“Piece of advice?” Dev set his fork on the table.
“I’m all ears.” Dev had been in almost the same position after his backup stepped into his place and played way beyond anyone’s imagination. If anyone knew how to handle the situation, it was him.
“Coach knows what’s what. Use the time to study the films, learn the playbook, and think outside the box. The Kings are very much a family organization and value teamwork and players getting along. It’s why I always wanted to play for them. They stood behind us and me anytime we needed them.”
Dev’s explanation made sense. “I hear you. I just hate feeling useless.”
“You’re not. Watch and learn how the team meshes. Be the bigger man to match the big salary. Congratulate Harte and encourage him—guy’s got all the experience in the world. He’s a good backup for you.”
Wise words. I’d known Dev would give me the perspective I needed. “Thanks. I remember you doing that for Fontaine when you were injured. I appreciate the advice.”
“We’ve all been there. Anytime you wanna talk, we’re here for you. And I’m serious. Think about coming on the podcast. Fans would love hearing about your life in the big city as a single guy.”
In the car on my way home, I wondered if I would ever be able to do what others had done and come out as bisexual. Coward that I was, I knew it would be easier if I ended up with a woman, but the truth remained that lately my thoughts had revolved around being with a man. Like the beautiful man from Intensity.
Which was why, like the evening before last, I found myself in the salon, mask on, sipping a Scotch and scanning the room.Fuck it, I thought. If I wasn’t going to play on the field, I might as well play in the sheets.
A knot of excitement tightened in my belly when I saw him across the room, standing by the fireplace. The beautiful man with the dark-brown waves, dressed in a sleek suit. Our eyes met, and his widened, flaring hot with recognition.
Determined this time not to move too fast, I strode over. “We meet again.”
“So I see.” His generous mouth curved upward.
“Your glass is about empty. Can I get you a refill?”
“I think I’d rather have a clear head to talk with you.”
Hoping his words meant what I thought they did, I needed to make sure not to overstep and scare him away a second time. “So you’re not planning on running?”
He set the glass on the mantel and took a step closer. “Not this time.”
My glass joined his. “I was hoping you’d say that. Why don’t we find a more private spot?” He opened his mouth, and I shook my head. “Not upstairs. Here.” I held out my hand, and after hesitating, he took it. I led him to a corner in an adjoining room, where couples were engaged in more intimate conversations. Something I hoped for with my new friend. I positioned myself catty-corner to face him. “I thought I’d frightened you away the other night.”
“Yet here I am.”
“In the very awesome flesh.” I grinned, wondering what he looked like under his well-fitted suit. Usually, I didn’t spend this much time talking to a potential bed partner, especially a man. There was always someone willing and eager to get naked quickly.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go upstairs?” I turned on the charm, giving him my most wicked smile.
He gazed up at me, wary and a bit tense. “I think this is good enough, don’t you?”
About to disagree, I held my tongue. Why was I rushing it?
“All right. Would you like another drink?”
He nodded, and together we walked to the bar, where he got a beer and I ordered another Scotch. We returned to our private corner.
“I know enough not to ask for specifics,” he said, “but what brings you here?”
I stared into the tumbler of amber liquid in my hand. “Probably the same as most everyone else. With my job, I’m not in the position to be out. It’s been…hard.”
As I spoke the words, I realized how truly sad it was. I’d spent my life hiding because of other people’s beliefs. On the field I was willing to take any and all risks to win. But when it came to my heart, I was…afraid. Not an emotion I’d ever thought to hear, and I didn’t like it. I wondered if I’d ever have the courage to be myself.
“I’m sorry,” the man whispered. “I should go.”
“No, please don’t.” I didn’t want him to disappear again. I couldn’t let that happen. “Did I say something wrong? Most likely you have similar issues. Sometimes it helps to talk it out with a stranger, even if we can’t get into specifics.”
Those deep brown eyes filled and glistened. “I’m not the right person for you to confide in.”
