“Technically, I’m still gaming.” Preston opened his coat and flashed the flask in his inside pocket.Preston attends football games? With flasks of tequila?Apparently, Ethan wasn’t the only one of Jessica’s friends with a wild side.
“Why are you laughing? Are you laughing at me, Ethan Follett?”
That made Ethan’s laugh turn into a giggle. Was he giggling? Well, so would any guy if Preston Waters had left his refreshments line to talk to him.
“Preston Waters is drunk at a football game. I never thought I’d see the day.”
“You obviously don’t know me that well.”
“I know what your major is.”
“Get a room, you two!” Lorna said.
They moved up in line and ordered food. Lorna and Ethan got nachos, a pretzel, and a Coke, while Preston opted for the hot dog. She kept giving Ethan knowing looks.
Yes, I know. Preston Waters is flirting with me. I’m aware.
“You look really cute today,” Preston said, holding onto Ethan’s shoulder for stability…and maybe more.
Ethan’s smile annexed his entire face.This must be a dream.For the past year, he’d tried to get Preston’s attention. He’d initiated awkward conversations countless times to no avail. And now, all of a sudden, Preston noticed him. Ethan hoped this was the universe’s way of saying it had his back.
“Where are you sitting?”
“A few sections over.” Preston jammed his thumb behind him. And there, in the background, mingling with his bros, was Greg. Ethan’s unavoidable Greek chorus today, it seemed. They made the briefest of eye contact before Ethan returned his gaze to Preston and his piercing green eyes. Even though it was game day and he had a flask of tequila, Preston still wore a clean Browerton T-shirt tucked into crisp, dark jeans.
“These nachos are amazing. You have to try one.” Lorna pushed the nachos into Ethan’s face, breaking the staring contest he seemed to be having with Preston.
“Hey, these are my nachos. You got the hot pretzel.”
“Sharing is caring.”
“I don’t carethatmuch.” Ethan offered Preston a nacho. He placed his hand on Ethan’s as he swirled a chip in cheese.
“I’m going to eat my pretzel.” Lorna waved bye and shot Ethan an obvious wink.
“See you in there!” Ethan said back.
The boys were alone. Well, alone surrounded by thinning-out crowds. Ethan kept his attention on Preston. Not behind Preston where Greg was. He listened to the guy who was out and proudly talking with him.
“I think I’ll have another chip.” Preston cupped his hand over Ethan’s again, this time adding a massaging element.
Halftime wound down. People returned to their seats. Preston and Ethan didn’t go anywhere. While they talked, Preston found new ways to touch Ethan. A hand on the back to hear him better. A touch of his arm to ask him a question. A sweep of the hair out of his eyes to gauge his expression. Ethan realized that once he knew a guy was interested in him, the flirting came naturally. He felt confident that he already had the victory. Confident, but not excited. Not as excited as he should’ve been.
Stop thinking about Greg.Who cared that he and Greg were mere feet apart?
Soon, the crowds cleared out, and the concession stand workers cleaned off their counters. Ethan could hear his voice echo against the concrete walls.
“Should we go back to our seats?” Ethan asked.
“I’m fine here.” Preston’s unblinking gaze penetrated Ethan. “Actually, I have a better idea.”
Preston led him past all the sections to the end of the stadium, down into a small hallway that housed a supply closet. Ethan’s heart rumbled louder than the stomping on the bleachers.
“I’m not sure what’s happened in the past few weeks. You’re like a totally new person. I remember at the Rainbow Party you were so bland and repressed.”
Ethan flinched at the comment. Preston took a swig of his flask and offered, but Ethan declined. He wanted to be sober in this moment.
“I really like this new you.”
