Michael didn’t move once it was over. Even as the air cooled the mess covering him, he didn’t budge an inch. His mind went into lockdown. Pain filled every inch of Michael, crippling him. A tear slipped from the corner of his eye, falling back into Michael’s hair. It was too late. The invisible weight crushing the air from his lungs told the whole story. The clock was already ticking down. He didn’t have to worry about Gavin getting under his skin. The man had never left, and it was only a matter of time before Gavin destroyed him, because Michael wouldn’t wake up tomorrow and be the person Gavin wanted. He wouldn’t wake up tomorrow and be Marshall.
Chapter Five
Gavin: There are club-level tickets for you at the will-call booth in Shreveport for my next game on Saturday. See you there.
Michael: Um. What?
Gavin: You said you like it when I’m conceited and controlling. I’m being both. Saturday night. Shreveport Arena. 7pm. I’ll see you there.
Michael: Yeah, I’m pretty sure I didn’t say that. I’ll have to check my schedule, and that’s a five-hour drive.
Gavin: Shreveport.
Michael: Fine, but I’m driving back home afterward.
Gavin: We’ll see.
Michael: I suppose we will.
It wasn’t like Michael to feel out of place. He was used to being alone. That was why he had such a hard time understanding why he felt like everyone was looking at him. He’d tried walking around. It wasn’t the first time he’d been club level for a game. Normally, at hockey games, he was with Mara and was always in high style. There was no reason for his feeling of unease, but Michael couldn’t sit still. A hand landed on his shoulder, nearly making Michael jump out of his skin, and that was before he turned to set eyes on the most beautiful man on the planet. In fact, he really was. Ryker De Blanc was one of the hottest underwear models in the world. There wasn’t a man or woman alive who hadn’t seen the man’s sexy body in all its glory.
“We were wondering if you’d like to join us,” Ryker said with a sexy English accent and drawing attention to the fact that he wasn’t alone. A brown-haired, blue-eyed dude stood at his side. Two other men stood at their backs. Ryker motioned toward the man beside him. “This is my husband Grady.”
Grady held out his hand for Michael to shake. “Nice to meet you.”
Michael accepted. “You too.” Even Michael heard the question in his voice. They all acted as if they knew him, but he’d yet to introduce himself.
Ryker motioned at the men behind him. “This is Lincoln and Shayne. We’re friends of Gavin’s,” he clarified.
The man named Shayne stepped forward. “Gavin texted me before the game and let me know you’d be here. He didn’t want you sitting alone.”
“Oh,” Michael said for lack of anything else. “I’m used to being alone,” Michael added, horrifying even himself. He had no idea why he’d admitted to such a thing.
“Nonetheless,” Ryker said, wearing a sweet smile, “we’re having dinner over there,” he said, motioning toward a nearby table where a well-dressed man sat alone. “You should join us.”
Since Michael couldn’t look away from Ryker’s mismatched eyes, he agreed. At least this way, he could stare at Ryker without being too obvious about it. “If you’re okay with me joining you, I’d love to.” Michael shifted his gaze Grady’s way as he made the claim. He’d learned a long time ago to ensure his gaze said he wasn’t interested in anything other than friendship. Spouses of celebrities could be a jealous and volatile lot. Grady’s smile seemed nice. Michael kept his head down and made his way toward to the table. When he reached the edge, the only man left sitting stood.
He pulled the chair beside him out for Michael to sit. “You’ve chosen to join us. Lovely,” the man said with a heavy Russian accent. “I am Maksim Petrov, and you are the sexy Michael Frost.”
Michael smiled. He didn’t bother asking how everyone knew him. They’d obviously been discussing him before deciding as a group to invite him over. “It’s nice to meet you,” Michael said, accepting the man’s offer to sit.
“I hear you work for Mara King,” Grady said as soon as Michael was settled.
He had a hard time picturing Gavin telling such a thing and was more than a little bothered by it for some reason. Still, he couldn’t deny it. “Yes. I’m her PA and handler.”
Maksim nodded. “See?” he said to the table at large. “I do not lie. I heard it from the Kieran Steele himself.” Ah. That explained a lot. Fuck. Everyone knew Kieran, and that man wasn’t above dropping a name.
