Page 31 of Cheap Shot

But Luke made it to the top of the stairs without anyone poking their head through the door at the bottom of the stairwell to ask who the fuck was up there, and he breathed a little easier as he stepped inside Sebastian’s apartment and closed the door behind him.

Sebastian was inside, doing thedishesof all things.

“Youbastard,” Luke fumed. “You could’ve warned me that the shop was fucking open.”

“I could’ve,” Sebastian agreed. “But what fun is that? Besides, you could’ve checked the hours online.”

Luke shook his head. The nerve of the guy … “Get that fucking jersey off and get on your goddamn knees,” he growled.

Sebastian grinned and took his time drying his hands on a dish towel. “I don’t know. I think maybe this time you should getmeoff first.”

When Luke walked into O’Neill’s later that night, the place waspacked. He almost turned around and left but he was in a mellow mood from getting off with Sebastian, so he waited in line at the bar to get a beer, then pushed through the crowd until he found the cluster of tables where most of the Harriers players were seated.

“Holy shit, you made it!” Tanner let out an excited whoop. “I thought you had plans, dude.”

“I did.” Luke slid into the booth next to his annoying but talented D-partner. Unfortunately, it was the only spot still available. “They’re done now.”

“Well.” Tanner gave him a look. “What were they?”

“None of your damn business,” Luke reminded him. He took a long draw on his beer. He was pretty sure he was going to need it tonight.

Tanner let out an annoyed noise and crossed his arms. “Why are youlikethis?”

“I dunno. Why are you likethat?”

Tanner grinned and whistledBorn This Wayagain.

“Pretty sure they fucked up the manufacturing when it comes to you, bud,” Luke said drily.

“Sooo, did you have a hookup?” Tanner asked, his eyes gleaming. He leaned in, making an exaggerated sniffing sound. “Hmm. You don’tsmelllike perfume.”

It was goddamn hilarious the way they all assumed he only fucked women.

And yeah, Luke knew he hadn’t exactly done anything to make them think otherwise. But still, he’d thinkTannerof all people would know better than to assume anything about anyone.

“Maybe I fucking needed to pick up groceries or home reno supplies or something,” Luke pointed out. “Did you ever think of that?”

“No. You have that really smug, satisfied look on your face.No onelooks like that after buying groceries.”

“Oh, do I?” Luke asked blandly.

Tanner threw a napkin at his head. “No, now you look constipated.”

Across the table, Connor let out a quiet snort. “He’s notwrong.”

“Everybody’s a fucking comedian tonight,” Luke groused.

“Seriously.” Tanner punched his upper arm. “Who is she?”

“Your mom.”

Tanner made a face. “Not funny.”

“Agree to disagree.” Luke tossed back another hefty swallow of beer.

“So, c’mon. What did you do? Fuck someone? Blowjob? Handjob? Tell meeeeeeeeee.”

“No.”