Page 157 of Body Check

They were on day four of their vacation and had eaten an amazing dinner on an open-air deck at sunset.

“Glad you enjoyed it.” Gavin smiled, looking impossibly handsome in his white linen shirt and perfectly tailored khaki shorts.

Their stay at the luxury resort included a concierge and, apparently, Gavin had arranged for some special vegetarian meals for Dakota, and fish for himself.

Dakota had no idea what they typically offered, but every bite of dinner had been mind-blowing from beginning to end.

“It was perfect. Thank you,” Dakota said softly. “I appreciate the effort you’ve gone to.”

“I enjoy it.” Gavin smiled. “Ready to head back to our bungalow?”

Bungalow was a hell of an understatement when it came to describing the luxurious one-bedroom structure they were staying in. The interior was gorgeous, but it was the uninterrupted view of the ocean that Dakota couldn’t get over.

“Maybe a walk along the beach when we get there?” Dakota asked hopefully.

“I’d love that.” Gavin took his hand and squeezed.

He looked amazing. Vacation life suited him, and he was tanned and well-rested.

And yeah, he’d gotten some phone calls and worked on his laptop on the shady patio while Dakota did yoga nearby or read on one of the lounge chairs. But they’d managed to spend plenty of time snorkeling, hiking, and paddle boarding as well.

Now, they meandered down the wooden walkway, lit with softly glowing lights that illuminated the nearby palm trees, walking hand in hand.

They turned to the right to head toward their bungalows just as another couple approached.

Dakota shifted to get out of the way, but the taller guy stopped.

“Gavin?” he said, sounding surprised but delighted.

Dakota stared, half-expecting to see Rory or something. Thatwouldbe just his luck to run into Gavin’s ex here.

But no, the guy was older. Maybe a decade older than Gavin, even. Although handsome, he didn’t have the vibrant blue eyes Dakota remembered from the photos he’d seen online of Rory.

And Gavin looked much, much too happy for the guy to be his ex.

“Holy shit. What are you doing here, Cannon?” Gavin said, laughing. His whole face lit up with a grin and he reached out, shaking the guy’s hand before pulling him in for a quick back-slapping hug.

“The same thing you are, I’m guessing,” the guy—Cannon—said. “Enjoying bye week with my partner.”

He gestured toward a guy closer to Dakota’s age. He had thick brown hair, hazel eyes, and an impressive set of tattoos snaking up and down his toned arms.

“Dakota,” Gavin said, turning to him, still all smiles. “Meet Wade Cannon. He’s a top-notch hockey agent. Wade, this is my boyfriend, Dakota. He works as the yoga and Pilates instructor for the team. He’s only been with us since the beginning of the season, but he’s done an incredible job already.”

Dakota smiled at Gavin’s praise, holding out his hand. “Great to meet you, Wade.”

Wade shook, then gestured to the guy beside him. “Trevor’s a very skilled defenseman for the Evanston River Otters.”

“Oh, fantastic,” Dakota said, holding out a hand to him too. “Great to meet you.”

“You too.” He shot Dakota an assessing gaze, a little smirk playing at the corner of his mouth as he eyed him up and down.

“Funny, we both met our partners through work,” Wade said with a chuckle.

“How in the hell else would we meet anyone?” Gavin replied, laughing. “We’re always working.”

Trevor snorted. “Ugh. Tell me about it. This guy had to take phone calls instead of going deep sea fishing with me earlier today.”

“Ouch,” Dakota said. “At least Gavin’s made it to all of our dates.”

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