Page 78 of The Switched-Up Playbook
Leaning over him, I can dictate the rhythm now that Nicko’s lying there, panting and not interrupting me by bucking his hips. I take full advantage of it, dragging out my movements to slide down as slowly as I can, keeping my lips and cheeks tight around him. Then I move back up while trailing my tongue along the underside of Nicko’s cock.
I take another deep breath, then slide down again, taking him further this time.
He jerks under my hands, letting out a strangled groan. His hands tense in my hair. He must be close.
For a moment I play with the thought of doing to Nicko what he did in the locker room—letting him come in my mouth but then making him taste his own release. But as his moans grow louder it becomes too tempting to swallow him down. My lashes flutter closed as I feel him slide hotly down my throat. His taste and smell surround me as I groan deeply, fingers tensing on his hips. He bucks up for a last time, his breathless gasp cutting off as he comes.
I swallow reflexively, taking most of his release right down, only tasting the last salty drops as I pull back. I make sure he’s fully spent, licking over him lazily until his hands push against my head and he lets out a soft whimper.
The pull in my groin is an afterthought as I climb up the bed again, settling in heavily next to Nicko.
I push a hand down my pants, groaning lowly when curling my fingers around myself is almost painful. My other hand settles over Nicko’s hip, massaging the skin. I nose blindly over his cheek until I find his lips.
The kiss is lopsided and messy. He’s still sluggish from his orgasm, and I’m teetering on the edge of my own. It only takes a few strokes, and I come into my hand and boxers with a soft groan that I muffle against Nicko’s shoulder.
All of my limbs suddenly weigh a ton, the buzz that kept me awake earlier a distant memory.
“Now we’re even,” I mutter, only half aware of what I’m saying before I drift off, enjoying the warmth of another body next to mine.
Xander, January 13th
It has been a rocky three weeks since Christmas, hockey-wise, at least. Although we won the first two games of the new year by the skin of our teeth, it seems that our lucky streak has come to an end.
“Oh, man, what a shitty birthday present.” Nate sighs as he slumps down on the bench next to me.
I huff in agreement. It sucks to lose on your birthday, but it’s not the only reason for my sour mood. Today’s defeat feels brutal. The last time we played against the Grizzlies we had an unexpected advantage: Nicko. It stings that we couldn’t do it without him.
I wonder if that thought is going through my best friend’s head as well as I slide down until I can rest my head on Nate’s shoulder. We might both be sweaty, not ready to muster the strength to make our way into the shower and wash the game off, but the contact is familiar and comfortable. I no longer feel the weird tingling whenever we touch. Last year’s misunderstanding has been entirely cleared up and put behind us.
It’s a relief, honestly, to have Nate back as my best friend. I have also made my peace with the rule breaking, since I have to thank that harebrained scheme of Nate’s for how my winter break went.
Not like I’d ever tell him about that though.
“Ah well, nothing like a party to cheer us up,” Nate says, shuffling as he reaches for his towel.
I sit up as well.
“Yeah.” I manage a smile, even though I don’t agree. A party is about the last thing on my mind. I’d rather get back to our dorm, have some takeout and a beer with Nate, and then crawl into bed to shut out any thoughts of losses.
“Just let me shower and get changed, then I’m all yours for the evening.” I throw in a wink as I push myself up from the bench.
Nate snorts and bats his lashes. “Uhh, a dream come true! Anyway, I thought we could swing by the Sigmas, maybe meet up with the guys,” he adds, launching into a plan for the entire night. I let him explain where we need to go and why, humming here and there as I strip out of my pads and finally step under the warm spray.
Half an hour later, we’re back at our dorm. I’m waiting at Nate’s car, going through some Instagram DMs. Earlier my moms called, and I still smile thinking about our conversation. Especially with the sucky birthday present of our loss, it felt nice to have them fuss over me. Even if it was just over the phone, my head feels clearer now.
“Ready to go, birthday boy?” Nate, finally done with changing, jogs over.
“Let’s.”
Since it’s my birthday, Nate insists on driving. His tentative creep down the road lulls me into a light slumber. It’s only when he hits a pothole that I startle awake. Peering throughthe window, I frown when I don’t immediately recognize our surroundings.
“Where is this party?”
“Here,” he grins as he gets out of the car. I raise my brows but follow him. He took us into the center of Bonham. The street lights are bright all around us, some of them projecting a rainbow onto the sidewalk. I take in the streamers and then the name of the club Nate has brought me to, turning to him.
“TheRainbow Cove?Really?”
“Come on, you didn’t think I’d drag you through Greek Road on your birthday?” Nate grins, pulling me over to the bright lights. He laughs at my expression, then his voice multiplies as several of our teammates step around a corner to join us.
