Page 20 of Scoring Zone
Vaguely, I wonder if the crystal can keep my dick in check, but I’m not brave enough to test it out.
Instead, I throw the covers off and decide to rub one out in the shower before breakfast. Hopefully, that will be enough to make my dick behave.
I can’t sport a hard-on every time I think of Gray or when I get near him. My mouth might lie, but my cock hasn’t mastered that skill.
It’s going to be a long day, and letting Gray or my team down isn’t an option.
Chapter 10
Grayson
We all knew that game would be like a moose on black ice, but my guys are more banged up than usual. Once the puck dropped, I didn’t have the time to spare a thought about the emotional gap between Austin and me.
It’s possible the distance is in my head because he’s been leaving me cute as fuck sticky notes all over the apartment. One under his dirty laundry with a thank-you, a heart, and XOXO. He without a doubt knows I pick up after him and appreciates it, but I don’t know what to do with that information. I absolutely shouldn’t sniff his clothes to get a hit of his woodsy smell.
The home crowd is behind the team, and the familiar cheers and chants steady my nerves. Lucky scores first with a pass from Austin, but Tampa gets on the board minutes later.
In my opinion, we’re outplaying Tampa, but the score is one to one as the first period ends.
There are lots of bruises to evaluate and banged-up arms and legs. Liska’s grumpy when I check in, but his back seems fine.After talking to Coach, he’ll play the second period, and Benz will go in for the third.
We score again in the second period, and our defense foils their attempts. Kenney is unbelievable out there.
The team needs the break to catch their breath by the end of the second. I ensure Benz is ready to take over in goal and Liska has ice for his back.
Benz searches the stands for Leo, then locks in on his job. My eyes automatically find Austin, and I wonder how he’ll act when he falls in love. Austin loving someone else sends ice through my veins. I have to pay attention to my job and not be distracted by Austin.
The asshat, Richardson, gets increasingly aggressive, and the only break the team gets from him is when he’s in the penalty box. The guy isn’t playing the puck; he’s trying to hurt people and should be ejected from the game.
Late in the third period, I watch in horror as Richardson takes Benz to the ice and starts beating him. The ref blows the whistle, and I’m over the boards and assessing Benz.
“I’m okay.” He uncurls himself from the ball he’d rolled into. His eyes dart around before he whispers, “I’m hoping he gets thrown out of the game. I’m not hurt bad.”
I nod and take his vitals. He can’t be called for flopping when Richardson was literally on top of him, so it’s a good strategy. “Do you want a stretcher?” I ask, willing to help.
“No!” He winces at how his voice projects. “I’m not giving Leo a heart attack.”
“Fair.” I help him to his feet, and the assistant trainer takes his other arm so we can get him back to the exam room. The crowd is furious and chanting Benz’s name in support.
“I knew they’d love me someday,” he jokes.
“If you were bleeding, they’d erect a shrine.” I guide him down the tunnel.
“I’m so into that.” He laughs but has to stop because it steals his breath.
“Let’s get you on the table.” He’s in good shape for how many hits he took.
A few minutes later, we hear someone pounding down the hall. Benz tries to sit up, but I push him back down. “I’ll get Leo.”
Sure enough, Leo is sprinting toward me, wild-eyed and panicked. My assurance does nothing until he can see Caleb with his own eyes. I have to cajole them apart to finish my exam. The game’s over, and I’ll have a steady stream of guys to patch up.
I follow them into the strangely tense locker room for a post-game win. Benz struts into the middle of the room and cracks a joke but doesn’t get a laugh.
I holler, “Anyone else need treatment?” The room is uncomfortably silent, and I lean against the door.
There’s a discussion about sexuality, and I should exit the room and wait for the players to come to me, but I’m curious. Apparently, King answered a reporter’s question about sexuality, and it got under a rookie’s skin, sparking a debate.
Austin announced he’s interested in Leo’s opinion on queerness, and I’m riveted by his perception. Benz gets Leo his tablet so he can type. With his jaw wired shut from his injury, it’s difficult for him to speak clearly.
