Page 198 of Game Misconduct

“It does,” Nicky said with a laugh. “To be honest, if I ran into Mac on the street, I might get myself in trouble.”

“Words or a fistfight?”

“Depends on the day. Today I’m feeling solid so maybe just words.”

“Good to know,” Tanner said. “Why does he hate you so much?”

“I genuinely have no idea,” Nicky said. “I guess he’s just convinced the team should go a certain way and I’m not a part of that plan. Good thing he doesn’t actually get any say in that, huh?”

“Aren’t they supposed to be like, neutral or something?”

“No. He’s not a real reporter or anything,” Nicky said with a shrug. “Just some self-important asshole with a microphone.”

Tanner opened his mouth to say something, but he heard the key in the lock. Oh damn, was Leif back already?

Tanner let out a happy sigh the moment Leif stepped into the kitchen.

Leif blinked. “Oh, hey, Nicky. I didn’t realize you were here.”

“Hey. Just dropping off a welcome to New York gift basket for Tanner,” Nicky said. “I’ll get out of your hair now.”

“No, you’re fine,” Leif said but he was looking at Tanner like he really, really wanted to walk over and kiss him.

Tanner bit his lip because goddamn Leif looked good right now. Like …reallygood. And Tanner liked his new captain, but he was also really interested in being alone with Leif.

“Yeah, no, I know you guys haven’t seen each other all week. I’ll definitely go.”

“Okay,” Leif said, not even glancing away from Tanner. “See you tomorrow?”

“Sure. See you guys tomorrow. I’ll just … let myself out. Welcome to New York, Tanner!”

Tanner flung his hat off and was on Leif the second the door closed.

Leif staggered back against the counter as he caught him and knocked something to the floor with his elbow. It landed with a soft thump instead of the tinkling sound of smashing glass, so Leif ignored the little voice in his head telling him to pick it up before it made a mess.

Instead, he tightened his grip on Tanner’s waist and kissed him back.

Fuck, he’d missed this.

He’d missed the smell of Tanner, that bright citrus that mixed with sweat and the scent of his skin.

He’d missed the way it still felt like it had that first time, with that tingling jolt of electricity that made his hair stand on end.

He’d missed the mumbled sounds Tanner made when he tried to kiss him and talk at once and he laughed against Tanner’s mouth.

“You’rehere,” Leif said, pulling back and smiling.

“Yeah. I wanted to be done unpacking by the time you got home,” Tanner said. “But I didn’t even get my gaming TV set up and?—”

Leif kissed him again. “It’s fine.”

“You hate messes.”

“That’s why it’s all in a room where we can close the door, right?” Leif said.

“Right.” Tanner grinned.

His hair was a sweaty mess and the chain he wore was a little crooked and fuck, he was here. He was in New York. He was living with Leif now. He was aRocket.