Page 45 of Icing the Play

Peering toward JJ and then at me, Eli stacked a few forty-five-pound plates on a bar at the bench we worked on. “I heard you took JJ’s guy.”

“Took?” I shot my brows up. What the hell had JJ been telling the guys? “I didn’ttakehim. I asked nicely for him.” Planting a hand on my hip, I said, “And he gave me his blessing.”

“Still, I think JJ’s a little sour.” He patted the bench. “Come on, let’s see how many reps you can do at this weight.” He lifted the edge of his mouth.

I eyed the weights stacked at either end. The weight was heavier than I was used to, but I was warmed up and feeling strong today. Was Myles the reason? “No problem.” I sat at the end of the bench, laid on my back, tucking my head under the bar, and grabbed the bar with both hands.

Eli stepped to my head, bending over to spot me. “How are you doing with the hockey players?”

“Good. They’re a great group of guys.” With a grimace, I lifted the bar. Fuck, this was heavy. As my arms protested, I lowered it to my chest and back up again.

“One.” Eli gave me a sly grin.

Puffing out a breath, I pushed out a few more reps with him counting them out. As we got to eight, my arms shook, and I arched my back.

“Keep going, Coop. You’ve got this.” Eli held his hands under the bar, but didn’t touch it.

I strained and pushed. “Fuck.” As I slowly lifted the bar all the way up, JJ stepped into my vision.

JJ clapped. “Way to go, man. Don’t think I could have done that.”

Setting the bar on the holder, I sat up and shook my arms. “Yeah? You don’t have to. You’re supposed to be quick and agile.” I was the one called to block for him on long passes. I clasped my hands behind my back, stretching my pecs.

“Okay, my turn.” Eli waved at me.

I approached JJ. I hadn’t had time to ask Eli any more about what was going on with him.

Eli laid on the bench on his back, lifted the bar and pumped out twelve reps like it was nothing.

“Jesus, dude. Way to make me look like a weakling.” I snickered, rubbing my eyes. Okay, this was awkward, having JJ stand here and just watch us. “How’s it going?” I bumped my elbow on JJ’s.

“Good. I heard you two say the word hockey?” JJ arched a brow. “How is Myles doing?”

With a slow nod, I said, “Good, he’s good. His friends are cool, and his goalie buddy Ace cooks some superb meals for us all.” Maybe it was best to keep the conversation light.

“I guess that’s why you haven’t stayed for the after-practice meals then?” JJ eyed me.

Shit. Truth was, I’d been wanting to go home as soon as possible to spend time with Myles. “Yeah, guess so.” I breathed in deeply.

“Okay, so not that you were avoiding me.” He glanced at Eli, who was adding a few more plates to the bar.

“I’ll do another round while you two hash this out.” Pursing his lips, Eli flashed his eyes at me.

I glanced around us. Some guys were looking our way. Patting JJ’s arm, I cocked my head toward the windows. “Let’s talk over here.” The entire team didn’t need to think our first-string wide receiver and tight end weren’t getting along.

JJ followed me to an empty corner of the room next to the free weights. “Well, tell me straight. Are you and Myles boyfriends yet?”

“Boyfriends?” I rolled my lips. What were we? Roommates who were dating. “Not officially, no.” I studied the grin teasinghis mouth. Was he happy about that? “Since we live together, we’re trying to take it slow.”

“I see.” His chest expanded with a deep inhale. “But you like him still. Things are working out for you?”

“Yeah, they’re working out.” How much should I tell him? I didn’t want to hurt the guy with details. Would Eli and Casey hit the gay bar with me after the game on Saturday? We would win it. I tagged JJ’s stomach. “Hey, I guess Myles and his friends hit the gay bar on Mill after a win and I was thinking after Saturday’s game?—”

“No.” He shook his head. “You have a good time.” He pressed his lips together. “I’m not ready to see you two together and besides, those places aren’t my thing.”

I glanced behind me at Eli, still pounding out more reps on the bench. The guy had the strength of an ox. “Do you care if I invite some of the other guys?”

“Like who?” He swayed his head, looking beyond me.

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