Page 85 of Don't Look Down
“So Andrew…” I drag out his name. Hopefully, he’ll see my reluctance to bring up the topic, but also how much I genuinely care about them. Both of them. Even though it seems like the Andrew I know has been body snatched. “Cayden says you’re making quite the entrance for the wedding.”
“Was he bitching about that again?” I open my mouth to respond, but his eyes turn hard, and he turns to glare at Cayden. “I don’t know what’s the problem. You’ve always trusted me before. Trust me now, too. Everything will be fine. You’ll love it.” Andrew wraps his arm around Cayden’s shoulders. His glare disappears as quickly as it appeared. It’s such a quick flip, it gives me whiplash. Something niggles in the back of my brain.
Andrew presses a rough kiss to his temple. The smile on Cayden’s face is tight, clearly evidencing his discomfort. Damn my big fat mouth.
And damn Andrew for not seeing how clearly unhappy Cayden is. He holds on to his mask for dear life, but it’s slipping. His emotions are practically a neon sign flashing on his forehead.
Landon and Luc have equally turbulent expressions on their faces. Neither one of them cares for the way Andrew responded. Or for how quickly Cayden withdrew and shrank into himself.
Luc’s fists clench and unclench. It’s obvious he wants to punch Andrew, but he’s holding himself back. Landon is tense and puffed up. He’s giving storm cloud vibes, ready to unleash thunder and lightning on Andrew.
The situation is not amusing in any way, but the imagery in my brain has given me an inane urge to giggle. It’s cut off when Landon speaks.
“Bro, don’t be such a fucking dick.”Oh, shit.Andrew’s chin lifts and his nostrils flare.
Okay, this is not good.
Defuse, defuse, defuse.
Landon and Luc could get in a lot of trouble. And it’s becoming abundantly clear that Andrew isn’t worth the trouble fighting him would cause.
Honestly, I’d love to knock the shit out of Andrew myself, but this won’t get us anywhere. Cayden is my main concern. And I note his glossy, blinking eyes, his slumped posture, and how rapidly his chest is rising and falling.
“God, I miss fucking dick.” Yep. I went there. It was the first thing that popped into my head.For fuck’s sake, Sky.Cayden sends me a look heavy with gratitude and humor. “I’m having quite the dry spell now that you mention it.”
Laughter and tipsy shrieks erupt around me. Oh yay. Addy and Savannah have returned from the dance floor, just in time to hear my proclamation. Fantastic.
Landon laughs. His shoulders are a little less tense, but the look he sends me is scorching. Filled with both anger and heat. He’s visibly still angry over Andrew. But the heat? It doesn’t make sense. I glance over my shoulder, but Savannah isn’t in his sight. Just me.
He professed his love to her, like, five minutes ago.
Did I just have a stroke?
Savannah screeches, “Oh em gee! Spence. That reminds me. Do you remember that guy from college? Oh my god. What was his name? For like a week after you guys hooked up you alternated between flinching and shivering every time you satdown. I swear your eyes would glaze over. I felt I was watching you have a private moment.”
Jesus Gay Christ. My poor little heart might not handle the palpitations.
A dirty smile appears on Landon’s face. “Danny.”
“Yessss. Danny. He was on the hockey team with Landon,” she tells us. Her smile is huge and I’m so fucking confused.
What planet am I on? I need another drink. When I reach for the margarita pitcher, Landon grabs it before I can and fills my glass.
His green eyes meet mine, and I feel them on me like a caress. His eyes flick to the group and he nods. “Yeah, he was the one and only teammate I’ve ever hooked up with.”
Luc shoves Landon’s shoulder. “Get the fuck out, dude.”
“No lie.”
Andrew is eyeing all of us like we’re nuts. He’s not wrong. Or maybe it’s just me.
I’m liable to agree with him, and I’m essentially the one who started this shit. It just seems to have gone sideways.
His eyes bounce back and forth like he doesn’t know where to start. They finally settle on Landon. “Are you bi?”
Savannah rolls her eyes at him. “What planet have you been living on? Landon is one of the first openly bisexual players in the NHL. He pretends like he’s not a huge deal, but he so is.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m a huge deal, per se. I know living my truth authentically as a queer athlete is one of the most important things I’ll ever do in my life. It’s important for children to see queer people thriving. We have every right. The NHL is making huge strides and proving to be an ally for our community.”