Common Goal (Game Changers #4)- Rachel Reid Page 0,55

what I’m studying, but I think my real passion is taking care of people. Making sure they’re having a good time. I think providing an inviting space where people can relax and have fun is an important service.” Good god, Kyle was overselling the hell out of this. It was uncomfortably similar to conversations he’d had with his parents. He waited for Eric’s admonishment.

“You’re good at it,” Eric said. “I think you’d be great at running a bar or restaurant.”

Kyle was so thrown by the Eric’s encouraging words that for a moment he just stared at him, stunned. Then he finally nodded and said, “Thanks. It’s just a dream for now.”

“Dreams are important.” Eric brought the skillet over and set it on a folded towel in the middle of the island. “I wouldn’t be in the NHL without dreams.”

Kyle wasn’t sure why Eric’s kind words were so jarring. His friends said encouraging things to him all the time. Was it because Eric was older? Or maybe because he was one of the most impressive people Kyle had ever met? Or was there another reason that Kyle was so thrilled by his approval?

Kyle spotted the bread in a paper bag and grabbed it. “God, this all looks amazing.” He sat in one of the stools opposite where Eric was standing. “This bread smells incredible.”

“Bread is my weakness,” Eric said sheepishly. “I’ve tried to give it up, but...”

“You’ve got to have some fun.”

“Yeah. I can’t quit bread.”

Kyle lifted his glass. “To bread.”

Eric smiled and clinked his own glass against Kyle’s. “To bread.” He took a sip, and smiled. “This is delicious.”

“Refreshing, right?”

“Very. We just need a beach instead of Manhattan in December.” Eric stayed on the other side of the island, standing with one elbow resting on the countertop. They ate the first few bites in silence, ripping chunks off the loaf of bread and dragging them through the rich tomato sauce.

“This is a good move, by the way,” Kyle said. “The shakshuka. It would be a smart thing to serve if you have a real date over. I’m totally charmed by this.”

For a moment, Eric looked confused. Then he smiled in a way that didn’t look entirely natural and said, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

* * *

They hadn’t even made it through dinner and Eric already felt vulnerable and stupid. Of course he knew that Kyle wasn’t his boyfriend or anything, but the reminder that this wasn’t a real date still felt like a slap shot to the stomach.

He needed to get over himself. Kyle was here to help, not fall in love.

“I’ve been considering the best way to approach this,” Eric said. It sounded like he was conducting a job interview. He tried again. “I mean... I’ve been thinking about what we might do. Tonight.”

Kyle’s blue eyes sparkled. Eric was glad he’d worn his glasses tonight. They made him seem...softer. “Oh yeah? What have you been thinking about?”

Eric pushed a chunk of bread around the skillet, trying to gather courage. “I don’t know if I’m ready for, um, penetration.”

He glanced up to find Kyle shrugging easily. “Fine with me. I have about a million ideas for things we could do that don’t involve anal. I assume that’s what you mean.”

“Yeah. That.”

Kyle walked around the island until he was standing beside Eric. “We can do whatever you’re comfortable with. Even if that’s me thanking you for a lovely meal and saying goodnight.”

“You came over here for more than that.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Kyle grabbed his hand. “Lesson one, Eric: you are never under any obligation to do anything. If you invite someone over for sex and then change your mind, you can do that. Always.”

Eric stared at their joined hands, fascinated by the long, slender fingers that tangled with his own meatier ones. “Seems rude, though.”

“Again, that doesn’t matter. You are never obligated. Although, if someone gets you off and they aren’t a complete fucking jerk, it is considered bad manners to leave them hanging. But it’s still your choice. And if they are a complete fucking jerk, then let them walk out of here with aching balls, I say.”

“Noted.” Kyle was so close, and all Eric could think about was kissing him. “But if they aren’t a complete jerk, and if I’m still...interested?”

“Then,” Kyle said huskily, “you should let them know. Just so they’re sure.”

Finally Eric gathered up his courage and asked, “Can I kiss you?”

Kyle tilted his chin up. “Please.”

He stayed perfectly still, letting Eric come to him. A jolt shot