Chapter Three

He had been left at his car with the slightest wisp of a kiss across his lips. Pierre couldn’t stop thinking about the whole damn night. He stared at the wall, picturing Lennox’s face in his mind. Why did he have to be so perfect? Pierre genuinely liked him. It was terrifying because there was no chance for a real relationship and Pierre was at the age of that being the only relationship he wanted: a real one. He genuinely didn’t want to have playtime with this boy. Pierre wanted to be swept off his feet by a man who wanted to spend his life with him. He doubted very seriously that man was Lennox.

“You have a delivery.”

Pierre blinked. He had no idea how long he had spaced out. His coffee was cold, and he had forgotten he sat at his boss’s kitchen table. Hugo, Tavey’s husband, waited for his attention. He held a vase of red roses.

“What?”

Hugo set the flowers on the table in front of Pierre. “For you.” He handed Pierre an envelope.

In his surprise, Pierre opened it on autopilot.

Thank you for an amazing night. Hugo has your ticket to tonight’s game. You’ll ride with him. I’ll come for you afterward.

—Lennox

Pierre’s gaze moved from the card to the vase. Red roses. So cliche. So sweet. He fought a smile and a hint of annoyance. Lennox was so bossy. “It seems I am going with you to the game.”

It was obvious Hugo fought not to smile like an idiot. The guy was a giant kid. No doubt he enjoyed Pierre’s predicament. “Yep. Lennox secured you a seat right behind the bench. I’m analyzing tonight, so I won’t be with you, but you’ll still have fun.”

A smile tugged at Pierre’s lips at the insinuation he wouldn’t have fun without Hugo. It seemed all hockey players, even retired ones, had too much confidence.

“It sounds like I don’t have a choice in the matter.”

An evil-sounding chuckle rumbled from Hugo. “Nope. I’ve been instructed to toss you over my shoulder and carry you there if you refuse.”

Pierre bit back a sigh. Hugo was a huge guy. He had golden retriever energy. So, there was a very real possibility he would do exactly that. The way his light brown eyes flashed with challenge told Pierre exactly how much he enjoyed this. Hugo probably secretly hoped Pierre would refuse, so he could tackle him. Boys and their antics.

He stood. “I suppose it’s a good thing I’m off today.”

Hugo cocked his head to one side. His expression turned thoughtful. “Do you live here? I had to actually ask around to find you. When Travis said you were upstairs in the guest kitchen, I assumed you were here on business. This fucking house is so huge, it never occurred to me people might live here I didn’t know about.”

The admission made Pierre laugh. His mood lightened. “It’s true. You could stay here for months and then suddenly stumble upon someone you’ve never seen. Yes. I live here. Being in charge of this family’s legal issues is a round-the-clock job. My quarters are on the other side of the house.”

Hugo’s constant smile returned. “It doesn’t surprise me about the working round-the-clock thing. I can’t even imagine. Are you ready to head out? I have to get there early for the pregame analysis.”

Pierre looked around. He could say no and force Hugo’s hand. Pierre imagined there was a small chance Hugo wouldn’t actually carry him out. Pierre sighed. He knew he had to relent. It was best to hang on to his dignity. “I’m at your mercy, it seems.”

Hugo laughed. “Don’t sound so thrilled. People would kill for the seat you landed.”

He didn’t respond. Pierre simply followed Hugo to the garage and into the Bronco Pierre had arranged as a Christmas present from the Cattaneo last year. The family took care of its own. For Pierre, it was a lonely life of luxury.

Hugo didn’t let the ride pass in silence. “So… you and Lennox, huh?”

To his horror, Pierre’s face heated. Thankfully, Hugo watched the road and not him. “We had dinner. That’s all.”

“A kidnapping threat sounds like more than dinner.”

It took everything Pierre possessed not to fidget. “I’m sure Lennox has a different dinner partner every night. It’s not as if I’m special.”

“I’m not sure that’s true.”

He had Pierre’s attention. “Which part? The dinner partner or me being special?”

“Both,” Hugo said, surprising him. “Granted, it’s been some years since Lennox and I played for the same team, but he’s always been more of the serious relationship type. Back when he was set to get married, he always rushed back to his room after games to avoid the after-game partying. That woman had nothing to worry about. He’s a faithful guy. Since they split, I gather he’s lived it up some, but Lennox doesn’t chase. If he’s pursuing you, and he is, then he’s serious. When Lennox is serious, he’s truly unwavering.”

Despite his best efforts, Pierre felt his walls crumble a hair. He was scared to hope Lennox might be for real. “I’m much too old for him.”

With his gaze still locked straight ahead, Hugo shrugged. “If that’s a fear, then talk about it. You’ll never know how Lennox feels if you don’t just ask. There’s no sense in working yourself into a bundle of nerves when it could just be a simple conversation.”

