Page 43 of Common Goal
It wasn’t quite true. Eric’s sister was a school principal and his brother was a contractor. But he certainly helped them as much as their pride would allow. “I do what I can.”
Kyle stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets and hunched his shoulders against the cold. “I used to ski competitively. It was a lot of time and money for my parents.” He huffed. “Money wasted, I guess.”
Eric could see it. Kyle’s lean, toned frame was definitely a skier’s body. “I doubt they see it that way.”
“Yeah, well.” Kyle went quiet again.
“I’ve always been nervous on skis,” Eric said, trying to lighten things. “I can’t imagine flying down a mountain at top speed.”
Kyle laughed. “So having pucks fired at you is fine, but skiing is scary?”
“Rinks are flat.”
“But skiing has the most incredible views. I went glacier skiing in Switzerland last winter and, man. I feel bad for anyone who doesn’t get to experience that. I can’t even describe it.”
“I’ll definitely take your word for it,” Eric said, though he could suddenly see the appeal of learning how to ski. He lost himself, for a moment, imagining Kyle teaching him. He wondered if Kyle had ever worked as an instructor.
He didn’t get a chance to ask, because they had reached the bar.
Eric had spent time in gay bars before, obviously, but only when accompanying his openly gay friend. He’d never been uncomfortable going out with Scott to gay bars, but this felt different. This time he was at a gay bar for himself, for the purpose of openly checking out men. And being checked out by men.
He took a slow, centering breath, which Kyle noticed. “You all right?”
“Yeah. I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“Nothing to worry about. Besides, they’ll all be looking atme.” Kyle batted his eyelashes cartoonishly at him, which made Eric laugh.
“Good point.”
Kyle held the door open and Eric stepped into the bar. It looked...like a bar. Dark, crowded, and lively. Pop music was playing, but not overly loud. The patrons were men and, mostly, Eric noticed right away, attractive. And younger than Eric.
This was a mistake.
“I’m too old for this,” Eric muttered.
“You are absolutely not. I see a table we can grab. You sit, and I’ll get us some drinks. You want a soda and lime?”
“Sure. Thanks.”
Eric kind of wished he was the one going to the bar because at least that would give him something to do other than sit alone and vulnerable in a pick-up bar. He removed his coat and draped it over the back of his chair, then tugged at his T-shirt a bit. He’d chosen a light gray one that was tighter than he normally wore, and he’d paired it with jeans that were identical to the ones he’d worn last night. When Eric found something that fit him well, he tended to buy multiples.
He ran a hand over his hair and beard as he sat down, then picked up a drink special card so he’d have something to look at. He was terrified that if he glanced up he’d inadvertently lock eyes with someone and give them the wrong idea.
Kyle returned after what seemed like a very long time carrying two drinks. “Sorry,” he said. “Calvin was chatty.”
“Is that the bar manager?”
“Yeah. We used to work together at a shitty restaurant. Nice guy. Great kisser.”
Eric gave a startled laugh. “Do you kiss all of your friends?”
Kyle narrowed his eyes as if he was thinking hard about it. “Most of them, I think.”
Eric took a sip of his soda instead of replying.
“What? Hockey players kiss each other all the time. I’ve seen it,” Kyle teased.
“Not on the mouths usually.”
