Page 15 of Date With Skates

“I did say that.”

“My room’s not far.”

“You keep all your educational materials in there?” he smirks.

“You can come find out.”

I hold his gaze, waiting for him to give me an answer. This is some pretty heavy flirting for it to end here, but it could happen. He may come across as someone ready to fuck, but that doesn’t mean he is. Which is why I like to put it out there. If it’s what he wants, I’ll gladly take him to my room. If he doesn’t, all he has to do is say no. We’ll go back to flirting and he can go back to his room and take care of himself while thinking of me. Because that’s exactly what will happen.

“Lead the way, Hockey Boy,” he finally says.

I drop his hand because walking through the Village holding hands is asking for trouble. All we need is some kind of rumor to start. It’s bad enough we were standing so close for so long.

I shove my hands into my pockets and navigate to building E. He stays by my side the entire time, keeping up with my pace.

“Hold on,” I say out of nowhere. “Did you say sports tried to kill you?”

He waves me off dismissively. “That conversation has passed, and I am not going there.”

I don’t bother asking, but I do file it away for later.

I will learn his story one way or another.

Once we’re in the elevator, I text Roman to let him know I’m taking someone to our room, and to let me know when he’s on his way back. He said he had something to do, and I’m pretty sure he went to watch Nico skate tonight. I’m pretty sure that’s where Étienne was coming from when I met up with him. As Nico’s personal assistant, he would be at all his performances. Roman has been staying out late with Nico, and considering they’re probably together, I have some time before he gets back.

I lead Étienne to my room when we step off the elevator, unlocking the door and holding it open for him. He steps inside and looks around.

I close the door and take off my jacket, then hold out my hand to take his. He gives it to me, and I lay them both over the back of the couch.

We stand there, staring at each other for a long moment before he finally speaks.

“You want to kiss me, don’t you?”

I nod slowly. There’s no denying it. We both know why we’re here.

“Why aren’t you?” he asks.

“You said you like to be in charge. Tell me to.”

“That simple, huh?” His blue eyes sparkle with excitement.

“For you? Fuck yes.”

Chapter Eight

Étienne

Connor is looking at me like he’s about to devour me; like I am about to have the best time of my life. He’s doing everything right, in a way that’s driving me a little crazy. I’m usually more composed when it comes to hook ups. I know what I want. I do it. I go home.

But this is different. I’m having fun with Connor. Prolonging it a little because the flirting is top tier. The wait will be worth it.

He’s eager to please. Telling him what to do is exactly what he wants. It wasn’t a joke or something to say to impress me. He’s being open. Vulnerable. He really wants me to tell him what I want. Which is exactly what I plan to do, because I wasn’t lying when I say I like to be in control. Even as someone who only bottoms.

I step closer to Connor, sliding my fingers beneath his shirt to brush over his abs. His skin is smooth and warm.

“I’m going to have so much fun with you,” I say, flicking my gaze up to meet his.

His eyes flutter closed, and I feel his abs tense against my fingers as I slide them higher and higher, running them beneath his defined pecs and down over his ribs. He’s firm and soft at the same time; something you can only accomplish with the right exercise routine. I don’t like men who are hard as stone. I like muscles, but I want something soft to lay on, too.