18. Tyler

Ihesitated to open my eyes. I was lost in the rhythmic beat of Hunter's heart and the rise and fall of his warm chest. The feel of this solid, muscular guy holding onto me had every fiber of my being urging me to stay in that moment. I let myself relax in his embrace, blissfully unaware of the tension quietly building within me. Sure, I could blame it on alcohol, but I'd just be lying to myself.

It wasn't about being with a guy anymore; nothing had ever felt more right in my mind. I didn't have a single doubt about my actions last night. The real source of my unease was the stark reality of my life—Mum, my brother. I needed this dream of making it to the NHL to make all the sacrifices worthwhile. And that meant steering clear of complications.

Enter Hunter Graves: the colossal complication I never saw coming.

He is your teammate. You're fucking your teammate.

Yet, I couldn't muster the willpower to pull away from him. His scent, the warmth, and the steady thump of his heartbeat created a potent mix that induced something foreign in me: serenity. Something I hadn't experienced in… a long time.

"Your thoughts are loud, baby," Hunter's deep voice groaned, his arms tightening around me as if he could hug away the rush of thoughts. I sighed, reality seeping back in. Lifting my head, I rested my chin on his chest, meeting sleepy amber eyes. They held a softness I hadn't noticed before, though something still lingered around the edges.

Sighing again, I hoped he'd forget about the cacophony of thoughts that threatened to disrupt the tranquil atmosphere around us. His fingers found a stray strand of hair falling across my face, the brush of his skin against mine sending tingles over my body. Resisting the urge to lean into his touch, I marveled as his fingers adjusted the strand, subtly tracing the contours of my face.

My breath hitched in my throat as his fingers moved across my chin, ghosting over my adam's apple. "Beautiful," he mumbled.

That was it. In that moment, everything outside our little cocoon faded away.

I took a deep breath, leaning into the way my chest fluttered. A jumble of thoughts raced through my mind, the urge to reciprocate his compliment hanging heavy. He was more than just beautiful with that strong jawline, tousled hair and those eyes that shifted through an array of colors. When he let his guard down, they turned golden, a reminder of the summer sun kissing the ocean back home.

Ink swirled over his arm, painting pictures over the ivory skin that trailed over his shoulder and across his chest. He surpassed anything I could have conjured up in my head, more than anything I'd ever let myself fantasize about. Yet there he was, looking at me like that—like I was so much more than just a casual hookup.

I sensed a subtle reaction beneath me, a twitch of excitement, as his finger traced down my neck, gliding over my chest to follow the words inked there. The question lingered in his eyes, but he didn't say a word.

"One more time?" His breath fanned over my lips. I was so swept up in him, so stuck in a trance that I didn't see him lean in until he was right there, lips brushing mine.

My body acted of its own accord, my leaning in until our lips brushed. Like he always did, he knew exactly what I wanted. He rolled on top of me, kissing me slowly and savoring every inch of my skin. He prepared me—almost lovingly. I simply watched as he did it, mouth slack, vision hazy as I gave myself just one more selfish moment. He filled me, moving in that way that hit me just right, his lips grazing mine with each thrust. Pleasure zapped through my body, intensified by the lingering sensitivity from the night before. My hands tangled in the longer strands of his hair, desperate to hold onto the moment for a little bit longer.

"Fuck, baby, I can't hold it. I want to… it feels too good."

But I was right there with him. I let myself go, fighting back a rush of emotion that had tears burning my eyes. As if they knew this would be the end. He rested his forehead against mine as I came, groaning as he followed me over the edge.

Our breaths were heavy as they tickled over each other's lips, too scared to part—too scared to put words to how we were feeling. At least, what I thought he was feeling. If it was even half of what I was feeling, this was way more than one more time.

My phone buzzed beside the bed, pulling us from the moment. Hunter sighed, pulling out of me, and kissing my cheek tenderly. He handed me my phone as he left for the bathroom to dispose of the condom and clean up.

I didn't look at the screen. Instead, I looked to the ceiling as if it would give me some answers. Soft, silent tears rolled down the side of my face. I hit the bed with my fists before rolling to the edge, feet cold on the wooden floor. I rested my arms on my naked knees and looked at the text.

CAL: Hey bestie—coffee, my treat, obviously. I won't take no for an answer.

I huffed a laugh. I could practically hear his voice in my head.

"Something funny?"

I looked to my side to see Hunter dressed in his jeans, handing me a wet washcloth. I took it and wiped my chest clean.

"Just Cal demanding my attendance for coffee. No doubt to tell me way too much information on his hookup from last night."

Hunter nodded, something indiscernible flickering in his eyes. I chose to ignore it and instead got myself dressed. I fired off a response to Cal, pausing to listen to the girls. I knocked and waited for them to declare themselves decent before pulling it open. Both girls were dressed, cuddled together and both wearing the same blissed out smile.

"Where are you off to Ty?" Kinsley asked.

"To see Cal. He owes me coffee after consecrating our dorm."

"We'll come with you," Kinsley gave me a broad smile.

"Well, if the girls are coming, can I tag along? I'm starving." I looked over my shoulder to see Hunter leaning in the doorframe, bracketing me with his strong arms. My eyes betrayed me, drinking him in hungrily. Fuck me. My attraction to him was going to be the death of me. Hunter, like always, read my thoughts and pulled his bottom lip between his teeth. Torture, looking at him every day was going to be torture.

