Page 165 of Cheap Shot

“Ugh, you’re grossandboring,” Tanner said, sounding annoyed as he returned to his stall.

“I’m gonna get Sebastian’s number and send him a link to Charlie Monaghan’s app too!” Jesse called out as he walked away.

“What app?” Luke asked, grabbing a towel off a nearby stack on his way to the showers. “What is he talking about?”

Connor followed him. “The SAPs app. It’s for spouses and partners of NHL players. Queer friendly and it includes a section for spouses of retired players. It’s pretty cool actually. Jesse and I are both members because … well …”

“Huh,” Luke said. “I dunno if Sebastian will be into that but …”

“Well, he’s welcome to join if he is.”

Mercifully, everything returned to normal after that as guys peeled off sweaty gear and headed to the showers.

As Luke ducked under a steady stream of water a few minutes later, he felt relieved that the whole ‘coming out’ thing was over. As funny as the idea of showing up with Sebastian on his arm to some team event would have been, this was easier.

Was Tanner obnoxious as shit? Yes.

Was the entire team too damn nosy for Luke’s taste? Also yes.

Were they genuinely decent dudes who he was lucky to play with … the jury was still out on that one but, well, all signs pointed in that direction.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

After practice, Luke went straight to the hospital. He stopped in the gift shop, then carried his purchases up to the cardiac floor Harper was on.

It nearly broke his heart to see Harper lying in a hospital bed. She looked a little pale and tired, and she was hooked up to all sorts of monitors. But she gave him a big grin when he knocked on the doorframe of her hospital room and asked, “Can I come in?”

“Mr. Luke!” She moved like she was going to sit up and Brie gently rested a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey, you need to be careful right now, okay? You’re still all hooked up.” She gestured to the heart monitor and IV.

Harper lay back against the pillow. “Are those for me?” She pointed at the balloons and stuffed animal Luke carried.

“Yep.” He handed them over and Brie took the balloons, setting the weight on the nightstand.

Harper clutched the stuffed bunny. “You got me a bunny!”

“I did.”

“He’s so cuuuute.”

“Harper, what do you say to Mr. Luke?” Brie prompted.

“Thank you!” Harper beamed.

“You’re welcome.” He stuffed his hands in the pockets of his hoodie, not sure what to do or say now.

Luke wondered where Sebastian was and if he’d decided to go to the shop after all.

A moment later, a nurse bustled in, wearing cartoon-printed scrubs. “Okay, Harper. I need to do a couple of checks on you. Is that okay?”

“That’s okay. Look, Mr. Luke gave me abunny!” She held out the stuffed animal to the nurse.

“Well, that was nice of him.” The nurse shot a smile at Brie. “You got one of the good ones, huh?”

“Oh.” Brie looked started. “No. We’re not dating.”

“I’m dating her brother,” Luke said gruffly.