Page 47 of Scoring Zone
“We have your back,” Austin says, and his gaze finds mine. His face looks conflicted, and I assume it’s because he’s undecided whether he wants to talk about himself.
A few minutes later, Austin drags me out of the bar to the elevators with stress vibrating off of him. He winces as Benz rushes to catch the doors before they slide closed, and he and Leo ride up with us.
Leo’s holding Benz close, and Benz is practically a mooning pile of goo. We’re all on the same floor, and for appearances, I turn toward my room, intending to knock on Austin’s door after Leo and Benz disappear into one of their rooms. Leo has stepped down as an official coach, but travels with the team, paying for his own room.
“Gray, I have that thing to show you.” Austin’s eyes shift nervously, like he’s about to commit a crime.
“Is this a sexy thing or boring?” Benz jokes.
“You’re the one who always says no kissy-face. We can’t give our secrets away.” I squash my instinct to slap his ass, knowing Leo might punch me.
“They used to dress alike and be so fun.” Benz pulls out his keycard. “Let’s leave them to their sports talk, Lovie.”
“We’re wearing the same sweatpants,” Austin says indignantly, as if he’s offended. I won’t willingly admit I love it when he insists I wear his clothes. Me in his clothes is an aphrodisiac for him so I’ll never say no.
Benzy shrugs and there’s a thud when the door closes behind them. I’m sure they can’t keep their hands off each other.
I catch up with Austin, eager to find out why he’s so agitated. He paces as soon as we get into his room, in which he clearly planned for a romantic night. It’s a departure from the usual mess, with no dirty clothes in sight, and he brought an air freshener. The king bed is made and turned down to be inviting. On the bedside table is my favorite sports drink and snack—barbecue baked chips, which he doesn’t like. His distress stops me from commenting on his thoughtfulness.
“Am I failing them? Should I have said something about myself? I should set an example and walk out with the queer players on Pride Night.”
I stop him with my hands on his shoulders. “Slow down. Everything we said to King also applies to you. You don’t owe the team details of your personal life. Just because the team lives in each other’s pockets doesn’t mean you’re required to tell them. It’s been barely a month since you figured out my dick is your favorite thing. You’re allowed time to process that monumental fact.” I cup myself for comic relief.
Austin sits on his bed, and I lower myself so we’re connected, leg to leg, hip to hip, and shoulder to shoulder. He leans in, nestling his head in the crook of my neck.
“I couldn’t do this without you. I mean, literally and emotionally.” He sighs a laugh.
“Pride Night is almost two months away. There’s plenty of time to decide and figure out if you want to come out. This team has taken very different approaches to coming out, and you’re in control of your narrative. Jayce held a press conference, Lucky and Drake kissed for the camera, and Leo and Benz have not confirmed or denied their relationship. Telling the team is vastly different from telling the world.” I hug him and tilt us backward until our heads are on the bed while our feet remain on the floor. “There are smaller steps to take than Pride Night.”
“It feels like a betrayal of you and their trust.” He rubs his sternum.
“It isn’t. It took me years to come out, and it wasn’t until I gave up my hockey career. Thankfully, times have changed, and it’s not career-ending to come out. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. King didn’t tell the team he’s gay until he felt safe, and he’s known his entire life. Give yourself some grace.”
“Please don’t think I’m ashamed of you or us.” He throws a leg over me.
“If King came to you yesterday and said he realized last month he’s into dudes, what advice would you give him?” My lips twitch as I fight a smile as he glares at me.
“Don’t be all logical when I’m full of self-pity!”
“I have some goddamn nerve.” I blanket him with my body. “You deserve the same space as everyone else. The guys love you because you care about them. They won’t judge you for taking time to come to terms with your newfound sexuality.Idon’t judge you.”
“You’re too good to me.” He holds me tight.
“Not possible. You didn’t pressure me when I kept my sexuality a secret, and I’m going to return the courtesy. Youdon’t have to have all the answers, Mr. Perfect.” Being on top of him is getting me hard, but I don’t want this to be about sex.
“You’re not going anywhere.” Austin traps me in place as I try to slide off him.
“You got me. What are you going to do with me?” I grind on him.
“Whatever the hell I want.”
Chapter 21
Austin
I decide to tag along with Gray for his fitting with Trevor. Most of Trevor’s sales are online, but he rents a small space to display his clothes with a single dressing room and a workroom in the back. It has rich leather and aged wood vibes.
The shop has exposed brick walls and warm wood floors, which contrast with the sleek black metal racks and modern lighting. The minimalistic black wrought-iron desk has a computer, and I assume it’s for cashing customers out.
