Or maybe not. Luke replies almost immediately.
I’m so down
My stomach slips and I hold my breath. Am I imagining things, or is he interested?
Tomorrow works for me, where were you thinking?
I’m okay to head downtown
Sounds good, I know a few places around me
Let’s meet outside my building at like 7 tomorrow night?
I break into a grin before hauling myself back to reality. We’re getting drinks, we might hook up, and I’ll go home after, but still, I need to make a good second impression on Luke.
Great. The very first time in a year I go to a gay bar, I end up liking the first guy I talk to. What are the chances? Liking someone is inconvenient with my lifestyle of constant away games, early practices, and the ever-present chance of getting injured or traded.
Sure, my stats are decent and the team here seems to like me, but this is the AHL—even ifIdon’t move, the team itself might relocate. Even if it’d probably be an hour down the road to Hamilton, nothing about that bodes well for any kind of relationship?—
What am I even doing, thinking aboutthatalready? Luke is already being so much more patient with me than other guys, but that isn’t a reason for me to get stupid over him like this. Who knows how long that patience will last?
Shit. I shouldn’t have tried to schedule things today because now I have another twenty-four hours to get ahead of myself and freak out.
For once, the metro doesn’t break down, and I arrive at Luke’s building a bit early. The sun is still out, which makes the evening hotter than I’d anticipated, and I slip my hoodie off. I’m about to head back into the station to wait when my phone pings with a text from Luke.
Hey, I might be a bit early, I can wait for you to get ready though
DELIVERED 18:05
Luke Tremblay
No worries
My hot water isn’t working so I’m running kinda late, you should come up and chill
RECEIVED 18:35
That’d be great if you don’t mind
Not at all! I’m unit 2307 and the buzzer code is the last four digits of my phone number
His building is fancy as hell, with a modern lobby decked out in dark stone accents, marble floors, and a fake fireplace. I take the lift up to the twenty-third floor, my heart rate hiking a little.
Luke is waiting at the door when I knock. His wavy black hair is damp and adorably messy, and I struggle to keep myself in check. I can’t come across as creepy or over eager.
“Hey, Erik. Come on in,” he says.
I step inside, comforted by the cool air-conditioned breeze. “Thanks for letting me up. It’s like a sauna out there.”
He sends me an easy smile, which sends a wave of warmth straight through my body. “Yeah, no problem. Make yourself at home—I’m almost ready, but let me warm up from my frigid shower first.”
I nod, looking around his apartment. It’s simple and tastefully decorated—Luke has a bunch of lamps around the living room, which all give off a cozy glow. The place smells good too, kind of citrusy and spicy, making it even more inviting. He’s got a fresh aesthetic going on, and it’s nicer here than back at mine, for sure.
Luke reappears behind me, carrying a can of sparkling water. “I thought you could use something while you wait around for me,” he says.
“Thanks, this is perfect.”
Luke then disappears into his bedroom to change. I try to focus on my drink, but when he emerges and walks into the bathroom, I immediately focus on how his clothes fit around his toned body.
