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“Hell no. It’s good for my reputation.”
“Tripp,” Xander groans.
“Kidding.” I hold up my hands innocently and stick my tongue out at him before turning to Noah. “I’m an open book, big guy. You can say whatever you want about us, but maybe keep it to this room until you know what you want to tell people about yourself and your personal life.”
“You could always do what Niko did and say nothing at all,” Justus says. “Just live your life and not answer any questions that don’t pertain to hockey.”
“Maybe,” Noah says. “Either way, I think I’d like to understand myself better before I make any decisions.”
“So, uh. Tripp is going to help you while you’re laid up?” Luca breaks his silence for the first time since asking the question.
“Yes.”
“No offense, but shouldn’t you have…someone else? Like one of the team doctors or something?” Luca ducks his head, so he doesn’t have to meet my eyes.
“Uh, offense taken. I’m perfectly capable of ordering take out. You’re eating the evidence right now.” I point out.
“He’s got that special diet though.” Justus bites his lip like he’s unsure if he should’ve spoken up.
“And he’s got a chef to make those meals for him, which I can heat up just as well as anyone.” Why I’m defending my caretaking abilities when they’re abysmal at best I have no idea, but I don’t particularly like the thought of anyone else doing it. Time for that intervention, Xander. I know you’re skeptical, call me out, stop me before I completely lose my sanity.
“It’s up to Noah who he wants to help him,” Niko says. “And team doctors travel with the team. Tripp doesn’t, so it makes sense to have someone not associated with the team to help out.”
"Not a resounding yes but I’ll take it.” I give Niko a nod of thanks even as I ask myself why I care. “Besides, he can’t get the same healing with the doctors he can get from me.”
“Sexual healing isn’t a thing.” Xander shakes his head.
“Of course, it is. There’s even a song about it.”
“Yeah dude, I don’t think that’s what the song is about,” Luca agrees with Xander.
“Even if it isn’t, who wouldn’t appreciate a toe-curling orgasm when they’re otherwise unable to move?”
“Good point,” Niko says, rubbing his chest when Xander smacks him again. “What? If I couldn't skate, sex would keep my morale up.”
“Morale is important when you’re injured.” Justus looks around the room bashfully before adding, “ACL tear three years ago.”
“And sex kept you going?” I ask.
“I didn’t really have anyone for that, but I can’t see it being a bad thing.” He ducks his head to rub the back of his neck.
“Unless it puts more strain on the injury,” Luca snorts.
I don’t know whether he’s out of sorts about the fact his little pre-game ritual is being threatened, or the fact that I’m the one Noah is playing nurse with. Either way, while I’d love to poke that bear, it wouldn’t benefit the big guy, so I’ll be good.
“All kidding aside, the reason I’m here right now is to help Noah. If he wants that to include sex, I’m game as long as we’re careful of his ankle. If all he wants is someone to bring him food and listen to him rant about how much he’d rather be on the ice, I’m game for that too. He gets to decide how I can help him best. Besides, I can’t gloat about sleeping with a hockey player if he’s not actually playing hockey, so...” Okay so I put my own spin on it. I was still good.
“Makes sense,” Justus says softly as Luca nods—almost imperceptibly but I’m counting it.
“We should probably all head out. We’ve gotta get up early to catch our flight for the next game.” Niko tugs Xander off the couch with him as he stands, Luca and Justus following suit.
Since Noah can’t see them out, I do it, trailing them all to the door and promising to let them know how their goalie is doing while they’re on the road. I’m about to close the door when Xander pauses and turns back to face me.
“I’m right down the street if you need anything.” The fact that he didn’t issue another warning, but rather offered to help, makes me a little nervous. Does that mean he thinks I can actually take care of the big guy, or that he doesn’t object to me sleeping with him? Both would be a reversal of his initial impressions, which means he saw something just now to make him change his mind. I’m not sure I want to know what that is, so I give him a curt nod in response and shut the door.
Chapter 17 – Noah
“I really am sorry for blurting that out. About us,” I tell Tripp as he comes back from showing everyone out.
