“Ace, if the dude had something original to say or hurt me, I’d tell you.”
He taps his foot, and I’m not sure what else to say to convince him. “Why was O’Keefe so fired up?”
Honesty is my best option here. “I don’t know. Guys have said much worse things, and that guy couldn’t spell hockey fight.” I tap my head and stick my tongue out to the side.
Ace’s shoulders drop as he laughs. I have to reassure him again that I’m fine before he lets me return to the locker room.
Benz has the tunes blasting, and Lucky is taking a poll on where to celebrate. Everyone has finished showering, but I still go into the private shower. I have to decide if being alone with my thoughts will be more detrimental than hanging out with the guys. Tonight, my mind will most likely ruminate over why Theo overreacted to the guy chirping at me.
I exit the shower and bump into someone.
Not someone. Theo.
No one else uses the private showers, so I wasn’t paying attention.
“Hey, sorry.” I step around him with his towel wrapped around his hips.
Decision made. I’m going out with the guys.
Theo will haunt all my thoughts after seeing him half naked and so close. I am careful about keeping my eyes to myself, but they’re misbehaving.
“That fucker should’ve been ejected from the game.” He stalks after me to my locker.
I spin around and poke him in the chest. “I got it handled. You stepping in makes me look weak.”
His skin is pink from the hot shower, but it reddens with his anger.
“You can’t let people speak to you that way. It’s not right.”
My mind whirls, putting all the pieces together: the boy without a home, the boy who could never measure up, the man who pushes people away before he can be rejected. He’s trying to protect me in his way.
He doesn’t understand that I’ve learned how to block out chirps and taunts because when they get personal, it can affect my game. It’s a skill that has brought my play up a level.
“Theo.” I flatten my palm on his bare chest, then jerk it back like he’s on fire. It’s the opposite. Touching him setsmeon fire. I lower my voice so thefew teammates left can’t hear me. “Thanks for having my back,” I say sincerely, taking a huge gulp of air.
“But in my world, reacting shows weakness. You were nervous the night I took you to where I lived in Queensbridge, right?” I ask, and he reluctantly nods. “Some of the guys knew me, most knewofme, but you were fair game. How would it have played out if you got into it with one guy?” I don’t wait for an answer.
“It would never be one guy because all the other guys would jump in to support their homie. If I react or give any sign their insults bother me, I become an easy target.”
Theo pales. “That’s not… I only want—”
“I know,” I cut him off. “Respect.” I hold up my fist for him to bump. When our skin touches, a spark zings through me.
He glances around, and I’m hyperaware of how close we are, our lack of clothes, and his erratic breathing.
Chapter 22
Theo O'Keefe
My heart beats so loudly I’m sure Jamal can hear it. I stare as he licks his lips. They’re so full and soft and taste so good. Last night I stupidly ran when I thought he was going to kiss me. He’s damp from the shower, and drops of water cling to him as if they don’t want to let go. I can relate.
My pride got in the way, thinking it was a pity kiss. I’ve never told anyone about my past. Sarah lived most of it with me in real time, so she’s the only other person who knows.
There isn’t an ounce of pity in his eyes tonight, but there are hundreds, maybe thousands of people still in the building.
“Are you going with the guys tonight?” I ask instead of kissing him.
“Yeah,” he grumbles.
