Page 43 of Game Misconduct

“Would you shut up and get over here and cuddle?” Tanner demanded.

“You can wait three minutes,” Leif shot back.

He got out of bed and picked up the cloth off the floor. Out of the corner of Tanner’s eye he could see the disgusted wrinkle of Leif’s nose. Leif carried the cloth between two pinched finger and disappeared into the bathroom. Tanner heard the sound of running water again.

“Duuuuude, stop cleaning and come and cuddle me!” Tanner demanded.

A moment later, Leif stalked back into the room. “Would you keep your damn voice down?”

“No,” Tanner said, but he did speak a little more quietly. “C’mere.”

He made a grabby motion with his hand and Leif huffed but came over.

He slid onto the bed beside Tanner and Tanner shuffled over, throwing an arm across Leif’s ribs.

“Better?” Leif asked.

“Better,” Tanner agreed, mashing his face against Leif’s shoulder.

“Why do you like this so much?”

“What? Cuddling?”

Leif didn’t answer but his body moved a little and Tanner took that to mean he’d nodded.

“I dunno. Makes me feel good. I like sex and cuddles.”

“You don’t even like me.”

“Do youwantme to?” Tanner asked, amused.

“No. I’m just saying … it’s weird.”

“I dunno. Sex makes my brain go quiet and cuddles make me feel relaxed.”

“You should learn to take care of your own needs and not rely on someone else for them,” Leif pointed out. But a moment later he settled a hand against the center of Tanner’s back. His palm was warm and Tanner closed his eyes.

Yes, perfect.

They lay there for a few moments while Tanner sucked down Leif’s scent and let his brain just float happily in a sea of good feelings.

It wasn’t long before he felt that weird itch to move and he rolled onto his side. “How’d practice go for you today?”

Leif squinted at him. “Fine. Why?”

“I dunno. Just curious.”

“It was good. I stayed after a little. Did some shooting practice. Talked to Lindholm a bit.”

“Erik?” Tanner sounded confused.

“No, Anders.”

“Oh, right. Too many Lindholms on your team.”

“It’s a common name!”

“I’m just sayin’ … Wait! Anders Lindholm isplaying?”