Page 45 of Scoring Zone
“Sorry,” I say, going lax and spreading out my arms and legs. “I was basking in the glow of your praise.” I almost say it without laughing, but it bubbles out.
Gray pinches my nipple. “Don’t change the subject.”
That wasn’t my intention, but I’ve never liked examining my feelings. “I felt wild and on the verge of rutting you like an animal until I passed out, but the darkness stayed away.” I cover my eyes with my forearm.
Gray won’t let me hide and removes my arm. “That’s great.”
“Most people don’t require coddling after sex,” I grumble, hearing the resentment in my tone.
“One, I’m not coddling you, and two, if we’re going to do any sort of kink, it’s standard practice to check in with each other after the session.” Gray boops my nose.
I swat his hand away. “Now you’re being an asshole.” My grin negates my words.
“Not to brag, but I got the impression that you’re kinda sorta obsessed with my asshole.” He shimmies his torso, and his thick dark eyebrows draw attention to his sensual eyes.
“Obsessed after one time?” I tut like he’s absurd. “Fine. Maybe a little,” I concede.
“Perfect. Because I’m hooked on you like heroin.”
“Should I be offended?” Being compared to a narcotic isn’t something I ever imagined, yet I love it.
“Nope. But back to sex. I trust you. You won’t hurt me, and I need you to trust I’ll tell you if you ever cross a line. We’re in this together, and I won’t do something I don’t like to spare your feelings. We have years of friendship that would be ruined by lying to you. And I expect the same. Tell me the moment the darkness appears.”
Gray is going to challenge me to open up to him, and that scares me.
“I can do that.” I swallow hard, making the commitment to him and myself.
He reaches for his phone. “Let’s buy a flogger.”
I’m dizzy with desire.
Chapter 20
Grayson
In every arena, the smell of man sweat has been embedded in the rooms like it’s soaked into the walls.
I shouldn’t ogle Austin’s ass as he gets dressed in Minnesota’s visitor training room with me. But I’m only a man with zero self-control for him. As much as it pains me, I have to tell him the truth.
“You’re healed enough that no one will think you were spanked, so you can change with the team.” I watch his glutes ripple as he tugs on his base layer.
He glances at me over his shoulder. “But then I’d be depriving you of your favorite view.”
I stalk over and seize his mouth, drowning in vanilla-cinnamon sweetness.
A knock on the door makes us jump apart, and Austin jams his head through his shirt.
Clearing my throat, I call, “Come in.”
“Your door is never shut.” King surveys the room.
“My fault.” Austin flushes. “I must’ve done it when I walked in. Are you okay? Do you need Grayson? He can re-wrap my knuckles later.”
King’s gaze goes back and forth between us. “Nah. My hairband broke. Hoping you have something to hold my braids back.” His intricate pattern of zigzag braids touches his shoulders.
I cross the room to my duffle and riffle through it to find the hairband bag. Hockey players have specific tastes when it comes to their flow, so I try to keep a variety. I find a note from Austin, and my heart stops. It readsYou complete me. He’s been leaving me famous movie line quotes because he says they got it right. I bury it and act casual.
“Here.” I toss King a bag of hair ties. “Pick whatever you want.”
