Page 31 of Capturing Perfection

The rest of the team joined in the celebration.

Conor put his hand on Logan's shoulder. "Ye' know I’m only coddin’ ya, right? Your implants are amazing and I know yer excited about de progress ye' made."

Logan pulled his smartphone out of the zipper pocket in his shorts. He tapped on the screen, then held it up to Conor. "I'm sorry. I didn't hear you. I have this really cool feature that mutes annoying Irishmen."

Clay was so glad Logan could laugh about his hearing. Some days he still seethed with frustration and anger towards the world for not understanding how difficult it was to navigate the hearing world. But giving Conor hell back was another sign of the improvement in his mental health.

Two hours and five games later, Clay tilted back and poured a bottle of water over his head, the cool liquid a balm to his heated skin. Man, that tourney had taken it out of him. It seemed he needed to increase the cardiovascular component of his workout. He’d thought he was in decent shape, but Logan stood next to him, barely winded. The sweat glistened on Logan’s bare chest, and Clay inhaled his musky scent. He wanted to tackle Logan to the ground and lick the man from head to toe.

When Clay’s tired gaze sought Logan’s, his lover actually smirked, until his eyes traveled down Clay’s body and caught sight of his cock thickening behind his jersey shorts. Logan’s nostrils flared, and his eyes darkened to mimic the blue of a deep Caribbean lagoon. Their moment was shattered when Jack came up behind Logan and slapped him on the back.

“So, Logan, what are you going to do now? Any job prospects on the horizon? I mean, the Army’s done with you, right?”

Clay winced. The Army's swift rejection after the attack continued to wound Logan.

Logan nodded. “I’m through. Actually, I recently completed my certification to become a firearm and tool mark examiner.I’m fishing for a position at headquarters in the lab but, so far, no bites.”

“Do you have a degree?” Jack asked.

“Yeah. I completed my B.S. in Criminal Justice online while I was a Ranger.”

“That’s great. I can definitely see you as an asset to the department with your background and experience. Tell you what, let me put out a few feelers from the inside.”

“I’d appreciate that, Jack.”

“Me, too, McCormick,” Clay added.

Jack nodded at Clay. “You’re a good cop, Phillips, and I figure if He-Man here can put up with your shit then he’s gotta be a stand-up guy. That’s all I need to know.”

“Thanks … I think,” Logan responded.

“Clay! Logan! You two up for beer and pizza?” Ryan called out.

Clay waved then turned to Jack. “I’ll see you at the station tomorrow.”

“Have a good night off, you SOB. Eat a slice for me, will ya?”

Clay nudged Logan. “He-man here can put away a few extra in your name. I’m going on a damn diet. You guys nearly killed me out there today.”

“It’s okay, Clay. The years were bound to catch up to you eventually,” Logan teased.

“We’re the same age!”

“Nah, you’ve got a good six months on me.”

Clay humphed. “I didn’t hear you complaining about my stamina the other night.”

“And with that over share, I’ll say sayonara,” Jack stated.

Clay watched Jack’s back as the man bolted away from them. He turned to Logan, and the two of them broke out in riotous laughter. When he caught his breath, he caught Logan’s gaze and started snickering once again.

“I’m sorry … I’m sorry. It’s not that funny. I can’t seem to help myself. Jack’s … he’s just so—” More laughter erupted from Clay.

Ethan ran up to Clay and Logan. “Why is a hyena impersonating one of my best friends?”

“We dropped a little sexual tidbit during some harmless banter in front of Jack, and the man hot footed away like Yosemite Sam with his pants on fire.”

“Ah-huh. Well, anyway, we’re all heading over to Gino’s for pizza and beer. You two in?”

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