Page 44 of My Brother's Teammates

His eyes trail down to my lips, then back up to meet mine. “I wanted to know how you taste.”

It’s everything I need to hear. My mouth crashes down to his. I take a small step forward, pressing my body against his, loving the feel of his muscles flexing against mine. I reach between us, gripping the front of his throat, and as he groans, I slip my tongue inside his mouth.

He tastes like hazelnut coffee, and as my fingers flex on the side of his throat, he reaches up, grasping my shoulders.

His kiss is firm, his touch rough, and even though I love women, something about this hits a button I didn’t know wanted pressing. This dance is a challenge for dominance, and while Roman is submitting to me, he could easily change the dynamics. Right now, he’s letting me have the upper hand.

My tongue duels with his, his fingers digging into my shoulder blades.

His scent, his taste, his touch, it all sets me on fire. I’m burning from the inside out, but before I do anything we’re not ready for, I take a small step back, letting my hand trail down his chest.

Roman’s eyes flutter open, and I take another step back, my pulse pounding in my ears, and my hands—the ones that were just all over my best friend—are trembling. I’m not sure what to expect, but I couldn’t stand to have that moment sullied by post-kiss anger, resentment, confusion… regret. Shit, all of the above.

Instead of either of those things, there’s only traces of heat lingering in his soft gaze.

“That was… something.” Roman smirks, his thumb swiping below his mouth. “Is this where we high-five?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “I don’t think so, but I could be wrong. I’ve never done this before.”

“Surely that wasn’t your first kiss.” He pauses and tilts his head, watching me. “It is with a man.”

“Yeah.” I give him a slight nod.

“Me, too.”

Jesus. I huff a laugh, running a hand through my hair. “No shit. I?—”

Before I can get another word out, his phone dings, and then dings again.

“Shit, goalie coach.” He opens his phone, typing out a quick response. “I’m going to be late for our extra practice session.”

“You better put a shirt on.”

This time it’s his turn to laugh. “Might be a little chilly on the ice.” The lightness of his gaze disappears. “We’re okay?”

“Yeah.” I nod, giving him a playful swat on the shoulder. “We’re okay. You better go.”

Roman turns to leave but lingers in the doorway. I’m not sure if he wants to say something more or if he really does want that high-five, but after a few seconds, he raps his fingers against the wood and leaves.

The breath leaves my lungs in a whoosh. Holy shit. Holy shit. I kissed my best friend. I kissed him, and it was one of the best kisses of my life. And better yet, I don’t feel awkward, I don’t feel like my world is going to collapse around me. I feel invigorated. I want more, need more.

Definitely going to take a shower to tame this erection. There’s no way I can get through the day with it bouncing against my thigh and stealing all the blood from my brain. Might need that at some point.

I turn around and almost make it to the bathroom when a soft knock sounds on my door. That’s not Roman, and it sure as hell isn’t Jace. That man doesn’t know the meaning of the word subtle.

“Hey, Charlie.”

She’s leaning against the doorframe, the same one I had Roman pinned against moments ago. Her eyes are on the floor, and her fingers are twisted in the hem of her T-shirt. “Hey, Teo. I saw Roman leaving, and I wanted to apologize.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for.”

“But you…”

I give her a soft smile. “You can kiss anyone you want, Red. You’re a grown-ass woman.”

Her fingers twist a little more, a pretty pink blush crawling up her neck as she shifts back and forth on her bare feet.

I clear my throat before I do something stupid, like cross the room and kiss her, too. “How are things going with the business?”

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