Page 201 of Game Misconduct

But they wouldn’t have to be apart for long anymore.

“I love you,” Tanner whispered.

After only a few more strokes, Leif was coming messily onto Tanner’s stomach, shuddering through his release. He was lightheaded when it was over and collapsed on his side, burying his face against Tanner’s neck.

“I love you too,” Leif whispered back.

By the time he pulled away, Tanner was already there with the wipes, cleaning him up and rolling him onto his back.

“Sorry for the short trigger,” Tanner said, settling his head on Leif’s shoulder. “I was super into the docking, I guess.”

Leif wrapped him up tight. Tanner would get restless in a minute but for now, this was perfect.

“There’s always round two,” Leif offered.

Tanner tilted his head back and grinned. “And round three.”

Leif reached out, tracing his finger across Tanner’s cheek. “As many as you want.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Tanner said with a shrug. “As long as they’re with you.”

“You’re not bored with me yet?”

“Never. Hockey and you, Princess. That’s all I need.”

EPILOGUE

SEPTEMBER

“Dude, we arekilling italready!” Tanner said, bumping gloves with Ian Salter as they left the ice after a captains’ skate.

They’d had a couple of informal practices already and it hadn’t taken long for Tanner and Salty to click.

Ian grinned back. “We sure are.”

The season was about to start and Tanner was pumped.

It had been a fun, interesting summer. There’d been crazy Cup celebrations and parties everywhere, and Tanner and Leif had taken a trip to Europe. They’d trained together in Norway for a while, vacationed in Italy, then went to Anders’ skills camp in Evanston together.

He’d spent some time with Leif’s parents this summer too. Silje had sounded a little disappointed when they’d told her they were planning to keep their relationship out of the public eye for now.

“But think of thebrand deals!” she’d said. “I know there are companies who would salivate over you two.”

Not that she was the mom-ager type or anything.

Leif had his own manager and Tanner had one now too. Everything in New York seemed to be a much bigger deal than it had been in Boston, but whatever. Tanner wasn’t opposed to using his face and body to make more money.

Aksel had accepted the head coaching position for the Rockets, so Tanner would still be seeing lots of him, which was pretty cool.

Some other interesting trades had happened in the off-season too, so Tanner had a good feeling about the upcoming season with the Rockets.

He glanced over at Leif now to see him nodding at something Nicky said. Leif was shirtless, sweat trickling down his neck and shining on the freckles he’d picked up during their summer in Italy.

Tanner forced himself to look away. He couldn’t get caught staring.

They’d agreed to keep their relationship secret from the team for now. At least until they figured out the shit in the locker room.

They’d talked about it a lot, weighing the pros and cons. Leif had even made spreadsheets. But in the end, they’d agreed it made sense to take it slow. Work on the vibes before they risked anything.