Page 19 of Voices

My mouth goes dry when his light pink nipple appears. This close I can smell his sweat mixed with whatever laundry detergent he uses. It’s a combination that has my eyes closing as I take it in. He’s about five inches shorter than me, making him the perfect height for forehead kisses.

His breath hitches when my knuckles touch his stomach. It’s silky smooth. I slowly move them up, skimming my fingers over the bumps of his ribs. When I get to where a bruise is forming, I stop.

I gently add a bit of pressure, feeling for any breaks. He sucks air in through his teeth when I hit a sore spot but doesn’t say anything.

“I don’t think you broke any. Does it hurt to take in a deep breath or when you tossed your joint?” I ask, still touching his delicate skin.

He shakes his head and steps back, lowering his shirt.

“It’s not raised or anything, but you have a bruise. Lots of ice will help and take Tylenol for pain.”

He nods while chugging the rest of his energy drink.

I watch as his Adam’s apple bobs with each swallow. Why is that making me hard? I’ve never found a man’s throat as sexy, but there’s something about Charlie’s that has me wanting to lick it.

“Bye.”

He turns and walks off while I stand there watching him go. He looks back at me for a second before turning the corner and walking out of sight.

Walking into the locker room, I get ready to warm up for our last preseason game. The season starts next week and I’m more than excited for a repeat. Winning the Frozen Four was one of my greatest accomplishments. Coach Q told me the NHL scouts were very impressed and were looking forward to watching me play this year. I’ve been working my ass off since I was eight. I’m so close to having my dream come true, I can almost taste it.

I find Asher riding a bike in the warmup room. I take the one next to him and start warming up my legs.

“You ready for this? I have a feeling Boston isn’t going to treat this as a preseason game. Nothing like playing the team that beat you in the finals.”

He turns his head to me and removes an earbud I didn’t see, lifting his brows.

Shaking my head, I tell him never mind, and start replaying our last game. I almost had a hat trick, but still had a great game with two goals and three assists. This is going to be another great year. I can feel it.

Coach Q calls us all back to the locker room to get ready to head out for on-ice warmups.

“These guys are out for blood. We won last season which leaves a bitter taste in their mouths. They’re looking for payback so keep your heads on a swivel and play smart. No dumb penalties. I’m looking at you, Kane.”

Everyone laughs as Matt stands up, shrugging. “What? Me? Never.”

“Damn, nitwit.” Coach Q grumbles. “Let’s go boys!”

We shuffle out of the locker room and down the tunnel. The energy buzzes through me as I get closer to the ice. The crowd goes crazy as we shoot out of the tunnel.

I love this part.

Skating around, I spot a few of my classmates up against the glass, cheering like crazy. I look around while I do a few lapson our side of the rink. I know the chances of seeing a certain golden-eyed boy sitting in the stands are slim, but I still look. Alexander skates by, giving me a weird look.

“What’s that look for?” I ask as we get down to stretch.

“Who’re you looking for up there? You got a girl waiting for you after the game?” He pumps his eyebrows.

I’ve been playing with Benji since freshman year when we both made the varsity team.He’s a decent hockey player, but he’s very self-centered. He always has his nose in everyone’s business and then feels the need to tell you what he thinks about it. Whether you asked or not. He also loves to talk about how wellhedid in the game, howhescored that one goal, or howhewon the game. He loves getting his ego stroked.

“No, just looking at all these people here supporting us,” I say as we get up and start drills.

“You’ve gotta get yourself one of those hot as fuck puck bunnies. They all have huge tits and juicy round asses. Always a fun time in bed with one or two of them.” He laughs as he skates to the other line.

He can have all the puck bunnies because I have a cute, shy boy I need to find and make mine.

I’ve been open about being bi since high school and Coach Q made it clear on day one that if he hears any homophobic slurs, joking or not, they will be removed from the team.I’m not sure if that made Benji uncomfortable or what but the next day he made sure his locker wasn’t close to mine. I’ve also caught him glaring at me when everyone was changing. He hasn’t said anything, but I try to keep my distance from him when I can.

The horn goes off, signaling the end of warmups. We head back down the tunnel to the locker room for one more pep talk from Coach Q, last-minute gear checks, and to piss before game time.

---