Page 44 of Penalty Zone

Me: Great game. Try to get to bed at a decent hour

I stare at the phone, rationalizing that I’m looking out for his health.

The only thing between Caleb and me, besides the miles, is my delusion that I’ll be able to resist him.

I’m fucked.

Chapter 20

Caleb

Leo’s been gone a couple of days, and I’m dying to see him. I’m the first one dressed for practice and itching to get on the ice. It’s his job to pay attention to me, and my stomach flutters, anticipating his watchful eyes.

I wouldn’t say I almost ran Ace down in an attempt to see Leo as soon as possible, but I did step on his skate. Oopsie.

On my first lap, I can’t find Leo, but my skin tingles, so I know he’s here. All the tension my body has held releases, knowing he’ll be with me soon. I’m in way over my head, acting like a kid jonesing to see my crush.

I go through the drills on autopilot and sneak peeks at Leo. He’s wearing a black Enforcers long-sleeve, dry-fit jersey that clings to his muscles. It’s tight across his chest, and I have the urge to know the texture of the hair that’s under there. His chest hair is dark, but there are hints of gray—the same as his temples.

Practice drags since I’m away from Leo, but after an eternity, Coach breaks us up and assigns us media rooms to watch film.We walk to the small room where the chairs are close together and have collapsible side tables.

I expect Leo to sit next to me but practically jump out of my skin when he does. I’m vibrating with the need to talk to him. Find common ground like we did in the hotel room and talk like we’re the only two people in the world. His aura has been blue all practice, and now it’s turning red. It gives me a false sense of hope that I’m the person enticing passion in his aura.

During the tedious breakdown of film, Leo puts a hand on my bouncing knee, and his touch goes straight to my groin. I shift, but if he checks out my lap, my excitement will be obvious.

Near the end, Mason ducks in the room. “Hey, I’m going home to ice my leg. Can you catch a ride with Liska?”

I’m nodding before he finishes asking, but Leo cuts in. “I can take him home. How does dinner sound later?”

“Great.” Mason smiles and leaves.

Pushing Mason out of my head, I’m elated with the good fortune of spending more time with Leo. Alone. In a car. I gulp in air, and Leo pounds my back as I choke.

The goalie coach ends the session, but I’m pulsating with arousal, craving Leo. He quizzes me as everyone else leaves.

The door shuts behind them with a click.

“You’ve been on edge all day. Am I making you uncomfortable?” Leo asks.

“No!” I swallow hard and lower my voice. “No, you don’t make me uncomfortable.” If I were wearing jeans, I’d be uncomfortable with a hard-on, but I can’t blame him.

“I feel like I put you in the middle of Mason and me. I’m sorry if that’s difficult for you.” He twists, fully facing me, and I want to climb him like a tree.

“It’s fine,” I say automatically.

He heaves with a disappointed sigh, and I deflate.

“Please don’t tell me it’s fine when it’s not. I took advantage of our power dynamic, and I don’t have an excuse.”

I see red and stand up, fists clenched, suddenly furious as my blood boils. “Do not…do not paint me as a victim. If anyone took advantage, it was me. I’m not some pathetic child you need to coddle.” I’m breathing heavily and vaguely think I should take a calming breath, but that’s not happening.

Leo stands and grips my shoulders. “You’re right. I’m sorry. You’re a grown, capable man and definitely not a victim.”

We stare at each other in a standoff, the air between us sparks to life with the current of attraction.

“I’m the problem,” he whispers. “I can’t shut down whatever this is. Whenever I’m around you, need takes over my senses.” Leo’s hand lands on my arm, scorching me, and his eyes glow with lust.

What he’s saying isn’t a good thing. He’s not telling me he wants this. It’s the opposite, but my brain zeroes in on the wordneed.

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