Gap Control by Blair Brady

When a photo of TJ Jameson enthusiastically hugging teammate Mason goes viral, the internet does what it does best—jumps to conclusions. With the Lewiston Forge already earning a reputation as hockey’s most LGBTQ+-friendly team, rumors fly faster than a slap shot. To protect Mason from the media circus, TJ does what he always does: makes a joke. “Yeah, we’re totally dating.”
He expects Mason to laugh it off. Instead, Mason plays along.
Now TJ’s stuck fake-dating the most closed-off guy on the team—a defenseman whose gap control extends far beyond the ice. Mason’s spent years perfecting the art of maintaining just the right distance from everyone, keeping opponents and teammates alike at arm’s length. But as they navigate team dinners, road trips, and increasingly believable PDA, TJ discovers that playing boyfriend to Mason comes surprisingly naturally. Too naturally.
Mason’s got his own reasons for maintaining the charade, but falling for the guy who sees past all his walls wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was realizing that TJ’s humor isn’t just an act—it’s exactly what Mason’s been missing his entire life.
Sometimes the best defense is knowing when to let someone close the gap.