“Why’s that?” Kyle didn’t want to hope thathehad anything to do with it.
Eric huffed. “Because I’m old. I’ve been feeling this season more than others. It’s why I’ve decided it’s definitely time to retire.”
“Are you going anywhere for the break?”
“No, I’m just going to relax at home. I can’t wait.”
Kyle bit the inside of his cheek. Relaxing at home could include a whole lot of things. Things that he wouldn’t mind participating in. If Eric asked.
There was also the very real possibility that two weeks or so on the road would be enough time for Eric to lose interest in whatever he and Kyle were doing. Maybe Eric would become reacquainted with an old high school crush back in his Canadian hometown. At Christmastime. Like a fucking Hallmark movie.
It was annoying how much Kyle wanted some assurance that Eric would want to continue to...spend time with him. Even if it wasn’t sex, Kyle would love to go for another walk. Another meal. Visit another gallery. It was rare for Kyle to want to spend this much time with someone, but if he had his way, he’d stay for the rest of the day, and all night.
Eric had taken their dirty plates to the sink and started washing them by the time Kyle managed to stop his runaway thought train. He stood and awkwardly walked to sink, hovering next to Eric uselessly. “Can I help?”
“It’s okay. I have to leave in a minute.”
“Right. I’ll get going then.” He took a step toward the stairs, then hesitated.
“I’ll walk you down,” Eric said, drying his hands.
At the door, the two men stood facing each other for a tense, silent moment. Finally, Kyle gave Eric a quick hug. “Have a good road trip. Or two, I guess. And a merry Christmas.”
“Thanks.”
When Kyle pulled back, he found Eric gazing longingly at his mouth. It was an opportunity he couldn’t ignore. He leaned in and murmured, “How about a farewell kiss?”
Eric answered by bringing their lips together. The kiss was soft and sweet, and Kyle regretted asking for it. It was too tender. Too heartbreaking.
“Thank you again,” Eric said quietly. “Last night was incredible.”
Kyle switched on his flirty, carefree shield. “Of course it was.”
Eric’s warm laughter was the last thing Kyle heard as he opened the door and made his escape from the man he was in danger of falling for.
Chapter Nineteen
“If either of you fuckers opts out of the All-Star game I will personally kill you,” Carter said. They were in the locker room, getting dressed for their first home game in two weeks.
“Why?” Scott asked.
“Because Gloria and I booked a week in Grand Cayman, and if one of you bails, they are going to replace you with me.”
“Carter,” Eric said calmly. “I’m a goalie.”
“Right. Okay, well, Scotty has to go then.”
“Iamgoing,” Scott said. “I love the All-Star game.”
“You’re the only one,” Carter grumbled. “I have a long list of things I’d rather do during my week off than play a shitshow of a game in fucking Buffalo.”
“Hey,” Scott said. “I’m from near Buffalo.”
“And I’m from North Dakota, but I don’t want to spend my vacation time there either,” Carter quipped.
Eric had no plans to skip the All-Star game. The line-up had been announced yesterday, and he’d been surprised and touched to be named to the team this year, since there were some really excellent younger goaltenders who deserved the spot as much as he did. He appreciated having one last opportunity to show off in the skills competition, and to secretly say goodbye to his colleagues.
Christmas had come and gone and Eric still hadn’t told anyone that he was retiring at the end of this season. He just couldn’t bring himself to say the words. Every week he’d have a new reason to justify waiting. He’d now decided to wait until February, after the All-Star game. He didn’t want the attention that he’d get from the media, and the other players, if they knew it was definitely his last All-Star appearance.