Page 21 of Penalty Zone

Lucky answers with a wide grin. “I hear you’re going to win all my man’s money.” He joins me in the hall instead of allowing me to enter. “Hey, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”

Immediately, I think he’s going to call me out for crushing on Leo. “Okaaaay.”

“Listen, if I’m out of line, tell me to go to hell, but I thought I’d mention it.” He shrugs and I’m sweating. “You made the comment a while ago that you thought you’d hookup or date more.” He pauses and I snort. “Drake figured out that I’m demisexual, and it occurred to me that you might be too. I’m here to talk, or we can pretend this convo never happened,” he says, casually leaning against the door frame.

“Thanks.” I take a second to settle my nerves. My attraction has been singularly focused on Leo since my teen years, with only a few exceptions. I’m not sure exactly where I fit in. “I’ll let you know if I have any questions.” He slaps my back, and we enter the room.

As soon as I see Leo, I freeze. Lucky must sense my panic, confusion, or the need to run because he nudges me closer to the table.

“I wrangled Coach Griffin into playing when you said Mason wasn’t coming.”

No need to worry, but my heart rate doesn’t get the memo and spikes. Totally cool. I’ll play a few hands, then check on Mason. I lifted his key to get back in.

Somehow, I’m standing next to Leo while my heart rate tap dances and I’m sweating.

Leo’s in a forest-green sweater so soft I want to touch it, and it makes his amber eyes pop. I have to remember the man is straight. For some reason, that argument doesn’t ring true in my head, but it doesn’t matter. He’s Mason’s dad.

He examines his wallet and says, “I only have forty in American cash.”

I disassociate and blurt out, “No worries, Papa Griff. I got ya covered.”

Leo startles, and I’m not sure if it’s my informal tone or the offer.

He opens his mouth, but Ace asks, “Have you played before?”

“I hosted games back in the day.” He puts his hands in his pockets and rocks on his heels.

“That’s card shark speak for he’s an expert.” Lucky groans.

Leo pulls out the chair next to me. Drake arranged for a folding table and chairs to be delivered. I offered to host, but never considered where we’d sit.

“Benz has proclaimed he’s winning all my man’s money. Who wants a side bet on that?” Lucky snaps a crisp hundred.

“I’m assuming you’re betting on Drake, and I’m not stupid enough to take that bet.” Grayson pushes the neat piles of chips Ace arranged to each of us.

“How many times did you have to change so you didn’t twin tonight?” I shoot back. They’ve never seen me play poker. I’m really gosh darn good.

“They sent each other pics before leaving their rooms,” Drake deadpans.

“Good one, Sugar.” Lucky holds up his hand for a high five.

“No kissy face tonight. This is a serious game.” I space my chips evenly.

“Awww, don’t be jelly that you haven’t found your own Daddy Drake,” Lucky coos, and runs his fingers along Drake’s forearm.

Leo coughs, and his mouth opens and closes a few times.

“You guys have elephant memories. Say one thing and—”

Gray interrupts Lucky’s animal facts, saying, “Ignore them. I’m sure you heard the PR disaster when Lucky wore a shirt declaring himself Drake’s property. Our Baby Benz is looking for his very own Daddy.”

My mother believes the earth has mystical powers, but it doesn’t swallow me up like I ask. I don’t need enemies when these guys are my friends. Thankfully, they have no idea that I’m obsessed with Leo because it would be ten times worse.

They’re the big brothers I’m glad I never had.

Leo’s amber eyes drink me in like a hungry lion, and I’m torn between supreme embarrassment and wanting to be his prey. I’ll never tell him he’s the one I dreamed of being my Daddy. Going to scrub those thoughts from my brain.

“Let’s play,” I growl, frustrated with myself. I’m desperately aware of Leo’s body next to mine. The table and chairs aren’t built for hockey players, and our legs and arms brush constantly. I barely notice Gray next to me while Leo’s body heat burns my skin on the other side.

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