“The one and only.”
He walks up to me, hand out. We clasp wrists. “Maddox Barnes. Good to meet you, man.”
Maddox… My gaze flies to Shane, who’s staring at me in wide-eyed horror.
“Uh. Yeah, Maddox…” Shane squeaks. “This is Jed. He’s bisexual. So, he’s, like, totally cool. You know?You know?”
Maddox wings a brow and turns to Shane. “You typically introduce people with their sexual orientation?”
Shane’s making meaningful eyes at Maddox. “I…ah…just mean, since he’s queer, he’d be okay knowing certain information that no one knows that I didn’t tell himper sebut, like, I think I did accidentally just tell him in a really roundabout way a second ago.”
Maddox’s smile turns soft. “Relax, Shane. East is cool with him knowing. He’s already told me some of the shit Stone’s done in the locker room to stand up for us.” He turns back to me. “I’m Easton’s boyfriend,” he says softly.
An overwhelming ache rushes through my chest at the awe in the man’s words. Like he can’t seem to believe it’s true he gets to be Winters’s boyfriend. Shit. I think I’m getting choked up, and that doesn’t happen often. I don’t even know this guy.
Maddox lifts the water bottles he’s holding. “Speaking of. Should get this to my man?—”
“Too slow.” Winters slides in and snipes a water bottle. “Plus, think we should move to the living room. Paulie and Shelby are giving pornos a run for their money up there.”
Shane snorts. “You’re one to talk, East.”
Winters’s cheeks go bright red, and his attention drops to the floor. Maddox chuckles. Then tugs on the waistband of Easton’s gym shorts. “Come on, babe. Couch.”
Winters shoots me a shy smile and an awkward wave, then the two head to the living area. I don’t miss how they can’t seem to stop touching each other. Small grazes, fingers brushing, like there’s some sort of pull between them that keeps them gravitating toward each other.
When I look back at Shane, he’s leaning against thecounter, a content little smile curling his lips. “They’re cute, aren’t they?” he says softly, a wealth of fondness in his tone.
My ribs tighten, like they’re trying to create a protective armor around my heart. He’s got something really special here. I’m…envious. I’ve always been content in my solitude. I have my teammates, the coaching staff, the Jetties’ organization. I thought that was enough. Seeing this? Doing whatever it is I’m doing with Shane? I don’t think what I have is enough. I want this. I want…
More, whispers through my mind. I take a step toward Shane, ready to touch my own man, when the thunder of footsteps fills the apartment.
A man barrels into the kitchen. “What afuckingday,” he bursts out. “I need a glass of red. Like yesterday. I hate traveling.” He snaps his fingers at Shane, who is already pulling out a bottle and grabbing a glass for the man. “And does anyone have industrial-powered earplugs? I really do not need to hear my brother’s sex noises.”
Ah, andthisis clearly Nebs’s brother. They’re nearly identical in looks, same dark hair, dark eyes, and rich olive skin. Where they differ is in build. This man is long and lean compared to Paulie’s stockiness and has smoother features. He’s got a tight black turtleneck on with loose beige sweats. I don’t know how he makes loungewear look so…uh…chic? Is that the right word? I glance down at my gray sweats and sleeveless tank and back at the guy who’s cradling his wineglass to his lips, humming with his eyes closed. This guy looks like he just stepped out ofVogue Italia.
His eyes snap open, and warm brown irises meet mine. And lock on.
I take a step back.
He slides his wineglass onto the kitchen island and stalks toward me. “And who brought home thissnack.”
Um…
My wide-eyed gaze finds Shane’s amused one. “Help,” I mouth.
The bastard chuckles.
Nebiolo’s brother runs a finger down the center of my chest. “Hmmm. Let me guess. Baseball player. Shortstop. You’ve got a command about you. I bet you like to be in control.”
Damn. This man is forward. And exudes sex. There wasa lotbaked into all that. I’m not interested, but my body sure is fucking confused.
“Jed Stone,” I manage, but my voice comes out embarrassingly squeaky.
The man’s eyes light up, and he chuckles. “Oh, honey.I know. The elusive Jed Stone Junior.” His head snaps to Shane. “Pictures do not do him justice. I approve, Shaney-babe.I approve.”
“Frankie, behave!” Maddy’s shout echoes through the apartment.
It doesn’t work.
