Puck Drills & Quick Thrills (CU Hockey 5)

Now to get all the lube out my ass.

The team is at an away game this weekend, and both Jasper and I have been so busy that we never got that coffee. It’s tempting—so, so, so tempting—to call the sitter so I can go out and see Jasper. Just for an hour.

But I told myself when I was awarded guardianship that I wouldn’t leave them in the hands of someone else. I could invite him over, seeing as Asher’s not here, but I feel like that’s too deceitful. I wouldn’t want to ask the others to lie for me.

For once, I don’t burn dinner, and my first reaction is to message Jasper about it, but I know the second I turn my back on the food, it will catch fire or some shit.

“Hey, West?” Rhys comes in with a textbook in his hand. “I don’t suppose you know anything about algebra?”

“When letters get involved, my eyes gloss over.”

He slumps.

“Why? What’s up?”

“I think I’ve been staring at these equations for too long. I can’t figure them out.”

“You can’t figure out a math problem? Are you okay? Do you have a fever?”

Rhys is some thirteen-year-old math whiz. He can’t spell for shit, but he’s taking algebra already.

“Can you take a look?” he asks and bites his lip. “Maybe I’m not cut out for the advanced classes. Like, maybe I’ve peaked.”

I turn off the oven because dinner is basically ready, and I know it’ll burn if I get sidetracked and take a look at it.

“Honestly, it all looks like hieroglyphics to me.”

“Maybe I can YouTube it.”

That’s when I get an idea. “Or, I could have a friend come help you. He’s a professor at CU. Of math.”

Rhys’s face lights up. “Really? Do you think he’ll do it?”

I’m sure I could offer him some incentive. “I’ll call him.”

I run up the stairs to my bedroom and take out my phone. I can’t hit Jasper’s number fast enough. This is the perfect excuse for him being here.

“Hey, you. What’s up?” The sound of his velvety voice makes my dick take interest. Shit, maybe it’s not a good idea for him to come over.

“I have a favor to ask. For my brother.”

His voice lowers. “We playing that game again, are we?”

I snort. “No, I mean for my younger brother. He’s thirteen but in all these advanced math classes at school, and he’s struggling. I’m absolutely no help, but I was hoping if I bribed you with dinner—”

“I’m on my way.”

It shouldn’t surprise me, but it does. “Really?”

“I’ve been waiting for you to invite me to your house, but I didn’t want to bring it up. I know the kids might need time to adjust to you having someone in your life … Especially a man.”

“They’re cool with Asher having a boyfriend, so I don’t see why I’d be any different. I think the only one who will have a problem with us is Asher, and he’s away this weekend for hockey.”

“If you’re sure …”

“I want you to meet them, but if it’s too soon, I get it. It’s kind of a big step, and we both need to be sure.”

Jasper hesitates but only for a second. “Need me to pick anything up along the way? Non-burned dinner, maybe?”

“Oh, you think you’re so funny, don’t you? For your information, I made lasagna and salad and didn’t burn either. Go me.”

“How do you burn a salad?”

“Trust me. I’m capable of burning anything.”

He laughs, deep and warm. “I’ll see you soon.”

24

Jasper

It’s only dinner and some tutoring, so why am I so damn nervous? West, I swear. He has way too much power over my emotions and thoughts. If this ends, I’m not going to be okay, which is why I need to make damn sure his family likes me.

Asher is a lost cause, but we both knew that from the start, so these other five need to love me.

Starting with Rhys. I think I have all their names straight, at least.

West is clearly waiting for me because when I pull up in his driveway, the front door opens. His hands are tucked under his arms, huddled against the cold, and all I want as I approach is to pull him close and warm him up.

Fuck. If I’d known how desperately I’d want a full night with him, I would have savored every minute of the time we’ve spent together.

He’s smiling, gaze not breaking from mine, and when I reach the door, he leans in and brushes his lips against mine. His moan is soft and as needy as I feel, but he quickly pulls away.

“Couldn’t help myself,” he whispers.

I groan. “You are such a tease.”

West steps back with a smug grin, and I follow him into the house. Rhys is set up at the table, opposite where Hazel is typing on her laptop, headphones in place.