Page 68 of Offside

Because I was trying not to come off as psychotic, I was going to keep my distaste about Ash doing my boyfriend's laundry to myself, but that wouldn’t be happening again. If he needed it, I would be the one touching my boyfriend's dirty clothes–Ash had no business touching my boyfriend's boxers like that.

He may have been lecturing me about the importance of sharing, but he wasn’t fighting me. He was tired and just wanted to lie here and watch The Rise of Skywalker in peace–I was making that happen.

Sam settled on top of me, happily snuggled under my blanket and tracing little patterns under my shirt while the movie played. I felt so calm and at peace in that moment, kissing his mess of curls and rubbing his back because I could do both those things now, wherever I wanted!

“Nwrrrm–nwrrm,” Sam hummed softly, eyes glued to the lightsaber duel on the screen.

And there it was.

The last thing I needed.

That was my boyfriend.

Epilogue

Sam

October, 2018

My summer was great–thanks for asking.

The Sharks made it decently far in the playoffs, but lost in the end. It was a shame, and Landon was bummed, but he was easy to win over–he was still riding the high of getting to look up and see me next to Thayer during the last few games before they got kicked out.

It was weird being there and wearing his name on my back–I thought for sure someone would say something, but you know what the announcers said when they saw me?

“Supporting his partner who is surely missing him on that ice right now.”

Sure, they meant defense partner, but if you looked at it the right way, it was fun.

Landon came home with me for a few weeks and met my family. We all went on vacation to Mexico, and Landon’s family was happy to come with us–I was right, by the way.

Our moms really did get along so well and had been exchanging every recipe under the sun.

Both our families reacted really well to us being together, but Landon’s family already knew he was gay to begin with. His mom also vaguely suspected something was going on between us on Christmas because Landon wasn’t the most personable guy, yet I was bringing him cookies…

My mom had a similar suspicion–I was far more reluctant to see Landon than I normally would be for someone I worked with.

Most importantly…I didn’t get traded.

“I’ll be back, Keaton–I’m gonna grab some food,” I called out, not sticking around for Keaton's response from the shower.

It was our first road trip of the season, which was fine…

Except I hadn’t spent a night away from Landon since we got back together. Either at my place or his, we slept in the same bed every night and tried to room together for this trip, but it didn’t work out.

So, while Keaton was showering and Wren was getting food, I wasn’t wasting the hour of privacy I could have with my boyfriend. I was still getting used to the idea of not sleeping next to him tonight, so I needed that hour.

“I swear this hotel’s room service is amazing,” Landon joked, opening his door for me and waving me in quickly. “I mean–what are the odds they have short, hot, brunette on the menu? And he just gets left at my door?”

“Ha ha,” I deadpanned, jumping up onto him and hanging off my giant very happily. “You’re lucky I’m like obsessed with you or something because all this sneaking around…”

“You’ve been doing it for one day–I’m sure you’ll live,” he grumbled playfully, dropping onto his bed on his back. He kept his tight hold on me, making sure I stayed on top of him and crowded him.

He may have been teasing, but he was going a little stir crazy in here without me, too. I may have been obsessed with him, but he was just as bad–if not worse.

Landon settled quickly, relaxing under me and holding my hand to his neck like he needed it to stay there. I wasn’t sure how we were supposed to get through this, but maybe it would be good for us–spend some time apart…

Look, someone had to be glass half full around here, and it wasn’t grumpy pants over there.