Page 72 of Body Check

Dakota scoffed. “My sex drive isn’t the problem. I want you too. I need to start getting more sleep though.”

Gavin had tried to coax Dakota into spending the night at his place, but no dice. Hehadallowed Gavin to pay for the ride share though, so that was something.

“Yeah, I need more sleep too. That’swhyI suggested tonight. It’s not even dinner time so we could wrap up earlier than usual. We could head out to my place after I’m done here. I’ve gotta take care of something first.”

Dakota crossed his arms. “So, I’m supposed to hang around the arenawaitingfor you?”

Gavin sighed. “Well, I’d offer you the key to my place and say you can hang out there instead, but I get the feeling you’ll be pissed at me for even offering.”

“Why would I be pissed?” Dakota asked, his brow furrowing.

“Because you get prickly if I do anything nice for you,” Gavin pointed out.

Dakota pursed his lips, then held out a hand. “Fine. Give me the damn key.”

Gavin couldn’t hide his grin. “Well, look at that! He can be flexible. And not only in the yoga studio and in bed.”

“Fuck off,” Dakota said, but it was without heat, and if they were anywhere more private, Gavin would’ve leaned in and kissed the hell out of him. “I’m taking a nap on your couch when I get there, you know that right?”

“A bed’s better for your back,” Gavin pointed out. “Ask me how I know.”

When Dakota opened his mouth—presumably to argue—Gavin shot him a look. “Youknowit’s true. And if you feel weird about sleeping in my bed, use the guest room. I really don’t care either way.”

That was a lie, but he was learning to pick his battles with Dakota and Gavin wasn’t about to unpack all that shit right now.

“We’ll see,” Dakota said vaguely.

“You’re a pain in my ass,” Gavin muttered.

Dakota grinned. “I’m not. But only because you haven’t let me fuck you yet.”

“Oh, now who’s got the big dick energy?” Gavin teased. “But fine. You can finger me while you blow me later.”

He sighed, like he was feeling particularly put-upon.

Dakota’s expression stayed neutral, but Gavin caught the small flaring of his nostrils and the sharp, indrawn breath. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. If you agree to let me pick up dinner for us.”

“I can eat on my way,” Dakota pointed out.

“Or I can order us sushi—veggie-based for you—and you can let me eat it off your body.”

“I thought you didn’t eat carbs,” Dakota said, his voice filled with disbelief.

“I’m a fiend for salmon nigiri and besides, I do allow myself cheat days,” Gavin pointed out.

“You do know severely limiting your diet and having cheat days are socially approved restriction and binging, right?” Dakota shot back.

“Says the man who has cut an entire section of food out of his diet,” Gavin said with a snort.

“Yeah, but that’s for animal welfare and environmental reasons, not food restriction.”

“Why does arguing with you make me horny?” Gavin asked with a sigh, itching to get his hands on Dakota.

“You’re a masochist?”

Gavin grinned. “Sweetheart, I was a pro hockey player. Trust me, we’re all masochists.”

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