Page 6 of Common Goal
Eric, thankfully, wasn’t offended. “You’re not the first person to be surprised by it. But you can check my Wikipedia page if you don’t believe me.”
“I believe you.” What Kyle couldn’t believe was how cruel the universe was for placing this absurdly perfect, absolutely forbidden man in front of him. An older, athletic, confident man with a Harvard degree in English? Come the fuck on. Kyle was so tempted to say something very flirtatious right now, just to see if he could shake Eric’s calm veneer. Just to see if his dark eyes would show discomfort, or desire.
A stunning woman with blond hair and impeccable timing saved Kyle from conducting any inappropriate experiments. Regardless, Kyle felt Eric’s gaze on him the entire time he made the customer her vodka soda.
“You’re working at your friend’s engagement party,” Eric said after the woman left with her drink.
“Yeah. You noticed that, huh?”
Eric seemed to consider Kyle for a moment, as if he was trying to puzzle him out. There was something about the way Eric looked at him that had Kyle feeling very exposed. He nearly shivered.
“I’m notworkingworking. It’s a private event and everyone who works here is also on the invite list because that’s how Kip rolls, but I don’t really know most of the guests, so I’m happy to help out behind the bar.”
“Better than making small talk with hockey players.” Eric’s lips curved up slightly as he said it.
Kyle leaned in. “Most of the time.”
For a moment, Eric didn’t say anything. He just stared intently at Kyle, as if he was unlocking all his secrets with his eyes. His lips were still twisted into that amused little smile, and Kyle had no idea what was happening right now. His dick was into it, though. His dick was always into unavailable men, so it could fuck off.
“So. Mocktails,” Kyle said, breaking the tension probably only he felt. He clapped his hands together. “Do you have any allergies?”
“Cats,” Eric said.
Kyle frowned. “Oh. I’ll have to change the recipe then.”
Eric laughed at that. His laugh warm and wonderful. Kyle wanted to wrap himself up in it like a blanket.Straight. Married. Kyle repeated to himself.Straight, married, and a professional hockey player. Also, probably fifteen years older than you.
“You don’t have to make me anything. Really,” Eric said. “I need to leave soon anyway.”
Kyle shouldn’t have felt as disappointed as he did by that. “You sure?”
“Yeah, I—” Eric lowered his voice. “Between you and me, I love Scott. And Kip. But I feel like I’ve been celebrating their relationship for going on three years now.”
Kyle grinned in delight. “Iknow, right? Like,we get it. You’re perfect and in love.”
“Disgusting,” Eric agreed. They both laughed.
“Seriously, though,” Eric said, looking a little ashamed of what he’d said about his friends, “I’m thrilled for them. Especially Scott. I’ve known him a long time, and he...well, he’s definitely earned his happiness.”
Kyle spotted Kip and Scott in the crowd. Scott had his arm wrapped firmly around Kip’s shoulders, and both men were beaming. “He got a good man,” Kyle said wistfully. When his gaze returned to Eric, he found sympathy in the other man’s eyes. It was startling.
“He did,” Eric agreed.
Kyle rolled his eyes, which was the immature thing he did when he didn’t want to deal with feelings. “Anyway. I should gather up some of the empties.” He grabbed a tray and gave Eric a parting wink before entering the drunken fray.
Eric watched Kyle maneuver his way through the crowded bar. He watched his slim hips sliding this way and that, avoiding tables and people. He watched his long fingers plucking bottles and empty glasses from tables. He watched the way Kyle’s lips would stretch into a playful smile whenever anyone spoke to him.
He watched him for probably far too long. Until a hand on Eric’s shoulder broke him out of his trance.
“Who do you have your eye on?” Eric’s teammate and friend, Carter Vaughan, had managed to sneak up on him, which wasn’t easy. “There aren’t a lot of single women here tonight, but I wouldn’t rule Matti out as a possibility.”
“What are youevertalking about?”
“Like, I’m straight. A thousand percent. And I’m committed to Gloria a million percent, but I’ll admit it: Matti Jalo turns my head sometimes.”
“I’m not looking at anyone,” Eric lied. “I just zoned out for a minute.”
“Well, that I believe. As long as you’re not thinking about last night’s game. This is a party, Benny!”
