Page 51 of The Truth of Our Secrets

“Then it’s settled.” She claps her hands.

Jayce

I didn’t think this through. We’re bringing a man into the box and people are going to ask questions. We’ll have to identify him when we introduce him.

I can’t announce a relationship with Emmet. I’ve been photographed with Peter in the past with some low-level speculation. But I never made a statement.

It was easier to say nothing. Less hate. I can’t risk backlash at my job when Emmet’s still a wildcard.

I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to do a records search for his arrest. That will be my number one priority tomorrow.

Emmet’s meeting us in my office.

Madyson checks her phone again.

“Baby Girl, he’ll be here. Relax. It’s not even time yet. We don’t know if he’s punctual.”

She huffs and throws herself in a club chair on the other side of my desk. I’m responding to a few emails since I might as well use the time productively.

A few minutes later, Emmet knocks on my office door and shoves his hands in his pockets. “Hey.”

“Hi.” Madyson bounds out of her chair and hugs him, swaying from side to side, which is awkward with his hands trapped in his pockets.

Chuckling, I save my work and shut down my laptop. I give Emmet a one-arm bro hug because I’m dying to touch him despite my complicated feelings. He’s wearing an Enforcers ball cap and a jersey that’s a few years old. His wide smile makes my heart skip a beat.

“Thanks for the invite.” He smells sensational and when his scent combines with Madyson’s, it’s irresistible.

I back away so my brain doesn’t shut down. “Happy you could come on such short notice.”

His smile falters and his face flushes. “I have a super busy schedule, but I canceled a couple of things to squeeze you in.”

“Funny.” Madyson places a palm on his chest.

We make our way to the box and watch Cincinnati warm up. They’re struggling this year with only five wins. The box is almost empty. The game isn’t a big draw.

Madyson wraps her arm around Emmet’s. She drags him over to the bar, gets him a drink, and they grab some food.

There are some other executives I say hello to and they ask about Emmet.

“He loves hockey and Madyson is determined he has the night of his life,” I answer as honestly as possible.

They laugh and we talk about the game and tonight’s lineup.

It’s an excellent game if you’re an Enforcers fan. They dominate the ice and there’s no doubt we’ll win tonight.

Emmet and Madyson comment on each play and argue about strategy. When an official calls a penalty on the Enforcers, they scream their objections.

My chest twinges and I rub away the urge to join in.

He’s likable and easily engages in conversation with everyone else in the box.

Emmet’s a true fan. He can recite the roster, the positions, and who’s on the injured reserve list. His enthusiasm is contagious. Madyson’s having more fun than ever, arguing with Emmet about other teams and the best players in the league.

I take a seat next to Emmet, leaning over him to talk to Madyson. It’s natural to want to talk to my wife. With the extra benefit of accidental contact with Emmet.

All my fears about Emmet’s presence seem ridiculous. All the other directors and executives bring friends to games. Emmet’s not a neon sign declaring I’m bisexual. Anxiety makes life so much harder than it has to be.

I’m not ready for the night to be over, but if we go home with Emmet, we’ll end up in bed together. I’m not willing to do that until I know more about his past.

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