Page 50 of Cheap Shot

Sebastian huffed and pulled open a drawer. “Chopsticks or fork?”

He reached for the fork before he even finished asking but Crawford grabbed the chopsticks. Their fingers brushed and Sebastian pulled away like he’d been scalded.

“There. You happy now?”

Crawford gave him a smirk and leaned against the counter. “Good thing you don’t own a restaurant. The service here is fuckingterrible.”

Sebastian hopped up on the counter. “That’s not what you said when I was choking on your dick earlier.”

“Naw, your cocksucking’ll get a five-star rating. I mean the rest.”

“Thanks.” Sebastian rolled his eyes and reached for his bowl again.

Crawford slurped noodles and ate for a few minutes before he asked, “So you quit because you didn’t fit in?”

“Why the fuck do youcare?” Sebastian glanced up from his food.

“Dunno. Just … surprised me. I never thought of you as a hockey player until now.”

Sebastian shrugged. He’d loved the game with every fiber of his being. Still did. Maybe he had mixed feelings about the sport and the league at times but helovedthe game.

“Would you have gotten drafted?”

Sebastian hesitated. “There was some talk of it. Not very high. Probably sixth, seventh round or whatever. But yeah, it was possible.”

“Damn. I was undrafted. Can’t fuckingbelieveyou threw that chance away.”

Sebastian shrugged because it hadn’t felt like throwing a chance away. It had felt like the only way he could be himself. Still, it hadn’t been easy.

“You ever regret quitting?”

Sebastian looked away. “Maybe occasionally. Most days I’m very happy with my career choices.”

They ate quietly for a few minutes.

Well, Sebastian ate quietly. Crawford slurped.

And fine, maybe thatwasconsidered appropriate and even complimentary in Chinese culture but Sebastian kinda had his doubts that Crawford was concerned about being appropriate inanyculture.

“I’m thinkin’ of opening up a bar after retirement.”

Sebastian glanced up. “Really?”

“Yeah. Some place low-key with a lot of regulars. The kind where the bartenders know your name.”

Sebastian laughed. “If you’re not careful, they’ll turn you into a sitcom.”

“Never thought I’d get compared toTed Danson.”

“You’re better looking,” Sebastian blurted out. He immediately regretted it. Why the fuck had he said that?

“Oh, am I?” The lazy smirk Crawford gave him was, unfortunately, kinda hot.

Sebastian shrugged. “Well, you’d look better if you washed your hair a little more but …”

Crawford scowled. “What the fuck is wrong with my hair?”

“Dude, it’s kinda limp and greasy looking most of the time.”