Page 27 of Catch
“I’m still not finished,” he continues with a big grin. “Each athletic team will have a welcome ambassador. And I’ve made my selections. For the hockey group, that rep is Ethan.”
Say what? Everyone turns to me and there’s more clapping, but I’m too stunned to move.
“Me?”
“Yes, you. I know you’ll do us proud.” Dane smiles at me. “And since the Crew is here, and with permission from Felix, it’s also the right time to announce that Jett has been chosen for the rowing team.”
I glance over at Jett, and he looks as shocked as I do.
“It’s going to mean a couple of hours a week in preparation, and of course long hours during the event, but I hope you’ll both say yes.”
Jett nods and walks over to Dane and shakes his hand, and I finally do the same.
“I know you’ll both do great,” Dane states. “How about another round? We’ve got a lot to celebrate.”
Marshall and Gage start pouring more drinks, and I sure as fuck need one now. Between the news about Jace and Finn leaving for training camp and now this… I’m surprised Dane would trust me with this kind of responsibility. Then again, I love meeting new people, and being a part of the welcoming committee is totally my thing.
Wait. Jett and I will be working together.
There’s no way he can escape me now.
My heart is pumping so fast I’m lightheaded again, and I watch as Jett heads over to talk to Felix, hugging his friend. I’m so busy staring at him, I don’t realize that my teammates are huddled around me until Jace pipes up.
“First drink goes to Ethan. It looks like he needs it since he’s not talking.”
I want to say something, but my mouth is frozen.
“Earth to Ethan,” Axel calls out and waves a hand in front of me.
I finally shake my head and break out of my trance.
“I see you.”
“Stop giving Jett the stink eye,” Jace whispers. “Come on, let the loss go.”
“I have. I’m fine. We’re fine.”
But I can’t stop watching Jett. He’s with Hudson and Archie, and they all reach for a shot. Jett leans his head back and swallows his drink, and I watch his Adam’s apple bob up and down. Dirty visuals of him swallowing something else—namely, my dick—take hold. Holy shit.
“I need a shot, stat,” I insist. “Vodka, please.”
Axel reaches for the bottle and pours me a full one.
“Drink up,” he offers and hands me the glass.
I suck it down fast and motion for a refill. The second one doesn’t burn as bad.
“So, what were you guys talking about?” Axel asks me.
“What?”
He pats my shoulder.
“You and Jett. Have you come to an understanding?”
I understand that I’m having filthy thoughts about a guy for the first time.
“Uh, sort of.”
