I frown as I reread my own text. I don’t really want to leave. I was looking forward to spending some time with Gabriel but if Adriana needs me, I’ll be there. Quality time will just have to wait.
Adriana: That’s ok. Kenji’s with me. We’re going to do our own thing. I’ll talk to you later.
Me: kk
“She good?” Gabriel asks, peering over my shoulder.
“She says she’s fine,” I tell him. “They’re just gonna go hang out on their own.”
Gabriel nods, but I can see the tightness in his expression. Whatever happened with Adriana and Julio isn’t fine and it’s not okay. Julio looked … wrecked.
“Well,” Gabriel’s voice is softer now, edged with something that pulls at the corners of his mouth, “since we’re inside, and things seem to be going fine out there …” He steps closer, his hand slipping around my waist, his lips grazing my ear. “Maybe we could sneak upstairs. Get some alone time. Just the two of us.”
I blink, half-smiling despite myself. “Are you serious right now?”
His grin is pure mischief. “Completely.”
I shake my head, laughing under my breath. “Gabriel, you’re hosting a barbeque for your team. It’s supposed to be a bonding experience. You can’t just abandon them to sneak off and screw?—”
“Who said anything about sneaking off to have sex?” His eyes widen with exaggerated innocence. “Maybe I just want to cuddle. Talk about our feelings.”
“Uh-huh.” I roll my eyes, but I’m fighting a smile. “Sure. Because you’re the picture of wholesome intentions, right?”
“Damn straight.” He steps closer, pressing his forehead to mine, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “I’m a pure, innocent man.”
“Right.” I laugh softly. “Pure as sin.”
Gabriel’s grin widens as he leans in. His lips brushing against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “You know you want to go upstairs with me. Nobody has to know we snuck off for a quicky,” he tells me. “It’s okay every now and then to be a little bad.”
His words send heat rushing to my cheeks, and I swallow the urge to melt against him. He’s good at this. Too good.
“You,” I say, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes, “are staying here and being a good host. No sneaking off. Besides, weren’t you going to go check on Julio?”
“Fine.” He sighs, dramatically, like I’ve just broken his heart. “But you owe me for this.”
I laugh, grabbing his hand and steering him toward the staircase that leads to not only Gabriel’s but also Julio’s bedroom. “Go check on your friend. And then get your butt back outside before your teammates think their Captain and Striker have ditched them.”
“I’m going. I’m going.”
CHAPTER 96
GABRIEL
For all intents and purposes, the barbeque yesterday was a success. Julio never came back out after his beef with Adriana, and being the insufferable fucker he is, he refused to talk about what happened. I’m going to remember that the next time he pushes and pries his way into my shit. But despite his disappearing act, the rest of the guys seemed to enjoy themselves. Everyone ate and drank and had a good time. Asher and Adam stayed for most of the day, and as much as it pains me to admit this, they’re pretty decent guys. The kind who, under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t mind watching a game or sharing a meal with.
I don’t know how much of a relationship I’m willing to have with either of them but we agreed to meet up and train together once a week. They have to put time in the gym for hockey just like I do for soccer so it’s an easy enough way to get to know them. I’ll drag one of my roommates with me in the beginning at least.
“Yo,” Julio calls out, his voice booming through the crowded locker room. “Everyone ready?”
The guys all cheer, fists pumping into the air. Lockers are slammed closed and everyone makes whatever last minute adjustments they need to before we head out onto the field while Coach comes forward to begin his,we’ve got this,speech.
“He’s better today.” Felix nudges me with his elbow, keeping his voice low so as not to draw any attention. “You think his head’s in the game?”
I give a slight shake of my head. “No.” And that’s a problem. “You saw him last night. He spent all evening moping around after everyone left, constantly checking his phone like he couldn’t decide whether or not to message her.”
“He needs to get his head in the game,” Felix mutters.
Even now when we’re about to step out onto the field, Julio is discreetly glancing at his phone screen for what I know is at least the hundredth time today.
