Page 9 of Rivals

“Okay, yes. I was in shape back then. You gotta be in shape to be a center after all. I’m sure you were working out just like I was.”

“If only they’d have let us change in the same locker room. Of course then I’d have done nothing but look at you.”

“Your turn.” I grabbed at Alex’s clothes. “I want to see how this matches up with my imagination.” I did what he’d done to me—up and over his head. “I’d hoped the goatee meant you were hairier than the average red head.” I ran my hand over his recently trimmed torso. “You should let this grow out.”

“For you, I’d consider it.”

If anyone was watching, they’d have thought we were being too tentative. We caressed each other and slowly explored. I loved feeling his muscles—the strong pecs, the curve of his shoulders into his arms, the biceps of steel. His touches sent all kinds of sensations across my skin, from a tickle to something close to a massage and then he’d touch just the right spot—a touch across my stomach or flick a nipple—and a charge like electricity would shoot through me. He nibbled on my shoulder blade and it was a sensation I’d never experienced. I held on to Alex because he was making me weak in the knees.

He guided us to the bed and lowered us down together. Being with a man who was as strong, and maybe stronger than I was, felt great. He gave no hesitation supporting my weight as he positioned us. His nibbling continued, working slowly across my chest. He left no area unexplored.

I ran my hands through his hair and occasionally guided him to a new spot, or kept him in a spot if it was particularly good. Eventually I brought his mouth back to mine because I needed a kiss.

“I’ve never had anyone work me over like that,” I said once we came up for air. He draped his arm across my chest and I caressed it. “You hit spots I never knew needed to be hit. This is so comfortable and…well…nice. It’s more than nice. I just can’t come up with another word. My brain is overtaxed right now.”

“How about enjoyable? Pleasurable? Satisfying?”

“Thank you, mister writer.” I kissed his forehead. “I’ll take all those words.”

We kissed more, wrapped in each other’s arms, occasionally nibbling areas of exposed skin. The kissing went between urgent and relaxed and eventually tapered off as the day caught up with both of us. I noticed the clock again; it was near 1:30.

I was lying in Alex Goodman’s bed with him dozing in my arms. Moving slowly, so I wouldn’t jostle Alex, I got my phone out of my jeans pocket. It’s true, we never got out of our pants. It was, however, one of the best night’s I’d ever had with a guy.

I brought up Trevor’s text from earlier and typed a reply with my free hand: It was. Still is. Bring my gear to the rink, please. We’ll meet you there.