Face Offs & Cheap Shots (CU Hockey 2)

“Though I’m actually gay,” I point out. “So does that mean I win?”

Beck gives me a look. It’s part-proud, part-surprised. Probably because I found a label for myself and finally said it out loud. Is it the right label? I’m still not one hundred percent sure, but it feels right in this moment.

“Pretty sure I had just as much dick in my mouth as you did earlier,” Beck says with a smile. “That’s pretty gay.”

Cohen chokes on his drink. “Okay, okay, you’re both the winners.”

“What’s wrong?” I ask as Cohen’s cheeks go red. “You’ll make out with your friends, but you draw the line at blowjobs? You’re missing out.”

“You really are,” Grant agrees, apparently finished with whatever mushy shit he was whispering in Zach’s ear.

“You’re a bunch of assholes, and I hate you,” Cohen says into his beer.

“Wait.” Seth leans toward me. “You’re gay? But I’ve seen you hook up with girls before. How does that work?”

I shrug. “Hard to explain. There’s nothing wrong with women, but now I know how it’s supposed to be.”

“Now who’s missing out?” Cohen nudges Seth. “Chicks, am I right?”

Seth gives him a weird look, and Beck cracks up laughing. “Keep going, Cohen. We’ll believe you one day.”

“So, Beck,” Grant says, cutting off Cohen’s reply. “I hear you’re staying another year at CU.”

Beck turns a glare on me, and my hands shoot up. “I didn’t say a word.”

“Then …”

“I keep in touch with Coach Hogan. He said you’ll be helping out with the team after this season is over.”

“I will.”

Beck won’t be able to play next year because of NCAA rules, but when he told Coach his plans, Coach didn’t hesitate in offering him a volunteer coaching position.

“And Zach tells me that you’re looking into some kind of training facility for kids looking to play at the collegiate level.”

“Kids who don’t have money,” Beck says, fumbling for my hand under the table. “That part’s important to me.”

I’m aching to kiss him stupid and show him how much that plan means to me.

Grant laughs. “Saint Beck, eh? Looks like Jacobs has been a good influence on you.”

“Eh.” Beck shrugs. “He’s okay.”

“Let’s talk next year,” Grant says. “It sounds like an awesome idea, and I’ll have a few months off from the NHL to fill—”

“What happened to spending that time with me?” Zach asks.

Grant’s arms tighten around him. “We’ll be living together in a few months once you’ve got your master’s. You’ll be sick of me by then.”

“I don’t know how he isn’t already,” Seth quips.

Grant flips off his brother. “And are you in on this plan, Jacobs?”

“I’m in on whatever Beck does.” I’ve been looking at apartments off campus for next year, and I’ve already touched base with an outpatient practice on getting some PT experience. If Beck’s idea goes ahead, we’ll stick close to Burlington because having division I colleges nearby will increase demand.

There’s still a lot to plan. But if this year’s taught me anything, it’s that it will work out the way it’s supposed to.

Me, Beck, and hockey.

Beck and Grant talk out more details while Cohen and I rehash the game and Zach and Seth plan our day in Gay Village tomorrow. The energy around the table is high, and I’m so full of love for these guys—even Zach and Seth—that I don’t want the night to end.

Midnight creeps closer, promising a new year and new things for Beck and me to face together.

We’re going to New York in a few days to visit his parents. Then we’ll stop by the farm on the way back to school to see mine.

Beck will be busier than ever the next few semesters at school, even with the lighter course load.

The Frozen Four is coming up fast.

And even though those things could fill me with anxiety, I’m ready for it.

We start the countdown to midnight, and I grab Beck to pull him into my lap. His blue eyes are bright, his cheeks flushed with the alcohol we’ve been drinking, and I swear he’s never looked so beautiful.

“Three … two … one …” he whispers.

His mouth closes over mine, and I push every promise I can give him into the kiss. I love him so much it physically hurts sometimes, and together, we’re going to make this year our bitch.

Because no matter what it throws at us, I know one thing for certain.

I’ve already won.