of our seats to cheer. Foster points his stick into the crowd at Zach, and Zach sits back down and covers his flaming face.
My gaze lands on Seth, and yep, I don’t think I could go for that job even though it sounds perfect. So perfect I didn’t even think before I dropped that yes. But I would rather go into coaching with Beck and Jacobs if it meant I didn’t leave Seth.
When it comes to sex, our dynamic isn’t anything like what I thought it would be, but it seems to work for us both. I’m in charge. I give the orders. But all of my orders are geared toward what will make Richie feel good, because turning him on turns me on too.
“How do I make you feel?” I ask. His arms tighten, and Richie drags openmouthed kisses over my neck. “Incredible. Impossible. So fucking turned on. You’re perfect. So fucking perfect, Einstein. Maybe I wasn’t being dumb all these years, after all. Maybe I was waiting for you.”
