Common Goal (Game Changers #4)- Rachel Reid Page 0,3

a mask all the time.”

He expected Eric the heterosexual goaltender to lean away and make an excuse to leave. Or maybe just leave. But instead, his lips quirked up and he said, “That’s how it stays so handsome.”

Kyle let himself enjoy the playful sparkle in Eric’s eyes for a moment.

“Hey, Kyle! I need to get a fresh keg of the lager. You good here for a minute?”

Kyle turned to Aram. “Of course. Go use those muscles.”

Aram blew him a kiss, then left for the back room.

“It was nice of Scott to book this party at Kip’s place of work,” Eric said dryly.

Kyle laughed. “I was thinking the exact same thing. Who does that, right?”

Eric shook his head. “Scott Hunter, that’s who. He likes this place, and he’s comfortable here. I’m sure that’s all he was focused on.”

Kyle spotted Scott in the crowd—it wasn’t hard because he was six-four and looked exactly how Kyle had always imagined Achilles. Scott was laughing with some friends, and Kyle couldn’t help but smile. Two years ago, Scott had been firmly in the closet, lonely, and would have been terrified to enter a gay bar like the Kingfisher. Now he was a regular here—the bar had even named a drink after him—and hosting his big gay engagement party. Kyle was happy for him. He was happy for Kip too, even if his feelings on that front were a little more complicated.

“Are you sure I can’t get you anything?” Kyle asked. “I’ve been pouring pints all night and I would love to show off my cocktail skills.”

“I don’t drink.”

“Oh. Oh god, sorry. I shouldn’t tempt you.”

Eric waved a hand. “It’s not like that. I’m not tempted.”

“Ah.” Kyle folded his arms on the bar and leaned forward. “You’re just a very good boy, then?”

Eric smirked. “Most of the time.”

Wait. Was Eric flirting with him? The conversation seemed flirtatious, but Kyle had a long history of clocking desire when there absolutely was none on the part of the other man.

Straight men. Another weakness of his.

“You’re in luck because I happen to make the most amazing mocktails in the world.”

Amusement sparkled in Eric’s eyes. “Do you now?”

Kyle winked. “You’ll swear there’s booze in them. They’re that good.”

“I can’t really compare.”

“Has it really been that long since you’ve had a drink?”

Before Eric could answer—if he was going to answer—they were interrupted by an excited Kip Grady.

“Eric!” Kip draped an arm over Eric’s shoulders, then drunkenly lurched forward, pulling both men closer to where Kyle was standing behind the bar. Eric’s nose almost brushed Kyle’s cheek. “You’re here!”

“I am,” Eric said, calmly sliding out from under Kip’s arm. He straightened and took a step back, but his face was still relaxed and quietly amused. “Are you having a good time?”

“I’m getting married!” Kip’s cheeks were flushed, and his eyes glowed with drunken ecstasy and love. Kyle looked away.

“Congratulations,” Eric said. He leaned on the bar, then brought his left hand up to clasp his wrist. That’s when Kyle noticed the gold band on his ring finger.

Married. Right. Of course.

He blinked when he realized that Kip was trying to get his attention. He dragged his gaze away from the wedding ring and up to Kip’s beaming face.

“This is Eric!” Kip said sloppily. “He’s, like, the best goalie ever!”

“I’ve heard.”

“He’s smart too! He collects art.” Kip’s eyes widened in an expression of sudden realization. “Eric! Kyle is studying art!”

“Really?” Eric asked Kyle.

“Art history,” Kyle clarified. “Ancient art, mostly. If your collection includes three-thousand-year-old mosaics, I’m your expert.”

Eric’s face split into a wide smile that nearly knocked Kyle on his ass. This man was gorgeous.

While Kyle was losing himself in Eric’s handsome face, Kip darted behind the bar, bumping up against Kyle. He grabbed a pint glass and started pouring himself a beer, but Kyle stopped him. “Get out of here. You’re drunk.”

Kip rolled his eyes dramatically. “Fine. You pour it.”

When Kyle handed him the beer that he absolutely did not need, Kip leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Love you.”

Kyle’s shoulders stiffened. “Love you too,” he said quietly. His gaze followed Kip helplessly as he walked away with his drink.

“Where are you studying ancient art?” Eric asked, snapping Kyle’s attention back to him.

Kyle managed a small smile. See, Kyle? There’s no reason to be sad. You have a beautiful, married straight man to keep you company. “Columbia. I’m working on my master’s degree.”

“Impressive.”

“Well, before you get too dazzled by me, I’ll clarify that I am very slowly working on my master’s degree. I’m