Page 115 of On Thin Ice

Jacob shook his head. “You think he’d have left you alone with me if he did?”

Finn laughed. “Good point.” He shot Jacob a hot look. “You wanna come back to my room?”

Jacob’s returning look lit him up inside. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Chapter 16

ThiswasJacob’sfirstyear having arealholiday break—not having it shoved in, in-between practices and games, and he fully intended to enjoy it.

He spent a whole day shopping for gifts, taking his time and not just throwing anything he thought anyone he knew might possibly like into his cart, but really considering what might be the best gift.

On Christmas Eve, he took Jackie and Krista to the Portland Zoo to see the holiday light displays, and plied them with hot fried elephant ears, dripping with butter and cinnamon sugar, and big cups of hot chocolate, ignoring Bryan’s protests when he dropped them back at home, hyped and maybe even a little wild.

“Just wait,” his brother warned ominously as he waved Jacob into the house.

“’Til what?”

“’Til you have kids of your own and every time you see a food item containing sugar you break into hives,” Bryan said.

“I . . .uh . . .” Bryan knew he didn’t want kids.

“Okay, fair,” Bryan said. “Wait until you end up shuttling around a dozen or so drunk hockey rookies because you’re loved up with one of them.”

“I’m not . . .we haven’t . . .I don’t . . .” Jacob hedged. They hadn’t talked about it. It wasn’t only sex, that was for sure, but they also hadn’t used theLword yet.

Bryan raised an eyebrow as Jackie tackled Krista into the couch, yelling.

“But weare . . .uh . . .together. You know.” Jacob felt awkward admitting it, even though if he was doing it, he could surely say it out loud.

“Please tell me you’re more articulate with Finn,” Bryan said.

Finn didn’t seem to have many complaints. He asked for what he wanted and Jacob was more than happy to give it to him as often as they could—which, frankly, between Finn’s school and hockey commitments and Morgan being the world’s most accomplished cockblocker, was not nearly enough.

“Trust me, he’s not complaining. Except about how often his dad accidentally uh . . .” Jacob hesitated, glancing over at where Krista and Jackie were tussling on the couch, but also, possibly listening in.

“Interrupts you?” Bryan laughed. “Hey, at least you aren’t pining away alone anymore. That was pathetic.”

“Thanks,” Jacob said dryly.

Bryan only shrugged. “Just telling it like it is. Did you talk to Finn about tomorrow?”

“Yes. He’s spending most of it with his Dad and then uh . . .well, tomorrow night when he finally manages to escape Morgan’s clutches, I’m planning a little celebration at my house, just the two of us.”

“Let me guess, you hung some mistletoe over your bed.” Bryan laughed. “Subtle, you are not, but hey, that’s not a bad thing.”

“I did tell him you invited him over and he was really touched. If Morgan wasn’t in town . . .”

“I get it,” Bryan said briskly. “I can’t imagine dealing with that guy full-time.”

“He’s getting better at it. Or Morgan’s trying harder? Or trying less? I’m not sure. But I think it’s not entirely a bad thing he’s around. As for me and him, well we’re never going to be best friends, but we haven’t punched each other in the face yet.”

“And what happens when he finds out what you and Finn are really doing?”

It was a question Jacob had been asking himself for at least a week.

“No idea,” Jacob said. “But there’s no reason to tell him right now.”

Bryan shot him a look that said,if you’re sure. Or maybe,he’s going to find out, and be super pissed.Possibly both.

---