Page 62 of Temptation On Ice

I smile. “Have a good game, Big Daddy.”

“Fuck,” he growls. “You know it’s not fun to skate with a hard cock in my pads, right? Now, who’s the temptation? You fucking tease. You’re gonna get it tomorrow.”

I laugh. “I’m counting on it.”

“Damn, you know how to end a conversation.” He laughs, and we hang up at that.

I look at my phone and sigh as I click into Instagram, wondering if that’s the platform Sebastian uses the most. I don't know how to navigate the app all that well, but there’s a notification of a tag request from someone we follow, Monty22, and I tap into it. It is Sebastian’s profile, and it’s the selfie from the dock, like he said. He has a contemplative look, and I’m softly smiling at him like he was already my whole world, even then. The caption has me moving to the breakfast bar and sitting on one of the stools so I can read it through again without the risk of my legs giving out.

Monty22: I knew someone who chased the beauty of sunsets, basking in their warmth and happiness, and she made me see that, too. My world went dark when she was taken from me, and I thought it would stay cold forever.

It took finding a man who made me feel that same warmth and happiness to realize sunshine could be found in human form. His quiet and stillness bring peace to my racing mind and let me rest. His arms hold me up when I’m breaking down. His kiss brought me back to life. He’s the one I think about first when I wake up in the morning, and he’s the last thing on my mind at night. I’m in love with a man who makes me feel more like myself than I have in years, and it’s so beautiful to have that again after losing the person I thought was going to be my partner for life.

I’ve felt Eliana guiding me toward Tucker from the moment I met him. Every interaction felt orchestrated perfectly with her touch, so I’d know she approved and wanted me to move on with a man who was made for me. As usual, she was right, and I know she’d be gloating right now to read that. So, thank you, Eliana. He’s perfect. Enzo and I both love him.

I let my phone drop to the tile countertop in shock as I finish reading. Holy. Fucking. Shit. That was more than Sebastian claiming me publicly. He said he’s in love with me.

Twenty-five

Sebastian

Iknow Tucker saw the post I put up because he accepted the tag, but there wasn't a message or call waiting for me when I finished my game. It was late, and we immediately left the arena for the airport to fly back to Atlanta, so I couldn't call him.

I didn't sleep for shit, and this morning I’m already going out of my mind wondering what he could be thinking right now.

I told the world I’m in love with him before I said it to his face, or even over the phone. Maybe he’s pissed. I brought him further into the public eye by putting him on my social media and causing a stir. I had to answer questions at the post-game presser about it. I simply responded that I’m in love with Tucker, and when pressed, that I consider myself queer. I don't think I need to label it anything other than that. I asked McKenna to help us move on to game questions only after that. While I’m sure the media was itching to ask more personal questions, they remained begrudgingly professional.

McKenna’s been super supportive. I told her about my relationship with Tucker before I even spoke with him, and she knew about the post I was planning if things went well. She nearly lost her mind with excitement and said this was the best thing ever. She began rattling off a list of ideas for campaigns, merchandise, and things I couldn't keep up with, but knew she was happy about, which was a relief. She briefed the staff and Hydras organization about my plan to come out with my relationship, and prepared a statement for the team to put out supporting us and the partnership with Combat Companions that would continue.

It was one less thing to worry about, knowing the team was also behind us when Tucker mentioned his fears.

I may not have a message from Tucker, but there are plenty of others, including from my sister.

Bianca: OMG, Sebastian! Why didn't you tell me? Jesus, a man? A hot man, but whoa, that’s a change. I’m happy for you. I want to meet him, and you need to tell me EVERYTHING. Do Ma and Pop know?

I send her a quick message back as my stomach turns thinking about my parents finding out.

Sebastian: They don't know about Tucker, so don't go telling them before I get a chance to. We’ll see what happens with that. I can just hear Ma lamenting my inability to give her more grandchildren now. I can't wait for you to meet him. We’ll talk later, and I’ll tell you all about him.

I blow out a breath and go on with my morning, getting Enzo up and ready for school like any other day, despite my mind going in a million different directions.

“Daddy, can we go to Mr. Tucker’s and see the dogs again, please? I miss them so much, and Mr. Tucker’s so nice,” Enzo says as he pauses from eating his waffles.

I look up from my eggs and take in his pleading, hopeful face. “Yeah, buddy, we can. I’ll take you over there after school tonight. You're right, Mr. Tucker is nice.” I pause, not sure how to go about explaining the logistics of this to my kid, but wanting to do it right. “You know, I love Tucker almost as much as I love you. He’s my boyfriend now, someone I care about so much, and want to spend a lot of time with. Do you understand that?”

Enzo looks at me with a serious expression that is so reminiscent of Eliana’s. “Do you kiss Mr. Tucker, and does he hug you?”

I swallow hard, intent on being truthful with my kid, while keeping it age-appropriate. “Yes, we do. People who love each other often hug and kiss.”

He goes back to his waffles. “Okay, good. You need more hugs and kisses. I’m too little to wrap my arms around you, but Mr. Tucker is big enough. He can make sure you always get hugs when you’re sad.”

He takes a bite and chews like he didn't just decimate my heart with his little boy observation. I swallow the lump in my throat that he’s noticed my moods enough to make this remark, and thought I was sad. I hate that my kid took on even the slightest burden, thinking he was responsible for my happiness in any fashion.

“Yeah, buddy, he’s big enough to hold me up with his hugs. But I’m not sad. I have you, and now Tucker, and I’m really happy.”

“You were sad, but not since we met Mr. Tucker and his puppy.” He looks up at me with excitement. “Can we live with Mr. Tucker so we can have a lot of dogs?” he asks eagerly, bouncing in his seat.

“Whoa there, kiddo. Not so fast.” I laugh at his big eyes and smile. “We can take it one day at a time. We’ll spend plenty of time with Tucker so you can hang out with the dogs.” His acceptance means everything to me, even if it’s motivated by dogs. I lean over and tousle his dark hair and place a kiss on his head. “Finish up so I can get you to school.”