Egotistical Puckboy (Puckboys 1)

He opens his mouth, closes it, then opens again. I really didn’t think it was going to be that hard for him to answer, especially because he could throw out something Ezra-like and claim to be that awesome.

Eventually, he shakes his head. “Yep, I don’t like it, next!”

“Come on, I gave you something, at least.”

“Barely.”

Well, I can’t make him answer. But where I thought Ezra did it because he likes the attention, I’m starting to suspect I was wrong about that.

He folds his arms, sliding down farther in his seat. “It’s not on purpose.”

“What?”

He lets his eyes fall closed. “The first time pictures of me went up, they were a total shock. I hate it, but there’s not a whole lot I can do at this stage. It’s out there, so whatever. I try to be careful, but there’s no way to actually know if you can trust someone you’ve met seconds before.”

“Is that why you and West …”

“Yup. It was convenient for both of us, especially since we roomed together. He was—and is—the only person I trust.”

“And he was okay with you hooking up with other people?”

“Yeah, we’re not talking about this.”

“I’ll take that as a no.”

Ezra huffs. “You’re almost as annoying as I am.”

“Gotta keep you on your toes somehow.”

“There are far more fun ways to manage that.” I think the conversation is over when he turns away, but I catch him whispering, “He never told me he wanted more.”

I have to tread carefully here, but I need to know. “I have another question, and this one you have to answer.”

“I agreed to keep this thing only between us. I don’t owe you anything else.”

“You do, because the answer will determine whether I end it now or not.”

He’s clearly confused when he turns back to me. “You end it? Why are you the one who gets to call the shots?”

“Are you in love with West?”

He gapes at me. “Fuck off, Hayes.”

“Simple yes or no.”

“No. He wanted me, I didn’t know that, so I did some really shitty things not realizing I was hurting him. That’s why I’m no one’s forever—because I can never tell when I screw things up. I’m not in love with him, but I feel guilty for the way I treated him. Happy now?”

I shouldn’t be, but I am. “Very.”

“Whatever. I’m tired.”

“Like you’re the one who was woken up at four a.m.” I hadn’t meant to tell him that, but when his mood shifts back to the Ezra I’m familiar with, I’m glad I did.

“So much for that awesome amazing perfectly great sleep,” he says.

“You’re an idiot if you think I’m not going to get you back for that.”

Ezra’s grinning as his eyes fall closed again. “What are you going to do? Spank me? Too bad I’d like that.”

Well, I’m pocketing that knowledge for later. “You’ll see.”

Our game against Arizona is a tight one, but we pull off the win right before the buzzer, preventing the game from going into overtime. The end score was only 2-1, and we had to fight for every minute. I know the crowds love high-scoring games, but there’s nothing like taking out the win you truly fight for.

It would be even better if I could drag Ezra away for some hot sex, but Coach is still pissed from the game in Texas, and none of us wants to go out to celebrate with such a tight win and another game so close. Which means unless we find a stroke of luck, it’ll be almost a week until we can hook up again.

Diedrich and Ezra are called away for the press conference again, which means they’re entering the workout room as most of us leave it. The team strips off and heads for the showers, and as soon as they disappear, I have an idea.

Left alone in the empty locker room, I gather up a pile of sweaty clothes and stuff them into my bag. Then after the showers, I throw a couple of wet towels in there for good measure.

We’re heading out for a late dinner at the hotel when we get back, and as everyone enters the restaurant, I grab Kosik and pull him to the side. “You’re rooming with Ez, right?”

He narrows his eyes. “Why?”

“Can you keep a secret?”

“I could be persuaded to.”

“Okay, I’ll pay for your drinks and dinner if you accidentally drop your room key.”

“I’m not going to walk in on you guys fucking, am I?”

I stifle a laugh. “Fuck no. You know I can’t stand him.”

“Then …”

“It’s for a prank.” When he doesn’t look convinced, I add, “Harmless, I swear.”

“Okay, but you have to promise not to touch my stuff.”

“Hand on heart. Which bed is yours?”

“The farthest from the door. Ezra said something about windows? I don’t know. He has too many superstitions to keep up with.”