Page 31 of Heart of Ice

“You took a serious hit. I’m surprised they let you leave,” Coach said. “Looks like you’re going to have a shiner though.”

“I got lucky, they said it was a slight concussion. You can’t imagine how much better I feel today.”

“Good to hear it, I expect you both at work, day after tomorrow.” The look he gave me told me he’d understand if that didn’t happen, but I didn’t mind him expecting me to be there.

“We’ll be there,” I said while Max spoke to a few of the players.

“No, you can’t have any pizza, it’s for Doc. He hasn’t eaten in twenty-four hours.” I wasn’t sure if he was exaggerating or not, but it sounded about right.

“Okay, everyone out, let’s let him get some sleep,” Coach said, and even though they were only here a few minutes, I was ready for a nap. “Take care, Ruben.” I waved as they all walked out followed by Max.

I took a few more bites of pizza before Max came back. “They were all worried about you. Sorry, I should have warned you.”

“It’s okay. It was nice of them to stop by. Now, I really think I need that nap.” The heaviness of sleep hit me hard, and my eyes slid shut as I sat holding a piece of pizza. Max took it from me and guided me down on the couch.

When I woke up again it was dark out, and Max was sleeping in the chair while the television played with the sound so low I could barely hear it. He was without a doubt the sweetest man I’d ever known. We were just getting to know each other, and hehad taken care of me without being asked and without expecting anything in return.

I completely understood why his ex didn’t want to let him go, he was a keeper, and that guy was crazy to leave him the way he did. But I was thrilled because if they hadn’t broken up when they did, there was little chance he and I would have ended up together. “Ruben? Are you ready for bed?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m ready.” But I wasn’t sure I was just talking about bed. I wanted more with Max and now since the cat was officially out of the bag at work, we had nothing but time.

Twenty-Eight

Max

The season wore on.We were halfway through now and our record was looking good. Ruben healed and had no lasting effects from his injury, something I was thankful for every day.

“Max, pay attention,” Coach yelled. “I’m trying to tell you the new goalie will be here today. I want you and Vanel to both work with him and get to know him.”

“Sure, what’s his name?” I asked and shifted around in my seat.

“Sam Edwards. He should be here anytime, I just wanted to give you a heads up,” Coach said before standing and signaling it was time for me to go. “I was hoping he could start earlier in the season, but he had other commitments to attend to first. He should be a good fit though.”

“Don’t worry, Coach, Vanel and I will catch him up,” I said. Since Dexter had been moved up to staff, Vanel and I had trained together more and were getting good at working on our weaknesses and sharing tips we both had on keeping the other team from scoring. I walked out to my locker and strapped on my pads while other players were also getting dressed.

“Hey, are you coming over later?” Ruben asked. He’d been in his office doing physical therapy on one of the other players when I first got to practice so I hadn’t had the chance to speak to him.

“Yes, or you can stop by my house,” I said and resisted the urge to kiss him. The whole team knew we were together, but we both agreed to save physical contact until we were not at work.

“Okay, we’ll figure it out later,” he said and walked back into his office.

“I can’t wait,” I mumbled to myself. The truth was the more time we spent together the more time Iwantedto spend with him. After he was injured things changed. I felt so protective of him, which drove him nuts at times, but he admitted he’d never had anyone in his life who had taken care of him the way I had. I was falling in love with him, and hoped he felt the same.

“Hey, I’m on my way to your house. Do you mind if I stop by?” I asked as I drove there and waited for his answer.

“Why would I mind?” he asked. “I’ll be here waiting for you.” I could hear the smile in his voice and even though we’d been working at the arena all day, we hadn’t been together, and I was ready for some actual time with him.

I pulled up to his house and hurried to the door before knocking as I opened it. “Hey, I’m here.” He was in the kitchen but dropped whatever he was working on to kiss me hello.

“I’ve wanted to do that all day. It’s hard to work with you without touching you,” he said, echoing my feelings.

“We’ll just have to make up for it every night we’re together.” I rested my hands on his hips and kissed him again. Taking my time and tasting him while trying to control my body’s need to fuck him.

“I like that idea,” he said as he pressed his hard dick against my leg.

“Fuck, you make me want you so bad. You’re all I can think of when we’re at work,” I whispered. “I think about that tight ass and burying my dick deep in you.” Licking up his neck, I moved to his ear and nibbled the way I knew drove him crazy.

“Fuck me,” he said, not even able to play along. I gripped his hand and pulled him into his bedroom. After stripping his clothes off I worshiped his body before planting a soft kiss where he’d been hit. Both of us lay on the bed and kissed, letting the heat between us build to the inferno it was every time we were together.

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