Page 9 of The Head Game

He should’ve known.

August latched on to Arents’ waist, steering him toward the box, glaring at the back of his helmet. “Enough with the jokes, number thirty-three. You’re not that funny.”

“Liar!” Arents shot over his shoulder. “I’m almost as hilarious as I am good-looking.”

August wished he could deny that but unfortunately, Arents was attractive. Of course, no one believed that more than him.

Insufferable.

“You’re a pain in my ass is what you are,” August grumbled rather than agree with him.

“Only if you want me to be,” Nico said with a smirk as he glanced over his shoulder, his blue eyes dancing with amusement, eyebrows waggling.

“Cut it out.” August planted a hand between Arents’ shoulder blades and pushed him toward the penalty box. “Or I’ll add time on to the penalty.”

Arents stepped inside, then turned to face August, smirking. “For what? Flirting? I can’t help it. You’re so hot when you’re pissed off.” He made a fanning motion with his glove.

“Rule 601,” August snapped. “Abuse of an official.”

“God you’re uptight. I’m starting to think you dislike queer players,” Nico threw back, his eyes narrowed, his nostrils flared.

Oh buddy, if you only knew, August thought grimly. Aloud, he said, “Yeah, okay. Tell that to my ex-boyfriend.”

The one who was now married to someone else.

Pain sliced into August’s ribs as sharp and vicious as a rogue skate blade.

Arents opened his mouth to respond but his captain had apparently had enough.

“Nico, cut it out! I don’t want to lose this game because you’re harassing a ref,” Fowler snapped.

Arents rolled his eyes, his tone turning playful again. “Aww, you ruin all my fun, D. I thought you were going to support me in my time of need.”

Fowler scoffed. “What time of need? You know what? Never mind. I don’t want to hear it. Get in the box, Nico, or I’ll throw you in there myself.”

Arents gave them both a disgruntled look but he waved his hand and slumped back on the bench. “Is this better?”

“If you keep your mouth shut, yes,” Fowler said as the official closed the penalty box door. “Behave!”

August turned to face the Fisher Cats captain, one eyebrow raised.

Fowler grimaced. “Sorry about that. He gets a little mouthy.”

August crossed his arms over his chest. “Your guy has been pushing every last button I have tonight. If he does it again, it’ll be a game misconduct.”

Fowler nodded seriously. “I’ll make sure he understands.”

“You better,” August warned. “Because I’ve had it up to here with him.”

CHAPTER TWO

“You have not met Lance yet, non?” Gabriel asked, his arm wrapped around the waist of a handsome older man with a silver-flecked short beard and pale blue eyes.

“Nope, I haven’t.” Nico held out a hand, smiling. “Great to meet you, Lance.”

“You as well.”

Lance’s answering smile was warm, his eyes creasing nicely at the corners as he shook firmly.

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