We’re the same age, but he calls me an old soul, it’s one of the reasons we took so long to get together. We never thought we’d be compatible, no matter how much of an emotional connection we had as friends, but we’ve found what works for us. Other people might not get it, or find us confusing, but fuck them, this is our relationship, and it can look like whatever we choose it to be.
I rinse and condition his hair, take my time to wash him, and even use his favorite moisturizer after he’s dried off, all the while telling him how beautiful he is and how much I love him. I carry him back to bed and get him settled, making sure he has everything he needs to be comfy, before settling in behind him and pulling him into my arms. He’s the perfect little spoon.
“I love you,” he whispers, on the edges of sleep.
“I love you too,” I murmur against his neck.
Tonight didn’t go anywhere near as I’d planned, a nice hotel, maybe a fancy dinner date. Did I come here expectingto watch him get railed by two massive bikers? No. But now that he’s lying satiated in my arms, completely blissed out and happy, I’m so glad it all worked out this way.
Chapter 23
Donovan
I’veonlyeverwatchedcollege football games, and yeah, there’s a lot of hype around them, but nothing like this. The TV is on in the LAMC clubhouse; after hearing that Jamie and Max were here to watch their friend play, the club wanted to be supportive and put it on. Everyone cheers when the camera sweeps the crowd and we catch a glimpse of them; I don’t mention that I also recognize the parents they’re standing next to as well.
Pretty much all of the commentary is about Stephen. He’s the rookie, the hopeful new star, and everyone’s eager to see what he’ll do with the chance he’s been given during Isaac’s injury. Knowing how nervous he gets before games, I can easily imagine how he’ll be feeling right now, but I stop myself from intruding and messaging him good luck.
The camera view switches to one of the stadium corridors, showing the Warriors all arriving together. My heart jolts when Stephen appears on-screen, he’s not looking at the camera, instead keeping his head down with noise-canceling headphones on, and a suit tailored to perfection. The view of his biceps straining through the fabric causes my breathto hitch; he’s gotten even bigger since I last saw him, I guess training full time will have that effect.
Nobody at the club knows that Stephen is my ex; they haven’t worked out that Max and Jamie’s friend is the same person as my roommate. It should hopefully make today easier; I just need to keep my head down and watch the game.
The players disappear into the locker room, and the cameras return to the crowd, running commentary over the top about the Warrior’s chances for the season ahead. Will they make the playoffs this year? Do they have a shot at the Super Bowl?
We hang out with the TV on in the background, until the players start to make their way onto the field. I’m so used to seeing Stephen in Winbrook red, it’s a surprise to see him in Warrior blue; it looks good on him though, then again, he’d make anything look good.
I must make a sound, or a movement, because Beth suddenly grips my hand. “Wait… is that?” she whispers, as the screen shows a close-up of him talking to another player.
I nod my head, wanting to look away from the screen, but also not able to take my eyes off him.
“You can say it,” I chuckle.
“What?” she asks.
“I know what you’re thinking.”
“I’m not thinking anything,” she says, her eyes wide, knowing she’s been caught.
I raise my brows at her. “So you’re not thinking that he looks insanely hot.”
“No,” she scoffs.
“Mm-hmm.”
“Fine,” she mutters, “it’s kind of unfair how hot he is, nobody should have those cheekbones and that head of hair, it’s fucking criminal. I mean, leave something for the rest ofus. And I saw him in that suit, don’t even get me started on his body…”
“Mmm, believe it or not, he looks even better naked,” I chuckle. It’s the first time I’ve been able to make light of the whole situation, which I’m taking as a positive.
“Fuck me, I bet he does,” she says, making sure my brother doesn’t overhear her.
She’d never actually look at another guy, she’s just enjoying being part of my experiences from Winbrook. I’ve also been on the receiving end of her hook-up stories countless times, so it feels good to be able to share something with her instead.
“What are you two whispering about?”
Diablo appears and leans into Beth, wrapping her in his arms and nuzzling into her neck. I’ve never seen him act like this with anyone before, and it’s taking some getting used to for sure.
“Nothing,” Beth chuckles, “just hoping we catch another glimpse of Jamie and Max.”
She points at the screen, and luckily the camera has moved away from the players and back to the crowd.
