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“In my defense, I’m not the first guy to show him my dick.”
Xander chuffs and rolls his eyes. “Locker rooms don’t count.”
“I never said it was in a locker room.”
“You’re telling me he’d already been with men before you started messing with him?”
“Not with men, but not a good little straight boy either.”
“What does that even mean?” Xander’s brows draw together.
“That’s up to Noah to share, if he wants. Just know I didn’t corrupt the Norse god. Ooh, dinner’s here. And more company.” I step around Xander to pay the delivery guy and take the pizzas we ordered as Luca and Justus step onto the porch, then strut back inside like my best friend didn’t just assume the worst of me. Even if I sort of deserve it. “Will you guys be joining us?” I ask the group as I make my way to the kitchen.
“Pizza?” Luca asks as he follows me inside. “Oh shit, is your season over?” He turns to Noah with a panicked expression.
“I was just telling Niko it’s not that bad,” Noah says.
“Um, excuse me, but how do we make the leap from pizza to season ending?” I set the boxes on the counter and start opening cupboards, looking for plates.
“Noah’s on a strict diet during the season.” Justus shrugs. “Pizza isn’t on it.”
“I figured a shit day might as well be a cheat day too,” Noah says. “But I’ll be back on the diet tomorrow.”
“Is this one of those ‘you have to eat bland food because you’re old’ things?” I hand Noah a plate with three slices, ignoring how way too many sets of eyes are watching our exchange.
“It’s one of those ‘a good diet ensures I can play a long time’ things,” he answers.
“Oh right. I see the difference.” I manage to keep a straight face even though I snort. “You all better grab some or there will be leftovers and I can’t be held responsible if this guy makes it two cheat days in a row.” I plop down next to Noah and take an oversized bite so I can give my mouth something to do other than talk, which I know they’re all expecting. Normally, I would, but in this case, I need to follow Noah’s lead, and since I don’t know what he wants to share during circle time, I plan to keep my mouth too full to put my foot in it.
One by one, the guys help themselves to a slice and join us on the couch, listening intently as Noah explains his prognosis, and looking slightly less pale when he assures them the timeframe for his return isn’t just getting back in goal, but being one hundred percent.
“Will you be at practice to help get Gauthier ready?” Niko asks.
I assume that’s the backup goalie.
“Coach wants me to lay low until I’m not visibly limping so no one can speculate what my injury is,” Noah says.
“Why?” Justus looks at his teammates in turn, clearly confused.
“Some guys would do anything for an advantage, including targeting someone’s weakness,” Luca says between bites. “Blaise on the Rockets is one of them, and we play them in a few weeks.”
“Seriously? That’s…” Justus trails off with a horrified expression.
“Um, how are you even a hockey player?” I ask him.
“What?”
“You seem genuinely shocked that there might be competitive assholes on the ice with you. How do you get to this level and not realize this is a brutal sport?” I clarify.
“I mean, you can be brutal but still play a clean game.” Justus’s little cheeks flush pink. For real, how is he a pro?
“Not everyone has your skill.” Luca bumps him with an elbow, and I swear he gets even redder.
“Gauthier is totally capable.” Noah gets us all back on track. “He doesn’t have my reflexes, but he has good instincts. He plays smart. He’ll obviously lean on you guys more than I do since he doesn’t get as much playing time, but he’ll keep us in contention, and I’ll be back with more than half the season left.”
“You won’t be traveling with the team?” Luca’s voice is steady, but the way his eyes dart to Noah’s is anything but.
So he's the one Noah was talking about…
