Page 9 of Goalie Interference

“Nope,” he says, still smiling. “You’re definitely funny.”

He looks down at Shutzie who has flopped onto his side and looks like he’s about to take a nap right here on this city sidewalk. “Shit,” Ander says and picks him up. “We should get back, anyway. You have an apartment to look at.”

I glance at my watch. Ryan didn’t specify a time for a viewing from the building manager but Ander’s right. I do need to look at a place. That was the entire purpose of this mission in the first place.

We turn around and head back. Truth be told, I don’t know why I agreed to go on this walk in the first place. My whole morning was consumed with worries about my living and contract situation, but for however many minutes we’ve been out here, I haven’t thought about either of those things. It was nice. Getting out of my head.

“Oh!” Ander says, breaking me from my thoughts. “So I haven’t forgotten your suggestions about the vodka. But damn, man. Do you know how hard it is to find those brands in Green Bay? Impossible. Hopefully Buffalo will have a better supply. I’m doubtful. But maybe. I guess I can try looking for them when we’re on the road. The bigger cities will have them, right?”

Jesus. Ryan has always been correct. The Bouchards never stop. I’m not even sure if Ander took a breath as he said all that.

Still walking, I open up my shoulder bag and pull out the bottle I grabbed before I left. “Here,” I say as I hand it to him. “I think you will like this.”

“You bought me booze,” he says. His deep blue eyes are wide and wonderful like a kid surprised with his ultimate Christmas present. He’s ridiculous. I can’t help but laugh at him and my chest blooms with warmth that it shouldn’t feel. He just beat me in the cup final. His company should be a nuisance instead of enjoyable. Charming even.

“It is from my collection,” I tell him. “We can drink if I sign lease today.”

“Deal,” Ander says as he inspects the bottle while we walk. He better not drop that thing. Because he’s right. It’s not easy to source the good stuff here in the States.

When we get back to the building, Ryan is in the lobby talking to the man at the reception desk. He dangles a set of keys from his hand. “Building manager gave me these,” he says. “Let’s head up and take a look.”

“Sweet!” Ander says.

Ryan levels him with his gaze. “Not you. You and your hell hound can go back upstairs to continue bickering with your brother. Ivanov and I can handle this on our own.”

“You’re no fun,” Ander says with a faux pout. “Why can’t I come?”

Ryan’s stare at Ander deepens. “Are you planning on moving in with him?”

Ander’s skin flares bright pink before he lets out a guffaw. “You’re mean, you know that?”

“And you’re ridiculous,” Ryan says. He playfully pushes Ander towards the elevator. “Go get cleaned up. We’re heading out tonight.”

Ander pauses and looks at me. “Are you joining?”

And because I can’t think of any reason not to, I say, “Yes.”

THREE

Ander

Coming to St. Louis for the final weeks of the offseason was the best idea. Well, second best idea. Shutzie, who is currently playing between me and Brandon on the couch, was the best. But as far as non-dog-related things, this right here, hanging out with my brother and his boyfriend, it just doesn’t get much better.

“You really went on a walk with Ivanov?” Brandon asks while Shutzie nips at his fingers. Brandon lets him get a nibble, then he pulls them away and on and on their little game goes.

“I bumped right into him as I was walking out of the building. Why do you sound so surprised?”

“Maybe because during the entire series we were playing against you, he was trying endlessly to find a way to beat you. He even suggested I poison you once.”

“He would never!” I defend. Ivanov is so nice. A little quiet maybe. Reserved. That’s for sure. But definitely nice.

“He would actually,” Brandon says.

“Fine.” I smack him lightly on the shoulder. “But you would never.”

“No,” he says, matter of fact. “I would. In fact, I’m thinking about it right now.”

I turn to stare at him to gauge how serious he is. My guess is not very. He is smirking at me, though, and he’s been picking fights, but that’s how brothers are.