Page 14 of Center Ice

I raised a brow, “And my potential is finding another random guest to hook up with?”

Lance grinned. “Exactly.”

I didn’t know what to say, but luckily a waitress approached and took our order.

“So after this, we’ll hang out at the pool bar and see what opportunities arise.” Mikey sounded like he just told us he had the cure for cancer. Lance picked up on his excitement and began nodding.

I looked to Brandon and Colin for help, but they were conveniently looking out to the ocean.

“I don’t think so, guys.”

Maybe there was more than one reason why I declined their invitations to hang out for four years. I wasn’t the partying or hooking-up with random women type. I liked the quiet predictability of my life. I actually enjoyed having dinner at home and going to bed early so I’d wake rested and ready to get up early for a workout. That’s probably why I never resented my role as a caretaker like other guys in my position would have.

Then again, I’d never known the alternative. I never had the chance, but my gut told me I was right.

“Just give us two hours,” Lance countered. “If you’re over it, then you can go back to the beach or whatever you want.”

Two hours of finding excuses and ignoring their suggestions in exchange for my freedom? That didn’t sound too––

“Until tomorrow,” Mikey added.

I groaned. “Guys, this is how I want to spend my vacation. I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I’d rather go snorkeling or golfing than hit on women that are here to relax as well.”

It was like my words were in a different language from the looks they gave me. They really didn’t understand where I was coming from.

“I’ll give you the two hours, but after that, I’m off the hook for the rest of the week.”

Mikey and Lance shared a conspiratorial look before agreeing.

“You just made a deal with the devils,” Colin said quietly.

“I can handle them,” I told him, trying to convince myself as well.

Our waitress returned with an entire tray of fish tacos, setting them all in the middle of the table for us to divide amongst ourselves. Lance leaned forward and used both arms to pull the majority toward him.

I laughed and grabbed four for myself. Brandon copied me before the other two could claim the rest.

“Want to time us?” Colin asked with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

“You guys are going to be sick.” I cringed.

Brandon held up his wrist and looked at his watch. “Whoever can eat the most in five minutes wins the right to make the other two do anything.”

Mikey put his hands on a taco and nodded. “Ready.”

“Go!” Brandon called and they started.

Lance devoured his first taco in one bite. Mikey had a two-bite system going, and Colin was making them disappear faster than I could count.

“Disgusting,” I mumbled before picking up my own taco.

Brandon chuckled. “At least we get to eat in peace.”

He had a good point. We got to eat in silence while they stuffed their faces.

I barely finished my last taco when Brandon announced time was up. They each counted the empty wrappers in front of them.

“Fourteen,” Lance said looking proud.