Shayne nodded. “I love her movies. You must have an amazing life.”
Michael nodded. “She’s great. What do the rest of you do? Obviously, not you,” Michael said to Ryker. “I’ve seen your face on every magazine.” Damn, he had to stop himself from blushing as he said the words. Luckily, Ryker nodded, as if he hadn’t expected less. It was odd. There didn’t seem to be an ounce of conceit to Ryker. He was a bit quiet and reserved. The man also kept sneaking glances at his husband as if he thought the man hung the moon. A spike of jealousy ran through Michael. He wished someone would look at him like that.
Shayne spoke up, saving Michael from his bleak thoughts. “I’m in charge of media relations for the Blue Fires. That’s how I know Gavin.” He linked fingers with the man sitting beside him. “This is my husband, Lincoln. He’s a doctor.” Shayne sounded so proud, Michael couldn’t stop his smile.
Grady chimed in, “I’m a retired cop. Nowadays, I spend all my time traveling with Ryker. He needs someone watching his back, you know?”
“I’m sure,” Michael said before he could stop himself. Grady laughed, smoothing over the awkward moment.
Maksim touched his arm, dragging Michael’s attention his way. “I am one of those no-good talent scouts who stalks these games, looking to scoop up all the good players. But I give them money, so s’okay.”
“Can I buy you something to eat?” Ryker said, as if intentionally keeping Michael’s attention off Maksim. Michael understood. It was obvious the too-slick Russian was a player. Michael recognized all the signs. Ryker need not worry. Michael only had eyes for Gavin.
“I’m fine,” Michael said, already feeling like he was interrupting their dinner.
“Let me rephrase that,” Ryker said, smiling. “I’m buying you dinner. What would you like? They actually have healthy options here. No poisonous grease like you find in fast food places.”
Michael blinked. “No poison is always a good thing.”
The crowd roared, pulling everyone’s attention toward the ice. “Gavin Weeks has pulled off another perfect hat trick. The forward is the number one leader of hat tricks in the league and is in line to beat the record held since 1952.”
“Your man is quite the catch,” Maksim said. “I’ve been eyeing him for some time.”
Michael searched for a double meaning in Maksim’s words but heard none. “Any team would be lucky to have him,” Michael said out of loyalty.
Maksim’s dark blue eyes shone heavy with some unnamed emotion. Michael was afraid to look too deeply. “Seems to me he is very lucky to have you.”
Michael blinked at the compliment. He didn’t know how to react.
Maksim didn’t let him stew for long. “As it happens, New York has been after Gavin for a while.”
“I’m sure he’ll go for the right offer.” Michael wondered if he should take up acting. He wanted Gavin to be happy. It was like a knife to the heart, thinking about Gavin moving away. Michael’s phone chirped, alerting him of an incoming message. He hated to be rude, but he was also always on call. Michael tried checking his phone beneath the table. It was Mara, so he couldn’t ignore it.
Mara: Are you still in Shreveport?
Michael: Yes. Do you need me to come back?
Mara: No. I need you to stay there. Have you seen the weather?
Michael: No. I’ve been busy watching the game. What did I miss?
Mara: That flash flood has turned into a monsoo
n. The road to your house is flooded. I talked to your neighbor, and she said your house is fine, but no one can get in or out of your neighborhood. I would feel better if you would just stay there for the night. A lot of the roads around town are getting bad. I’ll send you a link to the flood map, so you can see for yourself.
Michael checked the link. Fuck. It looked like he would be better off in Shreveport. Several main roads were at or above flood stage. Before he realized what he was doing, Michael found himself searching the roads surrounding Gavin’s house as well. Damn, it looked like he couldn’t get home either. Not that it mattered. He’d traveled there with his team and already had a room.
Michael: Thanks for letting me know. I’ll be back as soon as the roads are passable.
Mara: Don’t worry over me. Just take care of yourself. I’ll see you when it’s safe.
“Anyone know any good hotels?” Michael asked the table at large. “Looks like the roads are washing out back home.”
A round of groans went up around the table, letting him know he wasn’t the only one who’d intended to go home after this. He felt his first click of common ground with the men. Michael hoped they’d all meet again someday.
