“I would love some company.”
We were going to have to talk about this flirting shit, too, because my dick was suddenly very into this conversation like it hadn’t had enough attention today.
“Maybe I can take the two of you out to dinner after?” Dean asked, and my son lit up even more at the suggestion. “I mean, if you’re not going out with your team.”
Cole looked at me. “It’s school night, so I don’t usually stay out too late.”
“Just this one time won’t hurt,” I assured him, because I knew how much this would mean to my son. And I kind of wanted to spend a little more time with Dean. And I always had a hard time saying no to Cole. Not that he was spoiled or anything, but, okay... Maybe he was a little spoiled.
DEAN WAS TRYING TObe very incognito at the hockey game. He wore a baseball cap that he’d borrowed from Cole, but it didn’t do much to hide his white hair, and an oversized sweatshirt. People hadn’t really noticed who he was since he had just posted the color change to his hair today, but it was probably only a matter of time before someone realized who he was. Most of the team and student body were used to me showing up to the games when I was around, but I saw people watching him. Trying to figure out who he was and why he looked familiar. What would happen when they did? Would the mob him or leave him alone?
“I don’t want to cause a scene,” Dean said softly. “Usually, they see the green hair and it’s game over. I sort of wish I hadn’t posted a new picture yet.”
I squeezed his knee before I could stop myself. “It must be hard to get recognized all the time.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I love being who I am, but sometimes I miss being able to go out and just buy a coffee without someone asking for an autograph. I love the fans—they’re great—but out of all of us, I’m the most recognizable. Killian and Mav are right behind me.”
I nodded. “And Blake?”
“He never gets recognized. He loves that. I mean, sure people know who he is, but he’s just Blake, you know?” Dean smiled at me and tugged the brim of his hat down further on his head. “I should dye my hair black. That would really confuse everyone. Or buzz it really short.”
I didn’t like that idea. “I liked it green, actually. And long. Like, long enough to pull it into a ponytail.”
“Or so you can tug on it?” He smirked as his cheeks heated.
I shrugged. “That, too.” I glanced onto the rink to find Cole on the ice, doing warmups with his teammates. He stopped and waved to us, and I was certain he blushed when Dean waved back.
“He’s a great kid.”
“I like to think so.”
Dean smiled. “Do you, uh, think he’d have a problem with you dating a man? I mean, if you wanted. Not that you have to come out to him or that I’m trying to pressure you. I just, you know, Cole said he was bi, and I’m obviously bi, too, and I like you. And I would like to see where this thing is going between us. But I know Cole is your first priority.”
“Dean.” I placed my hand on his thigh.
He nodded. “Right.” I watched his Adam’s apple bob as he kept his gaze pinned on the ice below. “Forget I said anything. It’s a stupid idea.”
“I like you,” I admitted. “I mean, obviously, I like you. And there’s clearly something there between us. I’m just not sure I’m ready for anything more than a hookup right now.” I hated the way that tasted on my tongue. My stomach twisted into knots as the color of Dean’s emerald- green eyes lost their sparkle. Shit. “That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.” I really needed to stop talking. I was just digging myself a big hole.
He popped his jaw. “Friends. Right.”
“Look, I—”
“No, I get it. It was a way for you to get off and have fun,” Dean hissed. “This was probably a bad idea.” He shot to his feet. “Tell Cole I’m sorry and that I wasn’t feeling good.” He pushed past me and rushed down the stairs.
I watched Dean’s retreating figure as he disappeared through one of the doors. It was better this way. I shouldn’t get involved. Especially with someone as famous as Dean. Yet I found myself hurrying after him. I found him standing outside the rink, his back to me and his head in his hands.
I placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
“You came onto me at the bar.” Dean shoved my hand away as he spun around. “I had no idea... I didn’t even know you were flirting! I thought you were just being nice and making conversation. Now I’m all confused about who I am, and all I can think about is you!”
I kissed him. Because I couldn’t stand to see Dean upset, and because he was so damn sexy at the same time. Those big green eyes and those plump pink lips. He melted against me like butter, his arms wrapping around me and his hands gripping the back of my shirt. He whimpered into my mouth when our tongues slicked together, and when I pulled back, it took all I had not to toss Dean over my shoulder and find somewhere private. To peel back all the layers of Dean Frost and watch him fall apart beneath me.
“We should go back inside.” I cupped his jaw with my hand. “If you still want that.”
Dean nodded. “Yes.”
We found our way back into the hockey arena just as the game started. Dean seemed familiar enough with the game, cheering when Cole’s team scored a goal, but I was distracted by the sight of him. The smile on his face, the sound of his voice when he laughed or leaned over to talk to me. He caught me staring more than once, and his cheeks heated. He was the most stunning man I had ever seen. Strikingly similar to his brother, yet surprisingly different.
