Page 42 of Icing the Play

Shaking my head, I waved my hand in front of the phone. “No, it’s not like we’re living together as boyfriends. Well…” What the hell were we? Dating, just dating. For now. “He had a shitty roommate and needed a place to stay, and we had an extra room, so.”

He cocked a brow. “So, you’re fucking your roommate? Who you thought was straight? Wasn’t he straight?”

I huffed a sigh. Maybe I should have started from the beginning? “Okay, I met him in class, and we started hanging out. But I was seeing JJ, the football player from last year.”

“You were? When did that happen?” He dropped his mouth open.

Laughing through a scoff, I said, “Doesn’t matter. Look, I’m dating Cooper now and he’s living here, but we started datingafterhe moved in.” I pinched my lips. “So, we’re not living herelike boyfriends, but like two roommates who are dating.” Was I making any sense?

He stared at me. “Okay.” He chewed the corner of his lower lip. “But you like this guy and he’s queer, and he likes you?”

“Yes, turns out he’s bisexual. He figured it out last year, I guess. Started hooking up with guys at parties.” I gauged Tyler’s reaction.

“So, you’re the first guy he’s dated.” He pursed his lips. “You know what happened to me, Myles. And with a football player, no less.”

Shit. Tyler had had his heart broken in high school by a football player who’d only been experimenting with him. “Cooper’s not like that. He’s done experimenting. He accepts that he’s bisexual.” My chest tightened. I hoped I wasn’t wrong about this.

“Is he out to his family?” He eyed me.

“No, but then neither am I.” I was going to hear it now. I braced myself.

“Myles, you know how I feel about that. It’s time you talked to your dad. You know we’d all be here for you.” Tyler scoffed. “Shit, I’m sorry. I know it’s complicated for you.”

“I just want to either have a signed contract or know for sure I’ll never play in the NHL before I do that.” I furrowed my brows. My friends were all such talented players. How could they understand what it was like for me?

“Myles, you’re good enough for the NHL. I know Dean will sign you and find a spot for you. Believe more in yourself.” Lines formed between his brows. “Don’t sell yourself short. Work hard this year and I’m sure a contact is coming your way.” He studied me. “Don’t get distracted.”

I balked. Was he saying Cooper might be a distraction? “I won’t.” I breathed in deeply. “Cooper is good for me. He understands what it’s like for an athlete in their senior year.” Just because Cooper played football did not mean he didn’t get it.

“Okay, what does Ace think of Cooper?” He wrinkled his forehead.

“Ace and Zoma love him. Ace makes Cooper play goalie in NHL.” I freed a soft laugh. “Cooper’s not half bad at it.” I sighed. “Tyler, they’re happy for me.”

With the corner of his mouth tugging up, he said, “Then I’m happy for you.” Lowering his brows and pointing into the phone, he said, “But when I come out there to play the Coyotes, I expect to meet this guy. I want to be sure he’s good enough for my best friend.”

With a tsk, I said, “Don’t worry. Ace has you beat there.” Tyler had always watched out for me, so it was understandable he was suspicious. But it was nice I could always count on him.

“Figures.” He chuckled. “Anyway, I should get going.” He glanced away for a beat and came back. “Let me know when you hear from Dean and when, note I saidwhenhe signs you.” A smile erupted on his face. “It was so good talking to you, Myles. And next time we call, I want Cooper there.”

“Yes, sir.” I gave him a mock salute and snickered. “It was great talking with you, too. Have a good rest of your day. Love you, man.”

“Love you too.” He ended the call.

“Who was that?” Cooper said.

With a startle, I turned my head.

Cooper stood just inside the door to the garage in the kitchen.

How long had he been there? And how the hell had he come in without me hearing him? “Uh, Tyler, my friend from Chicago.” I pursed my lips. “He’s on the Blackhawks now.” I lifted my brows. “You’re living in his old bedroom.”

“Oh, shit.” He slid his backpack off his shoulder, leaving it on the kitchen island counter, and then strolled to me. “He’s very, um…protective of you.” Leaning over, he kissed my cheek. “I guess I can’t blame him. You hockey guys really stick together.”

“Well, the squad does. I think we’re a special bunch, eh.” Iwatched him round the couch and drop in beside me. He’d probably heard at least the last bit of our conversation.

“You know you’ve got nothing to worry about with me.” He leaned in, his gaze dipping to my mouth.

Cooper was so close and so God damned sexy. My dick plumped. “Yeah, I know. But Tyler, he dated a football player in high school who broke his heart. So, I think he’s a little triggered by?—"

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