Michael appeared in the mouth of the dressing room, looking sexy as sin and unsure of his welcome. Gavin had never been prouder to have someone waiting for him. It had been the world’s longest game, waiting to get to Michael. He tossed his towel aside, heading in Michael’s direction with tunnel vision. The rest of the world disappeared.
“Hey.” Even to Gavin’s ears, he sounded breathless.
Michael’s mouth lifted in one corner. His green eyes, which lived in Gavin’s mind, shone bright with interest. “Hey.”
Goddamn it. Gavin wished Michael would let him kiss him. It was beyond frustrating trying to overcome the past. “How much time do I have with you before you head back to New Orleans?”
His shoulders lifted. “Looks like you have all night,” Michael said, taking him by surprise. “Mara texted me earlier, saying the road to my house has been temporarily washed out by the flash flood. So it seems I need to find a room here.”
“Or you could stay in mine,” Gavin offered, even though he knew Michael wouldn’t accept.
“Or I could stay in yours,” Michael agreed, taking Gavin by surprise.
It took every ounce of Gavin’s self-control not to take off running for the car right then. He also fought to keep his face clear of all triumph. “It’s still early. Are you hungry?” Damn, he deserved a medal for keeping his excitement from his voice.
“Some guy named Ryker fed me, but I’m fine to go wherever if you’re hungry.”
Fuck. Ryker? He was married, but still. No one could compete with Ryker’s beauty. The dude was literally the hottest male model in the world. He’d fed Michael? Gavin had so many questions. “Ryker was here tonight? His husband must’ve been here with Shayne.” There. He’d managed to throw Ryker’s husband, Grady, into the mix and everything.
Michael nodded. “I met Shayne, Lincoln, and Grady. Oh, and some guy named Maksim. They all seemed like nice people.”
Fuck him twice. He’d met Maksim too. That was it. He could never invite Michael to another game alone. Maksim was single and ruthless. No doubt he already had Michael’s name programmed in his phone, and Michael didn’t know how it happened. That was how Maksim worked.
“So, are you hungry?” Michael asked, looking uncomfortable and making Gavin realize how long he’d been standing there lost in thought.
Gavin nodded. “A little. We could find a store so you can buy anything you need for an overnight trip, and I could just grab something there since you’ve eaten already.”
“That works for me. Do you need to tell anyone you’re out?”
“Nope, I’m good,” Gavin said, reaching for Michael’s hand and heading for the back door. “Do you remember where you parked?”
Michael glanced down at their joined hands, but didn’t try pulling away. “Not really, but I’m sure we’ll find it.”
As the back door came into view, their steps slowed. The bottom was falling out of the sky. Rain came down in sheets. They exchanged smiles. “We’re about to get soaked, looking for your car.”
“Yep,” Michael said, sounding entirely too happy about it.
He’d forgotten. Michael loved the rain. More times than he could count, he’d seen Michael stand outside during a storm, smiling as his clothes molded to his skin. Gavin was almost glad Michael couldn’t remember where he’d parked. He intentionally walked slow, under the guise of searching for Michael’s car. Gavin spotted it under a nearby light. He nodded in its direction. “There. Hey, do you want to skip the store until we can get dry or I can lend you some stuff?”
Michael glanced over and smiled. “That’s probably for the best. Of course, anything you lend me will probably swallow me whole.”
“But, damn, you’d look sexy with my clothes hanging off your gorgeous body.” Gavin couldn’t even find it in his heart to regret the words. He could already picture Michael wearing his clothes.
Instead of responding, Michael headed for the car without a word. The lights flashed when they got close. Gavin went over everything he’d said, wondering if he’d gone too far. Damn, he was tired of second guessing himself all the time. All Gavin wanted was to be with Michael. Happy. Gavin gave directions to his hotel room while still trying to decide his next move. Obviously, if Michael wouldn’t even kiss him, he wouldn’t be in Gavin’s bed tonight, but he’d have Michael to himself for the whole night. Surely he could make some progress. The hotel came into sight. Between the rain and the bad lighting, he could barely see a thing. Luckily, Michael got a parking space near the door. Before he could kill the car, one of Gavin’s favorite songs came on. It was an old love song that never got old in Gavin’s book. It said everything he felt about waiting for the one to come back.
