Kent looked over at me as he held the door. “I do. Fuck, who could it be? Zayd? I’m pretty sure that dude’s been sweet on you for months. And he’s hot as hell. And amazing in bed—which you know I know. You could definitely do worse than him. And actually, I?—”
“It’s not Zayd,” came a soft, twangy rumble from behind us. Creek walked up with his crutches, his face tightly drawn, and his gaze met mine. “Zayd’s into you?”
“He’ssonot into me,” I said in a rush, giving Kent a panicked look. “Kent just feels bad about their breakup, so he’s always trying to pawn the guy off on other people. Which is ridiculous because Zayd will date when he’s ready. And it won’t be me.”
“Damn straight,” Creek said, then walked close enough that I had to move my crutch out of the way so our hips could touch.
Kent stared down at where we were connected, then looked into Creek’s eyes and then mine. “You’re shitting me.”
Creek shook his head, still looking pissed. “But be serious. Is Zayd into him? I owe him because he kicked some homophobic asshole out of the bar the other night, but I’m not too keen on Heath spending a bunch of time with him if he’s sweet on him.”
Kent looked a little unsure. “No offense, man, but I thought you were straight.”
Creek shrugged and gave him a deadpan stare. “I’m gay for him.”
I knew Creek well enough now to hear his subtle sarcasm, but since it was lost on Kent, I quickly jumped in. “Stop being a smartass. I make my kids run laps for that.” I took Creek’s wrist in a light grip, and when he didn’t pull away or flinch, I tightened it a bit and looked at Kent.
Creek heaved a breath. “I’m bi, it seems. I realized it the more I tried to figure out why Heath was always crawling under my skin.”
“Have you always known?” Kent asked.
Creek shook his head. “Not really. My sexuality was just something I never gave two thoughts about until Heath.”
“It’s weird to hear you use his name,” Kent said uneasily. “And I really hope this isn’t going to become a problem.”
“If it is, I’ll change my schedule,” I promised. “I’d prefer if Creek kept his routine.” I knew it was far more important to him to keep a routine than it was for me. I could easily and happily sacrifice.
I felt his eyes on me—heavy with purpose. His arm twisted so he could grab my hand and run his thumb over my palm. “Thank you,” he said softly.
Kent shook his head. “You two are creeping me out. Let’s get to work before I fire you both.”
At that, we both laughed and then let go so we could get on with our day.
I thought PT would be weird with Creek now that things had changed, but I was happy when he put on his game face and got right down to business. He was still a grumpy asshole with his slower progress, but instead of directing it at me, he directed it toward doing more laps on the parallel bars. I even got a “good job” twice, which I didn’t know what to do with.
When we were done, Kent made us take separate showers, which was mortifying, and after Creek disappeared, I rounded on him. “I’m not going to suck his dick in the changing room.”
Kent rolled his eyes. “I know that. I just wanted a moment alone with you.”
My stomach fell. “Look, if you’re going to give me shit about that kiss…”
“I’m not. That’s your business to forgive, not mine.” He lowered his voice and took a step closer. “You and I both know what it’s like being with dudes fresh out of the closet. And he’s former military, man. That’s a rough climate for a bi dude his age.”
I understood where he was coming from, but I’d seen Creek’s support system firsthand, and I knew if we had issues, his being queer wouldn’t be one of them. “He has several housemates, and I think at least two are gay. One of them was his sergeant, so I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.”
Kent bowed his head, nodding as he stared at his feet. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“So you thought you’d hook me up with your ex instead?” I accused.
Kent glanced up, his eyes full of guilt. “I hurt him, not the other way around. I care about you both, and if I thought the two of you could make each other happy, I’d be all for it.” I didn’t know why they’d broken up, and at this point, I was too afraid to ask.
“I’m not into Zayd,” I said.
Kent’s shoulders sagged. “Yeah, no. And I don’t really think he’s into you either. Just…be careful, will you? The two of you have a lot on your plates.”
“I know. But I think I can make him happy.”
“And you’re sure that goes both ways?”
