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“Thanks.” I get comfortable on the bed and bask in his praise. “Sorry it’s so late. I’m rarely interviewed in the press room.”
“But you are when you score the winning goal.” He grins, showing off his crooked tooth. It’s one of my favorite things about him.
“Brant’s goal tied the game, making the win possible.” I can’t take all the credit.
“Is he okay?” Sky asks. “In the press conference, he seemed really irritated for a guy who helped his team win against a big rival.”
“He won’t discuss it. But to say publicly that someone disrespected him so badly he changed his goal celebration is unfathomable. We’re superstitious and don’t change things that work. His after-goal salute is part of his game, and now it’s gone.”
“He said it publicly because he wants the person to hear him. Is he seeing anyone?”
“Just because he’s obsessed with your job does not mean he can have you!” I growl, and swallow my jealousy. Brant wouldn’t have disrespected Sky the way I have, and he’s popular with the fans and media. A total catch.
“Down, tiger.” Sky frowns. “I’m not interested in Brant. Could he be seeing someone who pissed him off? His reaction is betrayal level. Why would he need a press conference to get their attention?”
“Sorry,” I mumble, as guilt turns my stomach. “He’s into someone he can’t have, and we commiserated over our lack of action, so I don’t think so. I missed you.” I shrug, hoping not to scare him away.
“Maybe Mr. Unavailable did something wrong.” Sky taps his fingers against his lips. “You’re full of big words, mister. I let illustrious slide last week, and now you hit me with commiserate?”
“Hockey won’t last forever.” A life in the spotlight isn’t for me, so I’ll have to work after hockey. “More school in the future, with big words to finish my degree.”
“You were always the smart one.” His gaze drifts to the side.
“Not really.” Sky wasn’t the best student, but he’s always been talented. Something’s made him sad, and a good boyfriend could cheer him up. My dad says if you assume you’ll get the job, you will. And being Sky’s boyfriend again is my next goal.
Before I mention the gala, he speaks first.
“Ya wanna see my latest costume designs?” His face lights up with a smile.
“Hell yes. Will you model them?” I yell the last part as he leaves the phone behind to grab his clothes. Seeing Sky in his skintight, skimpy outfits will go directly to my fantasy bank and get me through the rest of the trip.
I want to ask him about the gala in person while holding him in my arms. Now, I appreciate how precious it is to have someone who loves you. Sky’s not there yet, but he’s hopefully headed in that direction.
My hard-on fights against my shorts to be seen on camera, but that’s not happening.
Sky rushes in breathlessly and dumps a riot of colorful fabrics on the bed. “I had a burst of inspiration. These are practical for my weekly videos because the chiffon tears away.” He demonstrates so fabric floats around him. “But this is my favorite, and I can’t decide what texture to use. Silk is predictable, and I can wear it whenever.” He holds up a pattern of a corset with boning in the front and laces up the spine. The neckline will more or less cover his nipples, leaving his shoulders and arms bare.
My jaw drops and my throat goes dry. I’m speechless, not even able to say his name.
“You like it?” he asks.
I nod so fast my head is in danger of flying off my neck.
“It’s totally impractical, but I’d love to do this in crushed velvet, with a rose pattern. I’ve got nowhere to wear it, but it speaks to me.” He drops it in his lap.
“Do that. How you want it. I’ll take you somewhere to wear it,” I say without choking on my tongue.
Sky’s face goes gooey soft, and I want to crawl through the phone to be with him.
Chapter 12
Skylar Engelhardt/ Lark Angel
Yup, I’m a hypocrite. I’m owning it. I’m also a fool if I think not labeling my relationship with Mav is going to protect me. My heart was lost to him years ago, despite my denial.
The staff at the terminal in Newark, New Jersey remembers my name. Granted, it’s a small section in a separate building for private planes, but they recognized me when I walked in. They were kind enough to give me updates on the arrival time when Mav was sick and hours late.
Picking him up in New Jersey is relationship behavior. I put the rules in place and chose to break every single one. Time seems endless until you run out of it, and I’m afraid I won’t get enough of him.
