Page 35 of Penalty Zone

Chapter 16

Caleb

We have a private party room at a trendy restaurant and bar, but it’s very crowded since we won and everyone’s family has joined us. Leo slips into the room and, of course, I notice.

It’s not my fault he’s stunning in a gray form-fitting suit with a purple tie that matches our team colors. His tailor needs a raise for the way his ass looks.

The wholeget over him, I’m not what he wantsthing isn’t going well. Never mind the kiss was epic and I’m sure I have a praise kink because every time he tells me I did a good job, I swoon like an OG cartoon princess.

Even my brain, which usually jumps from thought to thought at an annoying speed, is extra distracted. I should be paying attention to my teammates, replaying our incredible win. But it’s difficult to carry on a conversation while tracking Leo’s every move and trying to listen in on what he’s saying. Wondering if he’s talking about me. I give myself an internal eye roll. I’ve got it bad.

In my peripheral vision, I see Jamal King’s parents approach Leo with wide smiles. They’re friendly but shy like King. They beckon Jamal over, and Leo motions to Mason.

“Come with me,” Mason pleads, and I follow like a dutiful friend, but it’s a toss-up between running away or soaking up any attention Leo is willing to give me.

“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. It’s good to see you again.” I give them each a quick hug.

“I’m sorry, I called you the wrong name,” Leo says.

“It’s an honest mistake.” Mr. Thomas dismisses his concern. “When I married his mom, Jamal started calling me Dad, so it gets confusing.”

“We had to be here tonight to support Jamal after the last Boston game,” his mom says and Leo nods, but I can tell he probably doesn’t know about their personal connection. “You must be so proud of Mason. The way he stepped in last season and started.”

Leo shifts, and his mouth pulls into an uncomfortable thin line.

“I am. It’s gratifying to watch the results of all of his hard work,” Leo answers with a glance at Mason. I wish I could fix their relationship. I can’t tell if it’s for selfish reasons or not because if they’re closer, I’ll get more time with Leo.

My phone buzzes. “I’m gonna talk to my mom for a sec.” I wave my phone and step away.

Mama B: Great game, Little Bear. I could tell you would win from your aura

Me: I felt great

Me: The team played lights out

Mama B: Take credit, honey, you stopped those goals

Me: When are you and Dad coming to visit?

Mama B: Tell us which game you want us to see

Mama B: Is Mason coming for Christmas this year?

Me: IDK

Me: His dad is here

Mama B: Invite him too. The more the merrier!

The thought of Leo in my childhood home makes my ass sweat. All goalies are quirky and a little crazy. No sane person raises their hand to say “Put me opposite guys slapping pucks at me at a hundred miles per hour.” But my family isn’t normal.

What would he think of my parents’ store and eccentric style? I was the weird outcast kid for years until I met Mason. Mason didn’t give a crap about the crystals and dream catchers all over the house or how my parents would get a call and leave for the shop at all hours.

Mason was attention-starved, and my parents doted on him, so he overlooked their flaws. Leo… I can’t imagine him sitting at the same table as my parents discussing the benefits ofacupuncture and Reiki. I have a feeling he’s not into alternative homeopathic healing.

“What did your mom have to say?” Mason startles me.

“Just wanted to tell me good game.” I slip my phone into my pocket.

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