“You played well, boys!” Coach says. “Don’t let this get you down. We’ll get them next time.”
Taking off my helmet, I shake out my sweaty hair. My side aches from the tackle I took and I think I pulled a muscle in my calf.
Grabbing a bottle of water, I down half of it before wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. My eyes search for him like they do every game.
I find him sitting with the girls, his attention on me, and I can’t help but smile. A little bit of the disappointment from our loss slips away as that new permanent flutter for Blake takes root deep in my stomach.
It’s been a month since Blake started tutoring me, but he’s more than just my tutor. I can confidently say that he’s my best friend.
And I can also confidently say that I’ve fallen so hard for this guy that I’m a pancake of mush for him.
Every time he laughs, smiles, hell, even his smell has me practically going into heat. It’s honestly very unhealthy, yet I don’t think I care.
I know there's a good chance I’ll get hurt. It doesn’t do anything to stop the feelings, though.
Blake and I have gotten to know each other pretty well already. He’s come over to my house, and I’ve gone to his. He’s met my dad, who adores him, and his mother is the sweetest.
I found out that Blake is demisexual and that he’s never had romantic feelings for anyone in his life. Not even attraction to someone.
The hope in his eyes when he told me he wishes to find that one person he connects with on a level, that has him feeling all the things he’d like to experience, compelled me to beg the gods that I’m that person.
The thing is, though, that even if I’m not, it doesn’t change anything for me. Blake is my friend first, and I intend to keep him in my life. Even if it’s just as we are now.
Still, I can’t help but get a little spark of hope that maybe, just maybe, I might have a chance based on the way he looks at me, watches me. But I could be reading into it and seeing only what I want to.
Either way, I’ll be patient with him. He doesn’t know how I feel, and I don’t plan on telling him. I don’t want to pressure him or make him feel awkward or uneasy.
Right now, he needs a friend, and damn it, I’m determined to be the best damn friend.
Val leans over and says something to Blake, pulling his attention from me. He nods his head, casts a quick look at me, then follows the girls.
Heading to the locker room, I shower quickly so I don’t keep my friends waiting. When I’m finished, I find them waiting for me outside.
“Heeeey.” Val rushes over to me, throwing her arms around me. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s just one game.” I chuckle, patting her on the back.
“I know, I just hate seeing you lose. You get all pouty and moody. I think you’re spending too much time with Blake. You’re starting to rub off on one another.”
I’ve been doing a lot of rubbing off, but it’s not on him.
Fuck me. Now is not the time to be thinking about sex. Or Blake. Or Blake naked. Naked Blake under me with my mouth around his cock.
I take a step back from Val, hoping she doesn’t feel my growing erection, and bring my football bag up to cover myself.
“You okay?” Val asks, brows furrowing.
“Peachy.” I chuckle.
“So, no celebratory party at the football house, I guess.” Val pouts.
“Like you need a reason to drink. I think you need to stay away from parties for a while,” Lexie huffs.
“Alright, fun police.” Val rolls her eyes.
“How about you all come over to my place?” Ellie asks. “The kids are with Theo’s parents tonight. And honestly, I could use a night to just hang out with my friends.”
“Yes!” Val grins. “I love your pool.”
