Page 100 of Cheap Shot

He’d been planning to run out and grab something for breakfast—brunch, maybe at this point—and do some admin work today.

The offer was tempting though …

Technically, we didn’t watch most of the semi,he sent back, then set his phone on the bathroom counter, warming up some curl product for his hair between his palms. Why he bothered if he was eventhinkingabout going over to Crawford’s place was beyond him. The manalwaysmessed up his hair.

Sebastian used his fingers to twist and shape the curls, ignoring the buzz of his phone.

Is that a yes or a no?he read when he finally checked.

He sent back,Maybe. What time?

Puck drops in an hour.

And there went Sebastian’s day if he said yes.

Because he’d love to tell himself that he could go over to Crawford’s, watch some hockey, get laid, then come back and work, but realistically, if he went over there, he’d probably never get around to work.

But … wasn’t he trying to carve out a little bit of a social life in the midst of all the work? Even if he wasn’t sure if watching hockey with the dude he was in a … situationship or whatever with really qualified as a social life.

Besides, his car was still parked in front of Crawford’s house. He’d still felt a little high when he left there Friday night, so he’d taken a rideshare home just to be safe.

He’d meant to swing by yesterday, but the shop had been unexpectedly slammed. He’d collapsed on the couch before he remembered, then sent a text late last night asking if it was okay if he waited until Sunday.

Crawford had said sure and they’d ended up texting until Sebastian’s eyes were drooping and he’d finally said goodnight and headed to bed. He didn’t even know what they’d fucking talked about. Bullshit hockey stuff and some music mostly, until it had turned into sexting.

Which had led to jerking off.

It had been fine. Kinda enjoyable, really. But Sebastian didn’t have a fucking clue what was going on now. Why Crawford had apparently decided that they should spend time together. Why they were talking so much.

Because it kinda felt like they’d suddenly crossed some weird, invisible threshold.

But Sebastian wasn’t sure what that thresholdwas. Crawford had been very clear that he wasn’t looking to date. And God knows, of all the people in Boston that Sebastiancoulddate, the man was pretty much at the bottom of the list.

Besides, Sebastian didn’t have time for it.

Today though … yeah, fuck it. He’d grab something to eat, then head over there and watch hockey. He’d get his car after and have a relaxing day.

It wouldn’t kill him to take a little more time off.

Yeah, gotta eat first though,he sent.He belatedly realized he should probably offer Crawford something and added,I was thinking about picking up lox & bagels. You want some?

Sure.

Might be a little past puck drop but I’ll get there as soon as I can.

He got a thumbs-up in response.

Sebastian shook his head in amusement, then stared at himself in the mirror and debated if he should shave.Nah, why bother? What, am I trying to impress Luke Crawford or something? Hardly.

With that in mind, Sebastian threw on whatever clothes were clean and handy, then dried his hair. No way was he going out in these temps with wet hair. Running had cleared his head thismorning, but it had physicallyhurt, the air so icy that he could feel it burning his lungs with every inhale.

It had been well below freezing last night and was supposed to continue to drop throughout the day. Even his apartment felt chilly now, despite the fact that he’d cranked up the thermostat.

That was one more point in Crawford’s favor.

Might as well spend the day with a man who operated like a walking, talking, hockey-playing space heater.

Sebastian paced his apartment as he placed a request for a ride, ordered takeout at a local bagel place he’d been meaning to try, and bundled up.