That was true. Sometimes Pierre got in his head, but Hugo was right. All he had to do was ask. One conversation and Pierre would know where he stood. Easy as could be. Pierre thought he might puke.

Each time Lennox slid toward the bench and saw Pierre sitting in the seat he had gotten for the guy, a smirk pulled at his lips. It was possible he showed out a little more than usual. He definitely ended up in the penalty box more where he could stare at Pierre through the glass. Lennox scored the winning goal. To his soul, he believed he did it for Pierre—like he needed to prove he was worthy.

He raced through interviews and had a shower. While he had asked Hugo to show Pierre where to meet him, Pierre was a wildcard. There was a fifty-fifty chance he wouldn’t be there. For once, Lennox wasn’t as sure someone was as into him as he was them. Pierre was too good at hiding his thoughts. That was probably the lawyer in him. Whatever it was, it was maddening. He needed to know where things were headed.

When he stepped out of the locker room and spotted Pierre leaned against the wall waiting, his knees weakened. A smile exploded across his face. “Hey.”

Pierre’s amazing dark eyes focused on him. He smiled. “ Bonjour. Congrats on your win. You must be proud.”

“It’s my job.” There. Humble. Everyone liked someone humble, right?

Pierre’s smile grew. “I’m sure it’s more than that.”

“Maybe.” Lennox’s smile never dimmed. “I’m glad you came.”

Humor flashed in Pierre’s eyes. “I didn’t think I had a choice. From my understanding, a kidnapping was threatened.”

Lennox touched his chest and tried his best to look horrified. “A kidnapping? Who would do such a thing?” Pierre’s laughter was worth the antics. He threw his arm over Pierre’s shoulders and steered him toward the door. “But since you came, you might as well enjoy a night with me.”

“Just a night?”

Pierre’s question nearly made him stumble. Lennox had come to expect dodging from Pierre. “I’m definitely up for more.”

It didn’t surprise him when Pierre went silent. He led Pierre to his truck and opened the passenger side door for him. After Pierre climbed inside, Lennox didn’t close the door or move away. The need to talk practically vibrated from Pierre. Lennox wouldn’t shy away from the subject. Pierre deserved to hear his interest was genuine.

“I like you. A lot. I’m not just toying with you.”

Pierre looked as serious as the conversation felt. “Get in. We’ll talk.”

Lennox closed the door and moved to the driver’s side. Once they were settled inside, he gave Pierre his full attention.

Pierre didn’t hesitate. “I’m much older than you. To be honest, that makes this entire situation feel like you’re not as serious as you claim. I’m not sure what you’re after.”

“I like your company. Your age doesn’t factor in anything with me. In fact, this conversation proves a point I like about your age.”

Pierre’s forehead furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“Communication,” Lennox answered without hesitation. “I don’t want to be with someone flighty who acts ridiculous half the time. The other half, they’re mad and expecting me to read their mind about why. I want this. Not only do I really like you, you’re open about why you worry it won’t work. I want to be able to talk things through with an actual adult. Communication is sexy as hell.”

A huge smile exploded across Pierre’s face. He shook his head. “You’re definitely unique.”

“And?”

Pierre rolled his eyes. “You’re also everything you know yourself to be: handsome, charming, and talented.”

“Ouch. Did you just call me conceited?”

“I just said I like you too. A lot. Despite my better judgement.”

Lennox couldn’t stop smiling. “Wow. Don’t flatter me or anything.”

Pierre huffed, obviously feigning irritation.

The happiness in Lennox’s chest had nowhere to go. “Does this mean you’ll finally let me kiss you?”

A sigh burst from Pierre. “Not once have I stop—”

Lennox leaned across the console and kissed him, cutting off his speech. His mind immediately blanked. Lennox was used to being in control. He was the one who overwhelmed people. Pierre kissed like a man with talent and more than twenty-four hours in a day. He was in control. It was slow. Methodical. He worshipped Lennox’s bottom lip before exploring his mouth. Lennox nearly whimpered as he went hard. Pierre held his face and devoured his soul. His tongue curled around Lennox’s before he went back to sucking Lennox’s bottom lip. Lennox heard the way his breath turned ragged. He was under Pierre’s spell. It didn’t matter they were inside a truck where anyone might see. Lennox wasn’t sure how much longer he would survive.

Then Pierre pulled away a hair. His breath fanned across Lennox’s face before he swiped a final sweet kiss across Lennox’s lips. “I’m not toying with you either. If this is truly what you want, then I’m willing. I pray you’re not disappointed.”

“Holy shit.” The whispered words came from Lennox’s soul. He had a bad feeling he had met his match. Pierre had scorched him to the ground with that kiss. It was terrifying to think what he might do to Lennox’s soul.