Square to the Puck (Offsides #2)

by J.J. Mulder

“I didn’t hook up with anyone last night.” He fumbles the tomato in his hands, catching it before it hits the counter. “And I won’t be hooking up with anyone else while you and I are…having dinner.” I substitute dating for that last part, hoping it’ll make him smile, but it doesn’t. He’s as stony faced as ever when he brings the cutting board over to the island so he can work next to me. All I can see is the line of his neck, and the swoop of his eyelashes as he concentrates on chopping. “You could have.” I scowl down at the top of his head. I knew he would say that. “No. I couldn’t have.” I watch the tops of his shoulders move with a sigh, and he turns around, moving gracefully around the large kitchen. He doesn’t speak again until he returns to the chopping board. “I don’t know if I can…” He trails off, starting over. “Listen, I know that I’m not exactly fulfilling any of your needs, so if you want to see other people that’s okay.” “I don’t want.” He sighs again, and sets the knife down. He looks up at me, perched above him on the counter. “I’ve never had sex before. So, I have no idea what I’m doing, at all, and you make me really fucking nervous. I don’t know if I’ll be able to do…” He trails off, losing steam. He goes to turn his face away and I reach out, catching his jaw lightly with the tips of my fingers. “You don’t ever have to do anything you don’t want to do. You’re not expected to have sex with me, or anyone else for that matter.” “I do want to.” The mask slip...