It took Jake a second to conclude that Kingston truly believed that about himself, but by the time he could wrangle his response, Allen was already on it.
“Don’t bother posturing. We all know how sweet you can be when you’re drunk on dick and moaning Riley’s name.” Allen was picking out what he wanted to eat and wasn’t looking at Kingston, so he missed the way the pretty blond flinched and dropped his jaw.
Riley cleared his throat loudly and said, “I think I’ll have the salmon.”
Jake didn’t care about food because he was too busy avidly studying the new boyfriends. Riley was practically glowing as he smirked at Kingston’s dumbfounded expression before leaning in to steal a kiss from him. Kingston reacted accordingly by scowling and wiping his mouth with his sleeve like he’d been forced to endure something distasteful, which made Riley’s smile brighten in return.
They were…cute, and Jake was enamoured by them.
Allen took over the conversation once Kingston gave up on arguing, and Jake got to sit back and enjoy himself while they waited for their food to arrive. He liked how Allen made a point of dragging Kingston into the discussion whenever he grew quiet, encouraging him to talk about himself even though Jake sensed it was difficult for him to open up.
“I was raised by my aunt for the most part because she had the spare time to take me to games and practice,” said Kingston,refusing to meet their eyes. “She loves hockey, so I guess I became a project for her. My parents never showed an interest because they knew I wasn’t destined to be a star player or anything, but that’s why it was so fucking satisfying when I got drafted.”
Allen hummed and tapped his nail against his glass. “Well, it appears we all have parental issues in common,” he said.
Riley shrugged, and Jake already knew what was coming before he spoke. “They can’t be a problem if they’re dead.”
Normally, Jake would have kicked him for making a comment like that, but Kingston was already on it, jabbing his elbow into Riley’s ribs deep enough to make him holler a curse.
“How did you get traded to Halifax?” Allen asked over Riley’s hissing. “Wouldn’t Edmonton be a better place for you since your family is there?”
Kingston’s expression tensed along with his posture, and Jake understood that Allen had touched on a sore topic.
“My aunt had a kid, and he’s on the autism spectrum,” Kingston explained. “I knew she would be pulled in too many directions if I stayed, so I took the choice away from her. I wanted her to focus on my cousin because he’s a good kid, and I’m old enough to take care of myself now.”
“Debatable,” said Allen. “And you can argue about not being sweet all you want, but that right there proves it. I rest my case.”
Kingston mumbled something Jake didn’t catch, but he never corrected Allen, even though he looked grumpy about it.
“I’m guessing you guys wanted to have dinner so you could tell us you’re boyfriends now, right?” Allen asked, his eyes brightening as if he’d just remembered. “I’m so excited. We can go on double dates like this all the time when you’re back for home games. And Jake said we could travel for away games too, so we can hang out during your downtime.”
“Actually—”
A hand covered Kingston’s mouth, cutting him off before he could say anything. Jake stared at Riley, trying to get a read on what he was doing, but then the door opened, and their food was brought in by the staff.
The silence was tense and awkward as plates were set on the table, drinks were refilled, and Riley gave curt answers to the questions from the host that Jake couldn’t be bothered to answer.
Once the door was closed and they were alone again, Riley removed his hand from Kingston’s mouth and let out a sigh.
“I’ll talk because Kingston’s explanation will involve a lot of swearing, and we don’t want you guys to think this is a joke. So, I know last week was a teaching thing, but Kingston and I had fun, and we wouldn’t mind doing it again.”
Riley had started talking slowly, but the longer his explanation ran, the faster the words came—until it sounded as if he were being chased.
“What I’m trying to say is—I think I’ve had ‘more than friend feelings’ for you and Allen for a long time, and Kingston likes you guys, too. So, if you ever want to hook up or go on dates, we’re open to that. If you want to stay separate couples who hang out, that’s okay, too. We just wanted to let you know our boundaries since Allen mentioned anext time, and?—”
“Dude,breathe,” Allen said, raising his hands to motion for Riley to stop. “The invite was sincere, so stop rambling like you’re scared you’re going to piss us off.”
Jake had gotten stuck on the comments about Riley havingfeelingsfor him, and had been circling it endlessly ever since. He’d always had a sense that Riley felt that way, but it was strange having it confirmed.
“You guys want to like…switch partners and stuff?” Allen continued, placing a hand on Jake’s lap to help anchor him. “We’ll have to go over boundaries later, but I think sharing couldbe fun. Jake already convinced me it was a good idea before you deflowered Kingston in our bed.”
“Deflowered?!”
The table rattled again.
Riley looked from Jake to Allen with his eyebrows raised so high they looked liable to pop off his face. “Isthatwhy you were so okay with the suggestion?”
Allen leaned back in his seat and folded his arms, lifting his chin like he was daring Riley to argue with him. “We all find each other attractive. You want to kiss Jake. I want to kiss Jake. I want to watch Kingston get fucked by everyone. I want to get fucked by Kingston. And I don’t think anyone here would say theydon’twant to watch Jake fuck Riley.”