I nodded, too scared to speak as my body reacted to him. There was no doubt my voice would give me away. I looked away from him, catching knowing grins from both the girls. I rolled my eyes.

"Come on," I told them. "No doubt Cal is itching to spill the beans about last night."

"Hopefully that's the only thing itching," Hunter cracked. I smacked his chest, trying to deny the fact that his laughter was the most beautiful sound I'd ever heard.

Kelsey kept a firm grip on my hand as she pulled me through the house. In the midst of the bustling crowd, I couldn't help but notice Kinsley's playful antics with Hunter. Jealousy prickled under my skin, but I quickly redirected my attention forward, feigning interest in a girl who met my gaze.

Kelsey being the skilled actress she was, smoothly maneuvered my arm around her, placing my hand strategically close to her chest. The room erupted into catcalls, adding to the electric atmosphere. To play along, Kelsey drew me even closer to create an illusion of intimacy. She sealed the act with a kiss on my cheek, accompanied by a look of sheer adoration that masked the inner turmoil I felt.

I whispered my gratitude in her ear, but I couldn't shake the burning in my chest. The words clashed with the uncomfortable truth settling in the spot inside me where Hunter had taken up residence. The fa?ade was taking its toll, and with every step, the lie burrowed itself deeper into the tangled web of emotions.

Cal sat in the cozy corner booth in the back of the café, his eyes lighting up when he spotted me. He sprang to his feet with infectious enthusiasm, excitedly waving me over. Despite the somber undertones that clouded my mood, I couldn't help but smile.

Cal's energy was contagious, breaking through the anxiety that had a death grip on me. The warmth in his greeting worked its way into my disposition, momentarily lifting the weight that had settled on my shoulders.

"Someone's in a good mood." I accepted the hug that he threw in my way, his arms wrapping around my neck as he bounced in my grip.

"You made my night. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have met and slept with the man of my dreams."

His grin lit up the room. He pulled back and gestured to the table, where my omelet and coffee sat waiting for me.

"I even got them to make it with egg whites. It took a lot of bribing, but anything for my future best man."

I chuckled, trying to bite back my concern—and a comment about him hopping into this like a kangaroo on a freeway. I looked behind me and saw Hunter's gaze, his darkened eyes slanted as he looked at Cal.

"Too soon to be jumping into wedding planning, don't you think, Cal?" Hunter nudged him, but Cal didn't let skepticism sway him.

"You two grumpy butts can keep your negativity to your side of the booth, I will bathe in the light of optimism that I've met my soulmate."

We all settled into the booth: Hunter to my side, Kinsley to his left and Kelsey beside Cal, we ate our food while Cal spilled every sordid detail of his evening. It was more than once—he made that abundantly clear. A permanent flush seemed to cling to my cheeks throughout the entire ordeal. Hunter's presence beside me felt like a constant source of distraction, his wandering gaze creating an uncomfortable awareness. I tried to dismiss the sensation of his knee pressed against mine, even though the warmth of his thigh seemed to burn through both layers of denim.

As the awkward atmosphere persisted, Hunter's whispered words cut through the ambient noise, sending shivers down my neck. "He thinks this is hot, but it doesn't top us last night." The provocative statement hung in the air, an arousing reminder of the intimate encounter we shared. My elbow met his stomach, but he simply chuckled.

A pout involuntarily formed on my lips as I realized that Hunter's ability to grate on my emotions had become a recurring theme. The delicate dance of tension and humor between us only added another layer to the complex emotions swirling within.

Cal gave us a sideways glance—one that told me exactly what we'd be talking about behind closed doors.

"There I was talking about chemistry, and you were burning my fire with the electricity between you and Hunter. You fucked again."

"And yet again, Cal, I don't talk about my sex life." The sharpness in my tone was uncalled for, and Cal's expression told me as much.

"Geez, you're the only guy I know who gets fucked—by Hunter Graves no less—and remains in a pissy mood. I've had some amazing sex in my life, but Hunter definitely still tops the list."

I couldn't help it—I growled. My frustration bubbled over as I stormed past him and to the kitchen. Intent on my meal prep, I ignored him, but I couldn't ignore the knowing smirk playing on his lips. I rolled my eyes and—barely—refrained from commenting, silently hoping he'd just drop it. My mind was already occupied by thoughts of a certain dark-haired individual. I certainly didn't need any assistance from my friend.

Cal sidled up behind me, his arms enveloping my torso. He wasn't one to shy away from touch, but I bristled under the embrace, a mix of annoyance and discomfort coursing through me. Despite my body's reaction, Cal remained unfazed, squeezing me tighter with his chin casually resting on my shoulder.

"One day, my friend, you will be comfortable with who you are. And until that happens I'll stick right by you."

A weak, pathetic laugh left me, my non- chopping hand resting on his as I let my weight fall back into him.

"I guess you'll be sticking around for a while then; being gay in the NHL isn't exactly trending."

Cal let out a weighted sigh, one that said that he knew I was right.

We were in an age where pride was both celebrated and shamed, where hockey pride jerseys were no longer worn in warm ups because it was "distracting."I let out a sigh of my own and continued preparing the food for the week. Cal hugged me for a bit longer, knowing I needed the comfort, before he pulled away and began to work silently alongside me.

Nothing else needed to be said.