Page 44 of Game Misconduct

“No, he’s working as a skills coach.”

“Oh, that’s right.” Tanner deflated. “I heard his wedding was the bomb.”

“Whose?”

“Anders to Kelly!” Tanner poked Leif in the ribs. “Keep up, dude. That’s where O’Shea—uh, the other one—my captain, Connor—met Jesse.”

“Didn’t they play each other in the playoffs the season before?” Leif sounded confused.

“Well yeah,” Tanner said. “But I mean, like, when theyhooked upthe first time.”

“Oh. I still think it’s weird that your captain and franchise goaltender are in a relationship.”

Tanner shrugged. “I think it’s weird that your captain hasn’t been on the ice in three or four years or whatever.”

“It hasn’t been that long,” Leif protested.

“Well, Nicky Calhoun hasn’t exactly been playing much.”

“It’s nothisfault he has persistent post-concussion symptoms.”

“I’m not saying it is!” Tanner argued.

“Actually, that would beyourD-partner’s fault.”

“That’s hockey.”Tanner shrugged. “And he wasn’t my D-partner then. Isn’t it weird to not have your captain in the locker room for so long?”

“Kind of,” Leif said. “But he comes in whenever he feels up to it. And besides, that’s why we have alternates.”

“Yeah but … what if he doesn’t come back?”

“He’s coming back!” Leif protested.

“Even though you stole his spot.”

“Wellsomeonehas to play on our top line.”

“No, I know that. It’s just weird.”

“You’re weird.”

Tanner snorted. “I mean, I guess. But you’re the one fucking me, dude, so I think that says more about you than me.”

Leif sighed, sounding annoyed. “Have you had your fill of cuddling yet?”

“No,” Tanner said because honestly, he never really hit that point.

“Too bad. I need to shower and get ready for bed.”

“Ooh.” Tanner sat up. “Shower sex.”

“I wasn’t inviting you.”

“Too bad. I’m into the idea already. C’mon.” He held out a hand, smiling.

Leif stared at him blankly for a moment before he took Tanner’s hand. “It’ll be a quick shower, no sex, and then you’re going to your room.”

“Meh, we’ll see,” Tanner said, dragging him off the bed.