Neutral Zone Trap - Bianca Sommerland Page 0,42

too hot to go on my own body, it’s not going on yours.”

Fuck, now he was thinking of licking things off Ryan. He ducked his head, taking a big bite of pizza, wincing as the sauce burnt his tongue.

“Slow down. I won’t put up with you hurting yourself either.”

Braxton swallowed and took a sip of soda. “Then you probably don’t want to watch my games.”

“I won’t be missing a single one.” Ryan smiled and reached out, wiping a bit of sauce off of Braxton’s chin with his thumb. “I avoided any mention of hockey after I met you. You were hard enough not to think of without dealing with constant reminders. Now…I think I’ll enjoy them.”

If his heart swelled any bigger, he was going to pass out once he hit the ice. He polished off two slices of pizza before Ryan’s expectant look had him wondering if he’d dazed off and missed something.

Ryan picked up a napkin and cleaned the grease off his fingers. “You had a very serious expression before. Was something bothering you?”

Damn, Braxton had hoped he’d forgotten about that. He shook his head and grabbed his soda. “I was just thinking about how things will be once I get back. Being here this long is awesome, but obviously we can’t do that all the time. I mean, I got my own place.”

“Yes, you do. And I work long shifts and wouldn’t feel comfortable with you being here alone.” Ryan held up his hand when Braxton’s lips parted. “Not because of you. I wouldn’t have continued sleeping when you got out of bed if I didn’t trust you in my home. My life can be dangerous at times. I won’t put you at risk.”

“I can take care of myself, Ryan.”

“Under normal circumstances? Sure. Against bikers with guns?” Ryan gave him a level look. “Be reasonable. I want to see you as often as we’re both able. And I have no problem going to your apartment now and then.” His lips quirked. “But after what you told me, you’re buying new towels.”

“Deal.” Braxton grinned, grabbing another piece of pizza and leaning against Ryan’s legs as he put The Office on. His eyes drifted shut as Ryan began stroking his hair and everything was just…so fucking good. He couldn’t really explain it.

The sex was amazing, but moments like this were what made him believe their crazy schedules and lifestyles and living situations wouldn’t get in the way of what they were building. Ryan was becoming his Dom, but they could still discuss things. He’d never been so happy just being around someone.

He was a bit sleepy again and his eyes kept drifting shut, but he tried to force himself to stay awake. He didn’t want to miss out on any time with Ryan, even if they were only lazing around, watching TV.

Movement behind him had him sitting up as Ryan stretched out on the sofa, then patted the cushion. It was a tight squeeze, but Braxton managed to lay down on his side, his back against Ryan’s chest. The blanket Ryan pulled over them both wasn’t going to help him stay awake, but he realized it didn’t matter.

Ryan had been thinking about how things would be between them too. He’d be watching Braxton play. They’d find a way to keep in touch while Braxton was on the road. Maybe meet for lunch when Ryan had long shifts.

When he left tomorrow it wouldn’t be the end of what they had together.

They were still at the beginning.

Brushing his lips along Braxton’s throat, Ryan spoke softly. “No more stripping on stage. And no more fucking your friends. Understood?”

Eyes closed, Braxton nodded. “I’m good with that. Made me feel like shit anyway.”

“That’s a shame.” Ryan kissed behind his ear and let out a soft laugh. “But I still want details.”

Chapter 14

The last day off. And his last day with Braxton for the near future. Ryan sat at the kitchen table, enjoying a cup of coffee his boy had made for him perfectly, and observed the other man moving around his kitchen in nothing but an apron. Fuck, but he could get used to this. Using a YouTube video, Braxton was making French toast with a side of bacon and hashbrowns and it smelled amazing. His tight ass on display under the thick, dark blue apron tie made Ryan hungry for something other than food, but if he indulged now, the food would burn.

And Braxton was trying so hard to please him. Hell, since yesterday,