“They think you’re pretty until you open your mouth,” Ivan says back, making Oli pout even bigger.
“I hope you don’t mind me saying,” Rodney says softly, looking at Oli. “But your sets are also quite pretty. The way you play is really delicate.”
Oli’s eyes widen in surprise before he’s grinning. “Thank you so much, Rodney. You’re so sweet. I’ve been setting since I was in elementary school.”
“I can tell you take great care in your training.”
I can hear Ivan grumble something under his breath but I ignore him, in favor of listening to Sullivan and Kei talk. They seem to be getting along better than I could imagine, especially knowing that Kei tends to be the grumpy, sullen type. His eyes light up with whatever story Sullivan and Daniel are telling him.
I feel a hand on my thigh and I do my best to keep my face from showing just what that little touch is doing to me. The shot has warmed my belly, but it’s dull compared to the warmth that Rin brings me.
When the waitress comes over to our table, we all place our orders. Conversation flows easily throughout the table. I get to learn more about Rin and his roommates, like how they knew each other before they started streaming. I learn that Rin has the biggest following out of the three of them and Kei mostly streams just for the fun of it, being paid for his time is just a bonus.
I also learn random things about my teammates I didn’t know before. I learn that Bo has lived here in Nanio his entire life. I learn that Sullivan went to university after high school to become an accountant but was scouted from his university team and asked to go pro. I hear a story about Daniel learning how to speak French to impress a girl he had a crush on only to learn she actually spoke German.
Apparently, Rin and his friends are good at bringing these things out of people. They ask all the right questions, actively listening and wanting to learn about my teammates. It makes my heart twist inside my chest.
I’m feeling so many things. The hand on my thigh only adds to those things I’m experiencing. It’s maddening, feeling those long fingers wrapped around my thigh, giving me an occasional squeeze. It takes all my self control not to start squirming in my seat, especially when I look over and see him wearing my jersey. I’ve been hard for half this dinner.
When the waitress comes back, asking if we’d like dessert, I look over at Rin.
“Let’s skip dessert,” I say, careful to keep my voice as quiet as possible.
Rin looks over at me, biting his bottom lip. He nods his head and I feel that heat in the pit of my stomach intensify.
Bo wraps an arm around Amour’s shoulders, pointing at me. “You don’t want to stay a little longer? Come on, Maki! Aren’t you having fun?”
Amour carefully pushes Bo off, but he has a soft smile on his face. “Because being around you while you’re drunk is so fun, Bo.”
Bo pouts and Kurstin starts to giggle. “He has a point. You’re so clingy when you drink.”
“Can’t help it. You’re all so snuggleable!”
Rin looks over at his roommates. “I’m actually getting kinda tired. I think Maki and I might head out.”
Kei narrows his eyes at us. Rin gives him a look that makes him roll his eyes.
“Sounds good,” Rodney says with a smirk. “If you need anything, give us a call.”
“Will do,” Rin says, grabbing the little kiosk from the table. Thankfully, we can just select the items we ordered and pay for those before leaving.
As we step outside, Rin reaches over and takes my hand. He laces our fingers together, giving my hand a quick squeeze.
My stomach swoops almost violently. What does this mean? Instead of trying to guess, I decide the best course of action is to simply ask.
We get into my car and I start it up, but instead of leaving, I turn and look at Rin. Rin is already looking at me, a soft smile on his lips.
“Where would you like to go?”
“I was thinking,” he says slowly, biting his bottom lip. “I was thinking we could go back to your place and enjoy some dessert?”
I frown at him. “I don’t have any sweets at my home unless you’d like me to make you a banana chocolate protein shake.”
“No,” he says with a soft chuckle. “Sorry, I was trying to be subtle but I know that’s dumb. I should just be straightforward with what I want.” He takes my hand, kissing my palm. My breath is stolen from my lungs. “For dessert, I meant that we could go back to your place and have sex.”
“Oh,” I breathe out, my heart skipping a beat. I swear I can feel my cock jump in my jeans. “Okay. I would like that. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about seeing you in nothing but my jersey since I saw you tonight.”
“That’s really great because I’ve been thinking about the same thing,” Rin says, leaning across the car and stealing a quick kiss. “Come on, Maki. Let’s go home.”
