Changing the Game (Offsides #1)

by J.J. Mulder

I’m surprised he’s not a player with a body like that—I know a hockey butt when I see one.

Well, give him a couple days to get settled before you ravish him.” ​I blush furiously, my already warm face heating up further. “I’m not going to ravish him!” ​“You could, probably. You know what else I noticed last night? Him watching you.”

But don’t they know you’re gay?” ​“Yes. But I’m a hockey player, and I make a lot of money.” And, because I’ve been told this on several occasions, I add: “Also, I’m very cute.” ​He laughs, an authentic one this time, and I smile. ​“It’s the dimples.” He informs me. ​“What is?” ​“What makes you very cute.” He points to his own, smooth cheeks. ​I turn my face away, slightly, trying to hide my grin.

​“I know we’re going to be living together, but if you’ve got a sex dungeon behind that door, I feel it might be prudent to point out that some things are okay for us not to share.” ​He blushes furiously, like I knew he would. ​“I don’t have a sex dungeon!” And then, under his breath. “This is a ranch home, it’s all one floor.”

​Great. Group workouts—just me, Troy, and his abs.

Once thing has become very clear during my week here—my roommate is very attractive and I have spent a lot of time noticing it.

Well, I like Troy, obviously. But…only Troy? I think. Objectively, I know these other guys are good looking, right? Take Anthony Lawson—women love him, but he doesn’t do anything for me. It’s like they’re all donkeys and Troy is a horse.” ​She lets out a snort of laughter so intense I wouldn’t be surprised if a piece of her lung came out her nose with it. “Oh my god, and you’re saying you want to ride the horse, not the donkeys?” ​“Well!” ​She laughs harder, and I contemplate hanging up. “Oh my god. Oh my god, Sam.” ​“Stop it.” ​“So, do you have a plan? To, you know, seduce him?” She sounds breathless with glee. ​“No. I guess the plan is just…fuck it, you know?” ​“Yes.” She says, gravely. “The plan is to fuck it. Fuck the horse.”

Let’s just move forward with the understanding that there will never be a time when I don’t want to kiss you.”

“God, I hope not. I honestly have no idea. I think they’re going to be surprised, but the likelihood of them trying to perform an exorcism is pretty low.” He laughs, and I can feel it in my entire body. “Well, that’s a relief. I’ve become rather attached to my evil spirit.”

I’m going to go help Mom with lunch. Beat some sense into her with a frying pan.”

So very Rapunzel of you!

Troy’s hand is lying on my leg, reminding me of the precious cargo in the vehicle.

“I’m going to marry you, one day.” I say, into the dark room. Sam snorts, wrapping an arm around my chest. “Of course you are. But you’re going to have to ask me a lot nicer than that.”