Page 51 of Scoring Slater
Noah's soft lips lingered for a moment, then he stepped back. "Half an hour."
"It'll be good to see everyone again."
He’d been looking forward to the All Star weekend get-together with several of the players from the bachelor auction for months. In the course of the year, they'd all found love. The reunion was also a celebration.
Just like the previous year, Noah was participating in the skills competition and All Star game. Slater wasn't. He'd been in the running again for Last Man In until a wrist sprain had knocked him out of being able to participate in either the competition or the game. But he'd come along, happy to pose for photos with the fans, and to most importantly, spend time with the man he loved.
Nearly a year together had brought them even closer. They'd moved out of the apartment and had bought a house together. They'd met each other's families. They'd cheered each other on through scoring slumps and rehabbing injuries. Noah had stopped shying away from photos, and Slater had tamped down on the number of posts he put out each week. They'd found a good balance.
He posted the photo. And his notification alert immediately pinged. He glanced at Noah, laughing. "That was fast."
"Well, I was already on here, posting my own picture."
"Let me see." He leaned over Noah's shoulder and peered at the screen. The selfie they'd taken earlier that morning, when they'd woken in time to watch the sun rise. They had their arms around each other as they smiled into the camera. "That's a good picture of us."
"You say that about every picture of us."
"I'm not wrong, though, am I?"
"Well, I guess not. I like all of them too." Noah tagged the photo withboyfriendsand posted it. "Maybe someday, I'll be able to tag a picture of us withhusbands."
The most wonderful thrill shot through him. Slater nudged Noah's shoulder until they were facing each other. Marriage had crossed his mind more than a few times. It was time to test the waters. "Is that a proposal?"
Noah scraped a hand through his hair and shifted on his feet. His blue eyes were wide and serious. "If it is, what would you say?"
"I'd say yes."
"Then it's a proposal." Slap shot fast, Noah tossed the phone onto the bed. His fingers shook as he reached into the pocket of his jeans and withdrew a metal band. Brows raised, he licked his lips and held up the silver ring woven with an intricate design. "What do you say? Will you marry me?"
"Noah." Almost yelling, Slater lifted one hand over his mouth, the other pointing at Noah. "You have a ring."
He smiled and caught hold of Slater's hand. "I've had it for a while. I thought proposing this weekend would be appropriate and kind of poetic."
"I love you." Slater whispered the words. He felt whole and complete, knowing he was going to spend the rest of his life with his best friend.
"Is that a yes?"
"It's a yes." Tears washed colorful prisms into his eyes. Blinking them away, he watched as Noah slid the ring into place. Then he pulled his best friend, his teammate, his roommate, his fiancé into his arms, and kissed him.
A year ago, he'd stood in a hotel room, vowing to get Noah out of his head and heart. A year ago, he'd been in love with a man he never thought he'd get to have. A year ago, everything had changed.
All thanks to the bachelor auction.
Slater hugged Noah tight as the kiss lingered and poured all of his love into the meeting of lips. He lifted his head, and he and Noah gazed at each other, smiling as they stood in the circle of each other's arms.
He now had everything he'd always wanted and a lifetime to look forward to with the love of his life by his side.
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