Page 156 of The Blame Game

Dom froze, reaching out to touch Shea’s arm. “I certainly was. It was a perfect date,” he admitted.

Shea gave him another slow smile that heated Dom’s blood. “But?”

Dom leaned in, speaking quietly in his ear. “But I’m ready to take you home.”

Olson Back In Time for Playoffs? Rumors of Fake Relationships and Cap Circumvention Dog the Beleaguered Player

Sources from within the Fisher Cats organization have indicated that fourth line center Dominic Olson will be undergoing a surgical procedure to correct a lower body injury. He will be placed on long term injury reserve but is expected to be back in time for playoffs.

Some fans cynically believe it’s an attempt by the Fisher Cats to circumvent the tight cap space and will allow them to acquire additional players. “C’mon,” one is quoted as saying. “It’s the oldest trick in the book. They paid too much for his last contract, and this way they can get some relief.”

“Lower body injury, my ass,” another fan scoffed. “He was out the other night, having a great time! He was walking fine in the videos of him hopping out of his sports car and taking his boy toy to a swanky dinner. It’s bullshit and everyone can see it.”

Others are more concerned about the status of his relationship. “The whole date thing is so ridiculous. Everyone can see what a sham the ‘relationship’ is. The dude looks like an escort with that ridiculous low-cut shirt on. Total gym bro who is gay for pay. Watch, the moment the season is over, they’ll ‘break up’.”

Check back here for all of the latest developments on Olson’s play and private life!

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

“I still can’t believe we’re doing this,” Dom grumbled a few days later as they walked up the sidewalk of Dustin and Charlie’s house on Sunday afternoon.

Dom looked amazing in slim-fit charcoal trousers and a casual linen button-down, sleeves cuffed to reveal his forearms. Damn it, he knew that made Shea weak.

“It’s just a baby shower. Haven’t you ever been to a baby shower?” Shea asked, a little exasperated.

“No.”

“Oh, Dom.”

“What?”

Shea just shook his head. “What did you do before this baby? Haven’t Anton and Elena already had like five kids?”

“I sent a gift card and it was delivered to the house along with the flowers I ordered.”

“That tracks,” Shea muttered.

Dom elbowed him in the ribs. “I just can’t believe you RSVPed for both of us!”

“Charlie said you were ignoring his messages!”

“Well I was trying! I can’t believe you’re already all buddy-buddy with my whole damn team and the SAPs,” he grumbled, pushing the button for the doorbell. “And that it’s being used against me.”

Shea rolled his eyes. “Yeah, well, this was part of Kate’s whole plan, right? Have us spend time with your team, show up in some pictures and videos they post …”

“I suppose.” Dom let out a big, put-upon sigh.

Shea snorted and wrapped his arm around Dom’s waist, kissing his temple. “Gah. You’re such a grump sometimes.”

“I think I liked it better when you called me brusque.”

Shea was still laughing when the door swung open to reveal a man with sparkling blue eyes and golden curls who was dressed in a colorful sundress that showed off his bare smooth legs in high heels.

The off-the-shoulder dress was Oscar de La Renta, if Shea wasn’t mistaken. And perfect for a gorgeous, sunny day that finally felt like spring.

Charlie Monaghan smiled at them both. “Well, hello there. Glad you could both make it.”

Dom stiffened but he didn’t pull away and Shea squeezed his hip before he let go. Baby steps. Dom was still getting used to the idea of being openly affectionate.

---