Page 30 of On Thin Ice

When he glanced back up, Jacob’s cheeks were flushed. And Finn didn’t think it was from the exercise.

“Don’t get used to it, though, me on my knees for you,” Finn teased.

The flush deepened, going dark red. “I wouldn’t. Iwon’t.”

If Finn was Elliott or Ramsey he’d probably keep pushing. Say something about how he probably looked good like this, but even though he hoped it was true, he didn’t say it out loud.

The solid warmth of Jacob’s knee under his palm and the way Jacob gazed down at him—like he was afraid to look and also afraid to look away—was enough of a tease.

Finn’s fingers were shaking slightly as he reached for the lace of Jacob’s other skate.

He knew he should let go of Jacob’s knee, but he didn’t want to. Liked how solid and warm it felt under his touch. Wished he could slide his fingers up farther, and then farther still, wondering what he might find hiding under Jacob’s sweatpants.

You’re here for hockey—not for sex.

The reminder was a bucketful of ice-cold water dumped on his head. But more importantly, on his crotch.

He picked at the knot, loosening it and then finally untangling it completely.

Finn got the skate off a minute later, and there was no reason to stay here, bent down at Jacob’s feet, so he lifted himself. Considered offering a hand to Jacob, to help him up, but Jacob shot him a look full of wry embarrassment when he considered it. Like he knew what Finn was thinking and it was the last thing he wanted.

But the shaky way he lifted himself to his feet changed Finn’s mind.

“Hey,” he said, reaching out and wrapping an arm around Jacob’s waist. It was narrow, unlike his much broader shoulders, and a knowing heat streaked through him.

“I’m good,” Jacob said, making a half-hearted attempt to shake him off, but Finn was determined and wouldn’t be dissuaded.

“No,” Finn said firmly. “Let me help you.”

“God, I’m not—” Jacob muttered a whole string of four-letter words under his breath. “I’m not a fucking invalid.”

“Not at all,” Finn said. “You headed to the sauna?”

Jacob shot him a look that might’ve been hotter than the steam inside. “Yeah. But—”

“No buts,” Finn said. “I could use it too.”

Jacob’s gaze drifted down to Finn’s sweatpants. “You gonna wear those in?”

“No,” Finn said. Trying—and failing—not to be excited about the prospect of a naked Jacob again. “And neither are you.”

“You seem very sure about this,” Jacob said bluntly.

“It’s just a little skin.”Gorgeous skin, but you’ll live.

“It’ll be fine,” Finn said.

“Not playing with fire?”

Finn let Jacob shake him off this time, only because Jacob had the wall to lean on as he hit the instrument panel for the sauna, turning it on.

Finn had already shed his T-shirt, and he wasted no time pushing down his sweatpants, fingers tucking into the elastic waistband of his boxer briefs.

Jacob was looking everywhere but at him. “We’re doing pretty fucking great,” he muttered. “First coaching session and we’re already getting naked, together.”

“Think of it as necessary medical treatment,” Finn teased, letting his briefs fall. Jacob was studiously staring at the door, even as he pulled it open and walked in.

He’d sat down on the wooden bench, arranging himself in what he hoped was both a flattering yet not flirtatious pose, by the time the door opened again.

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