Page 64 of Rookie Rules

Now it was hockey.

It was also not only hockey.

"Yes," Rowan said.

Luca raised his head. Neither of them moved.

The rules sat between their empty plates, unable to account for the fact that Luca already knew where Rowan kept the forks.

Rowan carried the dishes to the sink.

"You cook, clean, and issue seasonal contracts," Luca said behind him. "A complete service."

"You agreed."

"I know."

Luca came around the island and stopped in front of him.

"No one knows," he said. "Nothing during game responsibilities. Not a relationship. Ends with the season."

Each rule sounded more false in Luca's voice.

"You agree?" Rowan asked.

"I agree."

"Why?"

The question left Rowan before he could stop it.

Luca smiled without much humor. "Because I want you."

Simple. No defense Rowan could argue against without answering in kind.

Luca touched the front of Rowan's shirt, fingers resting there rather than pulling.

"Does agreeing mean I can kiss you in your evidence-free house?"

Rowan met his eyes.

Rule three said the act had no larger meaning.

His body did not believe rule three.

"Yes," he said.

Luca kissed him slowly.

No urgency this time. No corridor, no limit measured in bus departure. Rowan let the contact deepen. Let himself place both hands at Luca's waist. Let the kitchen and the rules recede for the length of a breath.

When they separated, Luca stayed close.

"This is going to work beautifully," he said.

Rowan heard the warning beneath it.

"It can."