Owen’s eyes widen in disbelief. “You kiss Gabe?”
“I do kiss Gabe.” I smile and tickle Owen’s sides. “Lots and lots of times.”
This time, it’s his nose that scrunches. “Does that mean Grandma and Grandpa are dating? I saw them kiss before.”
Chapter Fourteen
Thecrowdroarsaswe step back onto the ice for the third and final period of our game against the Las Vegas Vipers. They’re not cheering for us, but I try to let it boost me up anyway.
Despite our two-goal lead, I know I’m not completely focused. Usually, being on the ice is invigorating and motivating. Thesnick-snick-snickof skates cutting through ice, the clacking of sticks, even the crashing and thumping of players being checked into the boards is enough to drive my competitive edge. Tonight, though, I’m distracted.
Justin is at home. I’ve known from the beginning that he can’t travel to all of our games, but for some reason I’m struggling with the distance today. Maybe it’s the advances we’re making in our relationship and with our kink. I mean, just last night he told me he wants to try something incredibly vulnerable as part of our play together as Daddy and Boy and I can’t stop thinking about how special that is. How much he must trust me.
The thought brings both a smile to my face and serves as a distraction.
That’s not fair on the other guys on the ice. Not on my team, and not on the other team, either. Most of these guys are trying to makeit to the big leagues. They all deserve a teammate and a competitor who is willing to work with them to make that happen.
Refocusing, I prepare for the puck drop. Chasing it down the ice, I navigate around the opposing defense and relish in the burst of adrenaline. I growl when I’m slammed into the boards unexpectedly, and the puck is taken from me by Jake Zeigenfuse, the Vipers’ ruthless left defenseman, and he skates off with it while I try to get my equilibrium back.
I’m chasing him within seconds.
My skating is smooth and I’m fast as I regain my rhythm. Our captain and center, Zach Weston, has already swiped the puck back from the other team and once again we’re racing in formation towards the offensive zone.
This game has been a good one for our team. We’re having a pretty good season so far and Coach has been pleased with the way our rookies have integrated with us more senior players. In fact, Cody Briarson, one of the freshman players, is currently on my line, playing right winger. Even I know that he’s a better player than me, especially tonight when I can’t focus properly.
He's faster than me, with natural reflexes that make half the other guys jealous. Even Zach seems a little intimidated by Cody’s talent, and he’s the player most likely to make it to the big leagues this year.
But I’m glad to have both of them on my line tonight. Especially when Zach’s shot on goal ricochets off the post. By some miracle, I’m in just the right place to intercept it and I swing my stick, sending the puck straight to Cody who shoots it directly in between their goalie’s legs and into the back of the net.
The Vipers’ home crowd boos, but my teammates' ensuing celebration creates infectious joy for the moment —for Cody’s firstgoal of the season— and it’s a moment I wish Justin could share in person.
Ugh, and there I go again.
As the game continues, I try to funnel the anticipation of seeing Justin soon into determination and focus. Despite the physical distance, my Boy’s support is unwavering, and not only because the college employs him.
During a shift change, as I drop onto the bench and guzzle water, I hope that Justin knows that I’ll support him wholeheartedly, too.
See, I got a text from him during the long-ass bus ride here, and when I opened it, it revealed a photo of him and Owen wearing matching Phoenix Penguins jerseys. The text had read:
Justin
We’ll be watching you win!
I made the photo the home screen on my phone, and I will be printing it and hanging it inside my locker at the first chance I get. But that same text only made me realize that I don’t like being away from him. He’s my Boy.
It’s beyond kink now. It’s beyond simple dating, too. I think it has been since the start.
I’m not sure I’m ready to put into words how I feel, but I do know that it’swaymore serious than any relationship I imagined I’d have in college. But even if we do break up, even if he isn’t my forever person, these feelings that I’m having will come up again in the future if I do pursue a career in professional hockey. Away games willalwaysbe a thing. I need to really think about whether that’s something I want to deal with for an entire career.
“Nagy,” Coach’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts, and I blink up at his frowning face. “You okay, kid?”
I nod, even though my thoughts are making me a little anxious. My vision swims for a moment before I take a deep breath and force myself to focus again. “Yeah, Coach. I’m good.”
He eyes me warily for a moment, then nods his acceptance. “Okay. You boys are playin’ real well tonight.” He glances up at the clock suspended above the rink, big, red numbers counting down to our victory.
Even though the Vipers have already scored once this period, we’re still up by two points. We’re all hopeful it stays that way, but anything can change in the final few minutes of a good, well-matched hockey game.
“Keep up the good work for the last shift,” he demands, gesturing for us to get our asses ready to swap out with the defensemen. “We’ve got this.”
