Page 187 of Checking Out the Librarian

It was mean

The pony, that is

The hockey stud was the usual emotionally damaged grump redeemed by love and magic peen

Connor stared at the string of tiny images Jonathan sent after that terrible word. Two eggplants. Fireworks. Two hockey sticks. And a pony.

It’s a trap, his brain shouted.

In the normal way of things, Jonathan abhorred emojis, but after seven days apart, apparently the inability to lead Connor astray with his snarky raised eyebrow and twisted mouth had led him to the temptation of emojis.

If he sent a gif, Connor would have to text Lily for an intervention.

Jonathan had given him some books, some even had hockey glossaries in the front, and he wanted to say Jonathan was dangling those emojis in front of him, but no, dangling meant faking him out with awesome skill, not teasing him into making a mistake. He could not remember if there was a specific term for that move, but Jonathan had perfected it.

Jonathan

Are you still there?

And then he sent a book cover and a link. It was indeed a farm boy hockey player. Fuck.

Connor

Im trying to not be peeved

Jonathan

About?

Connor

You aren’t reading baseball romance

Jonathan

I promise I’ll teach you to skate now that we are free from the tyranny of your twice-weekly softball schedule

Connor

Deal

Jonathan

I have an appointment at the salon tomorrow night.

Is a mullet de rigueur?

Connor

I should leave you on read

Jonathan

But you won’t

38

TIED-ON LEATHER PIECES OF EQUIPMENT