“You want to sign him because he’s out?”
“Yes. I want the queerest roster in hockey. That’s the dream.”
My eyebrows furrow. “Why?”
“Because until now, most queer players are still forced to be quiet about who they are because of the scrutiny they’ll face. So I want to be the agent who they know is going to have their back and won’t ask them to hide who they are. Killian Schultz is out and proud, and he’s the perfect person to have on my roster.”
“So you’re using him.”
Ellis makes an annoyed sound as he kicks his shoes off. “That’s unfair.”
Is it? This is what he does. He uses people for his own benefit. Ellis Donlan only ever thinks about himself.
“Damon,” he says. The sudden seriousness in his voice sobers me, and I press my lips together tight while holding his gaze. The corner of Ellis’s mouth twitches. That he’s actually using my name for once must mean I struck a nerve, and I try not to smile.“I know we have shitty history between us and you still don’t trust me because I accidentally stole your leadstwoyears ago—”
“You never stole my leads,” I point out. “I don’t use my friends like that.”
He continues as if he didn’t hear me. “But if you actually pulled your head out of your ass, you’d know me representing two of your friends is actually the best thing to ever happen to them.”
Wait…
“Did you recruit them because I accidentally slipped up and told you they were into each other?” I give him a look. “Because you know they’re not out, right? They don’t even know they like each other. I hope that’s not your agenda?”
“Jesus Christ, no! I was under a lot of pressure because my dad had been hounding me to join the business, and I didn’t want to look like I’d be completely clueless at it, so I blurted out information that would get me on his good side.Harmlessinformation. I don’t have a fucking agenda. What’s wrong with you!?”
I cover my mouth and look away. Shit, whatiswrong with me? I’m a bit too thrilled that I finally got under his skin.
“I’ve worked hard to get where I am,” he says. “I don’t—I don’t even like hockey, but I’m still good at my job and I take care of my clients.”
His voice is getting shaky, and I don’t think it’s because of his cold. Ugh. I inhale deeply, counting back from ten.
“Okay, Ellis,” I say, voice calm once I’m back in my element. “You’re right, and I apologize. You work hard and you deserve your achievements.”
He closes his eyes and leans his head back. He looks like he’s praying. I’m familiar with the motion, considering he’s made me do the same countless times.
Then he looks back at me and smiles. Sweetly. Unflinching.
Oh,shit.
He bounced back that easily?
“Going to take a shower now,” he announces. “Try not to peek, all right?”
I don’t acknowledge that with a response.
As soon as I hear the sliding door shut, I let out a huge breath.
I can do this.
I can overcome one night with Ellis. I’ve done it before, and I can do it again.
Might be two nights, or three, if this snowstorm continues or if flights are too booked. Might accidentally strangle him in my sleep, but… point is, I think I can survive this.
Hopefully.
The sound of running water fills the room. I face the window as I go about my shit, removing my coat and my shoes, and then sending a text to my parents. Of course, they’re not at all pleased that I’m possibly missing Christmas. I even have to talk Mom down from sending a very strongly worded e-mail to our higher-ups.
“Fuck!”
