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

only taking one class right now.”

“Still impressive. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who was studying ancient art before. What made you choose that field?”

Eric’s eyes were warm and attentive. Kyle believed that he was truly interested in his answer. “I’ve always been interested in it, since I was a kid. I had this illustrated children’s book of Greek myths that I read a zillion times.” He laughed. “When I got older I learned that the real versions of those myths were a lot more violent. And horny.”

“More bestiality than you were expecting?”

Kyle waved a hand. “That’s the least of it. Anyway, obviously the R-rated versions only made me more interested in mythology. Which grew into an interest in the people who created and believed those myths. The storytellers, y’know?”

Eric nodded thoughtfully. “Is your undergraduate degree in art history as well?”

“I majored in ancient history and Latin, and then I decided on ancient art and architecture for my master’s degree.”

“That sounds like a fascinating thing to study.”

Kyle shrugged. “I have no idea what I’m going to do with it, but I like learning.”

“Me too.”

Kyle leaned on the bar. “Oh yeah? Are you a reader?” Maybe Eric was one of those well-rounded athletes who took online college classes or listened to a lot of educational podcasts.

“I like to read. I majored in English literature.”

Kyle was momentarily surprised, but when he considered the man in front of him, he decided that being a student of literature suited him more than being a hockey player. “Where did you study?”

Eric’s lips twisted in a way that suggested he was embarrassed by what he was about to say. “Harvard.”

Kyle blinked. “You have a Harvard degree?”

“Yes.”

Kyle laughed. He couldn’t help it. He quickly covered his mouth, cringing at how rude that reaction had been. “Sorry! I just wasn’t expecting that.”

Eric, thankfully, wasn’t offended. “You’re not the first person to be surprised by it. But you can check my Wikipedia page if you don’t believe me.”

“I believe you.” What Kyle couldn’t believe was how cruel the universe was for placing this absurdly perfect, absolutely forbidden man in front of him. An older, athletic, confident man with a Harvard degree in English? Come the fuck on. Kyle was so tempted to say something very flirtatious right now, just to see if he could shake Eric’s calm veneer. Just to see if his dark eyes would show discomfort, or desire.

A stunning woman with blond hair and impeccable timing saved Kyle from conducting any inappropriate experiments. Regardless, Kyle felt Eric’s gaze on him the entire time he made the customer her vodka soda.

“You’re working at your friend’s engagement party,” Eric said after the woman left with her drink.

“Yeah. You noticed that, huh?”

Eric seemed to consider Kyle for a moment, as if he was trying to puzzle him out. There was something about the way Eric looked at him that had Kyle feeling very exposed. He nearly shivered.

“I’m not working working. It’s a private event and everyone who works here is also on the invite list because that’s how Kip rolls, but I don’t really know most of the guests, so I’m happy to help out behind the bar.”

“Better than making small talk with hockey players.” Eric’s lips curved up slightly as he said it.

Kyle leaned in. “Most of the time.”

For a moment, Eric didn’t say anything. He just stared intently at Kyle, as if he was unlocking all his secrets with his eyes. His lips were still twisted into that amused little smile, and Kyle had no idea what was happening right now. His dick was into it, though. His dick was always into unavailable men, so it could fuck off.

“So. Mocktails,” Kyle said, breaking the tension probably only he felt. He clapped his hands together. “Do you have any allergies?”

“Cats,” Eric said.

Kyle frowned. “Oh. I’ll have to change the recipe then.”

Eric laughed at that. His laugh warm and wonderful. Kyle wanted to wrap himself up in it like a blanket. Straight. Married. Kyle repeated to himself. Straight, married, and a professional hockey player. Also, probably fifteen years older than you.

“You don’t have to make me anything. Really,” Eric said. “I need to leave soon anyway.”

Kyle shouldn’t have felt as disappointed as he did by that. “You sure?”

“Yeah, I—” Eric lowered his voice. “Between you and me, I love Scott. And Kip. But I feel like I’ve been celebrating their relationship for going on three years now.”

Kyle grinned in delight. “I know, right? Like, we get it. You’re perfect