He followed Rick into the kitchen, watching as he got the pot ready, then pulled out a couple of mugs. He leaned against the counter, crossing his arms, and stared at Coop. He still wore that broody, hungry look from the first time they met. It had Coop crossing the kitchen and kissing those pouty lips and running his fingers through that short-short hair. He hummed his appreciation. Damn, he loved this man.
Rick gently pushed him back. “I’m not complaining, but when did you say you were getting back on the bike?”
“Pfft.” Coop stepped back and waved his fingers at Rick. “I know. Not soon enough. But…”
“But what?”
“I guess this time has shown me that there’s so much more to life than bikes.”
“Who the hell are you? What did you do with Lucas Cooper? Because my Coop—”
Cooper jumped at him, shutting him up with his lips. “Stop.” Fuck waiting on coffee. This had to happen. “I love you, Rick. Are we like heading for the altar? Is that where this is going?”
“Is that your way of asking me to marry you?” Rick scratched his head, literally.
“No. Asshole. It’s just that Scott was talking about life with his husband in the military and called me a spouse. And I was thinking back to when I got hurt and notifications and what ifs…”
Rick stepped closer and pulled Coop into a hug. “Don’t let any of that pressure you. We do this in our own time. We’ve taken what legal steps we can for now. The rest needs to wait until we’re ready. Are you ready for that yet?”
“It depends.”
“On…”
“I know what I just said, but I’m not ready to give up racing and dirt bikes. If I could be married to you and still have that, I would. I guess. Well. What I’m saying is that I’m afraid of what happens once the next race season starts and I’m traveling all over the country for weeks on end. What happens to us?” Theupcoming schedule spanned eighteen weeks from November to February.
“We figure it out, Coop. Just like we’ve been doing.” He turned and poured coffee, dumping his flavored creamer into his and stirring sugar into Coop’s. “You’re right. We need coffee.”
Coop took the mug offered and headed into the living room. They got comfy on the couch and sipped their hot drinks. Coop didn’t know what else to say. His heart was full, but he was still scared. Not of the commitment it would take but of losing Rick.
Rick put his hand on Coop’s knee. “Don’t worry, Coop.” He made Coop’s name sound like an endearment. “We’re going to be fine.”
Chapter Twenty-One – Rick
Today was going to kill him. Rick had several NCOERs due to the first sergeant this week but he could not focus. Coop was on the track today for the first time in months. Did the trainer even know to call Rick if something happened? What would he tell the captain if he needed to run out? Rick hadn’t been too open with his company commander about his personal life. Shit. He needed to not worry. Coop knew what he was doing and his PTA had told him that he was ready. Rick needed to trust his man.
“Lieutenant, you okay?” Emerson’s voice broke into Rick’s brooding.
Snapping his head up, Rick saw Emerson standing in the doorway. He threw his pen on the desk and leaned back in his chair. “Please, for everything that is holy, tell me there’s an issue that I need to address right now.” Yup, he was throwing himself on the mercy of an emergency to distract himself.
“Unless you know something that I don’t, then, nope. I don’t want to jinx us by saying more. You know how that goes, like saying it’s quiet in an emergency room,” Emerson said as he sat in front of Rick.
“I actually know about that. My friend, Drew’s partner…significant…boyfriend…” Rick stumbled over how to label Brody. It still surprised him that, one—Brody and Drew ended up at the same base; two—Brody was gay, Rick wouldn’t have pegged him as gay; three—that they were seeing each other.
Emerson’s face clouded over. Oh fuck. “Didn’t realize you were a homophobe, sir,” Emerson bit out through gritted teeth.
“What. The. Fuck?” Rick snapped. “Why would you think I’m a homophobe? I’ve got a partner.”
“You’re gay? Then why did you stumble over your friend’s boyfriend?” Emerson looked baffled.
“Because I don’t know that Drew and Brody have figured out what they’re doing so I wasn’t sure how…permanent a title to give Brody. I went to college with both of them, and I’m still shocked that they’re dating. I didn’t know Brody was gay. Drew? Oh yeah, no hiding that when you’re roomies for years. And yes, I am gay. Been with my boyfriend for almost a year. Coop’s a racer and is on the bike for the first time today after an accident he had while I was in officer basic…” His mind went back to Coop climbing on the bike again. No lie, seeing Coop straddling a bike was a sight to behold that definitely gave him ideas. Rick wasn’t going to let his worry affect Coop. He wasn’t. Coop wasn’t holding Rick back from jumping and rappelling, or everything and anything else Rick wanted to do. He was going to swallow his anxiety and smile big.
“Okay, what I’m hearing is you need a distraction.” Emerson slapped his hands against his legs as he stood. “Up you go, Lieutenant. Where’s your rucksack? We’re taking the platoon on a road march. They can always use the physical training. Are they going to bitch? One hundred percent. Bet you a beer that Swanson is the first to complain.”
Rick laughed as he stood. “No bet there. I’m not stupid. Swanson complains when his water is too warm in his Camelbak.” Checking the clock, Rick did some mental calculations. “Let’s take it a bit easy on them today. Yes, I need a distraction, and yes, they can always use conditioning but we have the battalion run this week. How about we do an easy seven miles? If they stay on pace, it shouldn’t take us more than two hours.”
Battalion Headquarters was only another half mile. His soldiers had it in them. A quick glance at his watch told him they were on pace to be done in under an hour and a half. Hooah! Rick felt his phone vibrate in his thigh pocket but there was no way he was pulling it out at the end of the march. Coop was on the bike today but regulations say no phones. Whoever was calling could leave a voicemail. They were almost back at headquarters so he’d respond soon.
“Let’s go, Bulldogs. You’ve got this. Less than a mile to go,” Rick called out encouragement to his soldiers. “Emerson, cadence.” A strong cadence would get them there in a good mood.
