“Don’t get upset. It’s okay. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. It’s fine to say we’re just here as friends. Or we can say something before the wedding. Put it off.” I’m trying to give him an out, but he stares at me like I’ve lost the plot.
“Fuck no. The whole point of this was to give your shitty homophobic family crap and to fuck with their perception of queer dudes, since they think all gay dudes are fem! They’ve always wanted you to be more like me. So if the guy they want you to be like is gay, their heads will explode.” He’s really thought about this.
“But you’re not.”
“They don’t know that, and there are plenty of gay dudes like me. Our coach is gay.”
Finding out our coach is gay was a weird one, but it still doesn’t change the point.
“Do you really want to have to deal with rumors your whole career? Any of the assholes in my family could leak it. People are going to talk when they notice you aren’t plowing through puck bunnies like your hockey career depends on it.”
“And? Being called gay isn’t an insult. You should know that.”
“I know, but?—”
“But what?” Wolfe demands.
“It’s the way they say it. Like it’s the worst thing you could be.”
He uses a finger to tilt my face up. “They are wrong.”
“But it’s different when you’re the one dealing with the harassment. You don’t know what it’s like.” I want to warn him, but he’s not getting it. It will be so much worse when he’s in the majors.
“Let ‘em. I’m not worried. Anyone who gets online and calls me that can meet me at Chilis.”
“I still don’t know what that means…”
He rolls his eyes but backs off. “Never mind. But we are going to Chilis while we’re here.”
“Whatever. I need a drink.” I slump into the wall.
“We have to go to dinner, don’t we?”
“Yes, but I’m not going sober.”
“Want to have a couple of beers and check out the rooftop?” Wolfe asks.
“Sure.” I grab two beers and put the rest in the fridge, handing him one before we head up.
The space is perfect. I’m happy it was available to rent last minute. There’s a hot tub, a hammock, and a fire pit up there.
He takes a seat by the fire pit, kicking his feet up on the edge. “Walk me through what you think would convince your family we’re dating for real.”
“We’re not back on this, are we?” I sit in the chair next to him.
“You’re not even giving me a fucking chance. What do I need to do?” He grabs my chair and pulls it closer before putting his hand on my thigh like a threat. I’m not allowed to get up or take more space.
My cheeks are instantly on fire as I join him, not making eye contact. “Er?—”
I really shouldn’t like this.
Instead of being demanding, he gets vulnerable. “Level with me, please. I need to know. Your sister is the only serious relationship I’ve been in, and that was high school.”
I ignore my suddenly rock-hard dick, blanking on words.
“Archangel, I’m your best friend. Why is this so hard for you?” He pulls his hand back, and I miss it.
“Well…”