Without thought, he grabbed Michael’s arm, stopping him from turning off the song. “I have an idea. Don’t move,” Gavin said, leaping from the car and circling around to Michael’s side. He opened the door and held his hand out to Michael. “Turn it up and dance with me.”
Michael’s smile made the ridiculous offer worthwhile. “Here?”
Gavin nodded. “Right here. In the rain.”
He half expected Michael to swat his hand away. Instead, his smile grew as he turned the song up and let Gavin pull him from the car. “I always let you talk me into shit,” Michael said as his body molded against Gavin’s. Gavin could barely hear a word past the blood rushing through his ears. Michael had let him hug him, and he’d stolen a few touches and kisses on Michael’s neck. This was the closest Michael had let him get since they’d started seeing each other again. It still wasn’t close enough. Gavin touched his lips to the side of Michael’s neck, ignoring Michael’s claim. He quietly sang against the man’s skin, hoping he would understand every word was for him. They barely moved. In truth, it was more of a long hug than a dance. Gavin didn’t care. He felt every second in his chest. Michael’s arms tightened around him. His fingers found the edge of Gavin’s shirt and dove beneath, stroking Gavin’s back skin on skin. Rain beat down on them. Gavin’s heart soaked up every second.
“Gavin?”
Gavin’s heart turned over at the sound of Michael whispering his name. “Yeah?”
“People are looking out their window at us.”
A chuckle escaped Gavin. He didn’t care if people stared at them all night, but he’d hate for them to call management or the police, thinking they were drunk. That would dampen their night. He sighed. “I guess we should go inside before we’re answering to the cops, and we’re probably ruining the interior of your car.”
He felt Michael hesitate as he pulled away. Gavin wanted to beg for the man’s thoughts. Michael leaned inside the car and killed the ignition before closing the door. “It’s Mara’s car, so I guess I shouldn’t ruin it.”
“Yeah,” Gavin said past his rapidly tightening t
hroat. He got the feeling he’d missed his chance to tell Michael how much he loved him… again.
Michael stared at Gavin’s back as he unlocked the hotel room door. His clothes were plastered to his skin, showing off every deep line of muscle. It was hot, but Michael’s ever-growing obsession had nothing do with Gavin’s looks. He’d forgotten how amazing Gavin could be when he wasn’t being a dick. Every second he spent in Gavin’s presence made him crave ten seconds more. He’d never been more frightened of depending on someone in his life, but Michael knew it wouldn’t be much longer before being with Gavin was all he wanted to do.
“Holy shit. It’s like I showered in my clothes,” Gavin said, laughing as he closed the door behind them. Michael couldn’t look away. Gavin looked so damn happy as he reached over his head and tried peeling his shirt off. He’d been right. Gavin’s smattering of light hair had turned into a bear’s chest. Michael’s resistance fell. He couldn’t take another second without touching Gavin. While Gavin’s shirt still covered his eyes, Michael closed the distance between them and captured the man’s mouth. His skin was like ice beneath Michael’s hands. Gavin went still, making Michael feel like he was kissing a statue. He immediately backed away. It had been a ridiculous sentiment. Gavin yanked his shirt the rest of the way off and tossed it aside. Heat blazed in the man’s gaze when he focused on Michael. Michael fought the urge to take another step back. There was nowhere to go.
“Don’t do something you don’t mean,” Gavin warned.
Michael’s throat wouldn’t work. Not that it mattered. He didn’t know what to say. Instead of speaking, he stared at Gavin—helpless. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that his every emotion was written all over his face. The only time in his life when he’d felt alive was when he was with Gavin. He wanted everything. Fuck it. He’d let Gavin take charge the last time they’d been together. Not this time. Without another thought, he closed the distance between them once more and captured Gavin’s mouth. He’d missed the way Gavin nipped at his lips and sucked on his tongue. Too many times to count, he’d slid his hand beneath the covers and stroked himself to the memory. No matter how many times he touched himself with Gavin’s name on his lips, he couldn’t recreate the sensation of Gavin touching him.
Clash Page 5