Colton could see this was difficult for Dean to talk about, and it made him feel even worse.
“After that, I left him and began working on improving my strength. I promised myself that would never happen to me again. But tonight, when you shoved me, it brought me back to that moment, and I was afraid it was happening all over again.”
Colton’s throat tightened and he felt a knot in his chest. He couldn’t imagine ever hurting Dean.
But he could vividly imagine the scenario Dean described, and it must have been frightening.
He moved over to Dean’s chaise and sat facing him. “Baby, I would never hurt you, and I would never, ever hit you. I shouldn't have pushed you earlier and I’m sorry I caused those bad memories to resurface.”
Dean looked at Colton with a half-hearted smile. “I know you would never hurt me. But when you pushed me, it was scary. I guess we both triggered each other tonight.”
Colton nodded. “I guess that’s good…in a way. Part of a relationship is learning the good things and the bad things.”
Colton reached out and wiped away Dean’s tears with his thumbs.
"Are we good?”
“We’re good.”
“Okay, now can we get back to what’s important here?” Colton said as he moved off the chaise and onto his knees next to Dean, placing his hands together in a prayer position. “Please fuck my brains out. Pleeeaaase fuck my brains out.”
Dean smiled and rolled his eyes. “You don’t deserve it but…fine! Let’s go.”
Dean stood and started to walk toward the stairs.
Colton grabbed his hand. “No. Fuck me here.”
“Such a dirty boy.” Dean grinned as he lowered Colton onto the chaise.
Chapter 43
Dean
Their away game against Seattle hadnotgone well. It was a rough game, a true defensive battle. Colton had opportunities to score, with eighteen carries in the game, but with the stout Seattle defense, he only managed forty-five total yards, and no touchdowns. Those Seattle boys seemed to have a personal grudge against Colton and made sure he felt each and every hit. They beat him like he stole something.
Still, the Niners were able to eke out a win at the last second. Colton got home at around 1 am, completely exhausted, and crawled into bed with Dean.
The next morning, when Dean woke up, Colton was already in the shower. Dean sleepily stumbled into the bathroom to pee. As he washed his hands and splashed water on his face, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he noticed there were cuts, scrapes, and bruises all over Colton's shoulders, arms, hips and legs. Many more than normal.
“Jesus, Colton! What happened?” Dean rushed into the shower and began to inspect his body.
“Rough game,” Colton said in a feeble voice, his head under the water.
“Yeah, I can see that! What is this from?”
“Some of it is from the turf. Some of it is from hits and tackles. And some of it is from helmets and cleats.”
Dean hugged him tightly, immensely uneasy. He’d always known it, but the sudden vivid reminder of just how dangerous this sport could be had his heart racing as he carefully examined each injury. “I hate to see you like this.”
“It’s part of the job, baby. It happens sometimes.”
“Are you okay?” Dean rubbed his face, kissing his lips.“I’m ok…just a little sore.” Colton gave him a weak smile and gently rubbed his arm.
While Colton finished showering, Dean stepped out and gathered some first aid supplies.
Colton sat on the bathroom counter as Dean tended to his injuries, cleaning the wounds, covering them with antibiotic ointment and some bandages.
Tears rolled down Dean's cheeks as he tended to his injuries.
