He mopped up the sweat and accepted his cap from Harrison, using it to hide his mess of curls so he didn’t look half as gross as he felt. “No time to shower, huh?”
Scowling, Harrison took a water bottle from one of the female staff and shoved it into Jett’s hands. “Nope.” He flicked Jett’s cap, his features softening as he looked at him. “No rest for Toronto’s superstar.”
Jett made a sound of disgust and paused for a drink. “How’s your leg after standing by the ice for so long? I never had a chance to check in on you.”
“Don’t fucking start with me.” Harrison shoved him down the corridor in the direction of the locker room. “It was wrapped in thermal shit, and that Danny jackass checked in on me every ten minutes. I almost punched him in the face.”
“Aw, don’t do that,” said Jett. “Danny has such a pretty face.”
When Harrison gripped the back of his neck and gave him a playful scruff, Jett’s knees nearly gave out. But they had to keep things professional for the next few hours, so he swatted Harrison’s hand away and did his best to ignore the blush rising on his cheeks.
He had less than a minute to take his gear off and throw on pants and a spare jersey before he left for the conference room. It was already packed by the time Jett arrived. He left Harrison by the doorway to join Ryan at the table, keeping his eyes glued to the dark polish of the wood. A few flashes from cameras lit the space around them, but Jett ignored the eager faces staring at him.
The murmuring in the room was loud enough that Ryan wasn’t overheard when he leaned close and whispered, “Things are about to get real awkward, real fast.”
“Why?”
“Rick fuckhead is here.”
Oh god. Jett felt nauseous.
Rick was one of the most aggressive reporters Jett had dealt with and was a known homophobe. He had been called out for conduct during several conferences with other teams, targeting their queer members in stupid attempts to stir up drama.
“He’s been warned,” said Ryan. “He gets one shot, and if he says anything offensive to you, he’s getting banned from this arena for life.”
Jett nodded and fiddled with his water bottle. He didn’t know what to say and wouldn’t know how to say it without throwing up anyway.
Tony from PR stood next to them and held a hand up to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, let’s keep this quick and professional, fellas. These boys played a great game, and I’m sure they want to celebrate with their teammates.”
It was the longest five minutes of Jett’s life. Most of the questions were basic and hockey-centric, but there was one about Harrison’s presence on the team and how Jett felt to be coached by his idol, which he passed on.
Yeah, because he definitelywantedto be reminded of how much he used to gush about Killinger back in his junior years.
He didn’t take a breath until Tony wrapped up the interview and he stood to leave, but his relief was cut short when an angry voice sliced through the commotion, silencing everyone instantly.
“Why did you think it was appropriate to broadcast your relationship on live TV?”
Jett finally looked into the crowd, expecting to see an angry, middle-aged man glaring at him, but Rick hadn’t directed his question at Jett.
Harrison stood by the doorway, as surly as ever. He stared down the cameras and the eyes fixed on him, his expression bored and unreadable as everyone waited for him to say something.
“All the other Sunburst players can control themselves around their partners, so why couldn’t you?”
“Rick,” said Tony. “You were warned—”
“I haven’t said anything offensive,” Rick said, cutting him off. “I’m simply wondering why your star player doesn’t have to be professional like his teammates. Is it because he’s dating his new coach?”
Jett watched Harrison’s eyebrow arch slowly, knowing exactly what was coming. He braced himself to see Rick get verbally torn apart until Ryan shoved his chair back and let out a sharp, aggressive sigh, cutting Harrison off before he could speak.
“Jace! Get your ass in here!”
The room was so quiet that Jett could hear ringing in his ears. Not ten seconds later, Jason appeared in his casual clothes, freshly showered. He stepped around Jett and stood next to Ryan, grinning at him like an excited puppy.
Jett didn’t have time to prepare himself before Ryan ducked down and pressed his lips against Jason’s, kissing him with more heat than necessary. It didn’t last long, and both men appeared smug as they turned to look at Rick, giving him a sarcastic wave.
Tony was going to have a heart attack.
“There,” said Ryan. “How was that for professional?”
