Jett hummed, and the sound of it was like a suggestive purr. Harrison was instantly reminded they hadn’t had sex in over two weeks, and that one simple sound had his hair standing on end.
“I mean, I wouldn’t be against it.”
Robert shyly shuffled into the room—abruptly extinguishing the arousal burning through his blood.
“It’s Big Fraser!” Cormier yelled, bringing all attention to Robert, who smiled and waved awkwardly, reminding Harrison far too much of Jett. “Come join us, Pops! We’re going out for drinks to celebrate that awesome game.”
Robert shook his head disbelievingly at Cormier’s cheerfulness. “You boys are too comfortable with losing. You’re like a bunch of squirrels in a nut tree.”
“The fuck did he just say?” Wolf turned to Bracken for answers. “Was that English?”
“If I were your coach,” Robert continued, ignoring Wolf’s confusion. “I would set you boys straight.”
“Say that to Jetty, but slower,” Powers called out, and the room erupted into laughter.
Harrison waited until the noise died down before he took control of the chaos. “I agree with Mr. Fraser. We have momentum now, so let’s kick ass in our next game, and finish the road trip on a high note.”
“Agreed,” said Adams, appearing out of nowhere like he often did. “Curfew is at eleven. We need to be on an early plane tomorrow for Boston and practice after that. Three drink limit, please, unless you’re a lightweight, then it’s two.”
“You heard the coaches, boys!” Bracken clapped his hands together. “Play hard, drink smart.”
They applauded in agreement, and there was a flurry of motion as every guy in the room scrambled to get undressed and into the showers. The curfew gave them some time, but the more they wasted here, the less they had for fun.
“I’m going to catch a ride back to the hotel and hit the sack,” said Robert, elbowing Harrison’s side gently. “My plane leaves a lot earlier than yours, so I need to get me some shuteye.”
His words made Jett pause, and he eyed his father nervously. “What do you mean? We’re going to Boston together tomorrow.”
Robert shook his head. “No, my boy. I’m going to journey home so I can get everything set up for you guys when you stop by for Christmas. I left the house in a mess, and I need to decorate and go grocery shopping so I can make your favourite Christmas lasagna.”
Jett’s posture wilted, and Harrison could see that he was upset over his father leaving. But if Robert wanted to leave, then they couldn’t make him stay.
“Harrison has got you now, Jetty-boy,” Robert continued, and everything about the man radiated how much he adored his son. “You made it through the bump in the road just like I knew you would, because you’re the strongest kid I know. I’m a phone call away if you need me, but your guyhas a good head on his shoulders—so don’t be scared to lean on him too.”
Harrison frowned at the unfamiliar feeling tightening his diaphragm. It had been a very long time since someone trusted him like this. Not since Luca—he couldn’t remember the last time someone had confidence in him to take care of himself, let alone another person.
He didn’t take the suggestion lightly. He would do anything to protect Jett—anything at all. Robert had no idea how far he would go to keep him safe.
“I know I can rely on Harrison,” Jett mumbled, cheeks staining red. “I’m still sad you’re leaving.”
Robert drew his son into a hug and rubbed him roughly on the back. “You’ll see me in two days, so don’t waste time being sad. It was a great game tonight. I love watching you play, Jetty-boy. I’m so proud of you.”
Jett’s eyes were locked onto Harrison over Robert’s shoulder. He saw the tears clinging to his lashes as he nodded his head aggressively in response to his father’s praise.
After the hug, Jett excused himself so he could wash and get ready to go, and Harrison said his goodbyes to Robert. He shook the older man’s hand, hoping he could convey how grateful he was with his smile.
“You’re a great dad,” Harrison admitted before Robert could scurry away. “Jett is lucky to have you.”
Robert pointed a scolding finger at him. “Don’t forget,youhave me now too, Harrison. If you want to marry my boy, then that’s the way it has to be between us.”
Harrison made a gesture of surrender, and Robert graced him with one last smile before he turned and left the room, whistling an old country tune to himself as he walked away.
Harrison snorted at Robert’s behaviour. He sat and waited for Jett to return, nodding and conversing with the other guys as they returned from their showers to get dressed.
Bracken had apparently picked a venue, so the whole team was on the move, eager to get out and enjoy the warmer climate that Florida had to offer.
Harrison eventually checked his phone and saw the absurd number of notifications from the group chat. These people really didn’t haveanything better to do than sit around and gossip like a bunch of old ladies over tea.
Jin: 10$ says Campanelli is closeted
