Page 41 of Don't Look Down
“I see that. Want me to come with? I can be a buffer. Help break the ice if need be.”
My breath whooshes out of me in relief, “Fuck yes, please. I appreciate the assist and will owe you one.”
He claps me on the shoulder and starts walking backward toward the dressing room. “I’ll definitely take you up on that IOU one day. But right now? Hurry it up. Let’s get dressed and get the fuck out of here. I’m starving. We need to get some food.” How the tables have turned. The guy who is never in a hurry is now rushing me.
Less than ten minutes later,Leigh and I are posted up by the player’s entrance. In suits, unfortunately, but such is life. Kyle should be here any minute with Sky and Addy.
I’d texted my mom and grandpa back. Mom was here earlier, but she’d had to leave as soon as the game ended. Pops had watched from home, and was sending us congratulations on the win.
Leigh is rambling away. His ability to talk about anything and nothing all at the same time never fails to amaze me. And I hope to God it never ceases to calm my anxiety. Having friends who just intuitively get you and give you the space to just be you is truly precious. It’s impossible to put into words how much I appreciate him.
Shiiiitttttt. It’s Hallmark movie time, apparently.
Shaking my head at myself, I try to tune into what he’s actually saying when I hear voices. Addy’s voice quickly followed by Sky’s laughter. My mouth curves into a smile. There’s no fighting it.
Sky laughs, and I want to join. Without fail. It’s Pavlovian at this point.
Why am I like this?
Anddddd, there he is. Bouncing on the balls of his feet in front of me. Everything inside me stands still. Frozen as I take him in. Cataloging every inch of him.
“I warned you I’m a hugger, LTB. I’d hate to invade your personal space, y’know, but I kind of need to hug you right now. This has to be one of the craziest moments of my life.”
Emotions flicker across his face clear as day. Excitement, happiness, and maybe a touch of nerves. He’s an open book. So honest and real.
This is Sky.
The same Sky I’ve come to know these last few months. And he's standing in front of me, waiting for my response. Waiting for a hug.
“You’ve seen the physicality of hockey, right? We’re all up in each other’s space all the time. Plus, you’re Sky. Get over here, man.” He throws himself into my open arms and burrows his head under my chin.
He’s enveloped in my arms. Shorter than me by about four to five inches.
Oh fuck, he’s perfect.What I lovingly refer to as fun-sized. Smaller than me, which I’m a sucker for, but built.
He fits perfectly. A warm, solid weight against my chest. His scent washes over me. Like caramel and cinnamon and a touch of something spicier. Deliciously intoxicating.
My head feels floaty, and I’m acutely aware of every square inch our bodies are connecting. My dick twitches in my pants. The remaining adrenaline from the game wants an outlet, and my body is confused. Expecting some action.
Awkward.
You don’t get a boner hugging friends, Spence. Zero naked fun will be had with Sky. Knock it off.
Clearing my throat, I pull away and search for Addy. Kyle is gone. Addy is next to Leigh. They’re both smiling at us like proud parents.
“Aww, look at them. They’re so cute!” This is from Leigh.
“Aren’t they?” Addy tosses in her two cents. Well, I guess we’re not needed for introductions. Those two seem like fast friends.
“Oh my god, both of you shut up!” Sky admonishes.
A smirk grows on Leigh’s face. “Would you look at that? Just that quick, we’re besties. Now, onto more important matters. Where are we eating? I’m fucking starving.”
15
Skylar
This can’t be my life right now. Cayden is going to lose his mind when I tell him. Addy and I are currently at Break Shot, a sports bar ten minutes from the RCA. Casually sitting across from some of the best Bull Sharks players. It does not compute. Landon Spencer and Lucas Leighton are just regular guys, especially Landon, but it’s taking a minute for my brain to catch up.