“We will respect and protect your privacy. The only way I knew you were out of the country was the post your brother made before you came back.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, he doesn’t care how much crap he stirs up. Just the opposite of me.”
She laughed. “I think it’s great, and I’m so happy you found him.”
I rubbed the back of my neck again. “Me too. We’re both going to our sister’s wedding in Connecticut the week after training camp. If you want to set up an interview with both of us, then we’ll do it together.”
“I think that sounds very appealing to any journalist worth their salt. Let me see what I can work out with my friend at the Sports Network. Maybe we can use the footage here for our team broadcast.”
“That would be good,” I replied, relieved that I didn’t have to do it now. “By the way, I need to tell you something else.”
“Okay,” she said, warily. “I’m listening.”
“I’m, uh…” I paused a moment. Why was I hesitating? I wasn’t embarrassed. It was just the opposite. I was proud to be with Thomas, but it ticked me off that I had to announce my private life. “I’m in a relationship with someone. And I love him.”
Imagining her face, I waited for her reply. “I’m so happy for you, Mason. You deserve all the good things. Is it anyone I know? Wait. That’s none of my business. I’m just happy for you. My dad has a husband, and I think it’s great.”
“Lennox mentioned that. And thank you, Laura. I appreciate your support. I’m sure that will be another story when it gets out.”
“You don’t have to thank me. Hetero players don’t make announcements about their relationships unless they’re involved with a celebrity, so why should our queer players? Unless you’re telling me he’s a celebrity.”
I laughed, thinking about how Tommy was the opposite. “No, ma’am. No celebrity.”
“Either way, excuse my French, but fuck that notion. Storm Management is behind you, no matter what you want to do. If you want to announce it, we’ll handle it. Any bullshit will have to get by me. I was raised by a former Navy SEAL, so I can take the heat.”
My eyes widened at how protective she was. She’d become more of a friend than a PR person to me. Laughing, I thanked her again. “You’re the best, Laura. You should have been an agent.”
She chuckled. “Maybe, but I like controlling the narrative and the limelight. Someone else can deal with contracts. I’m here to protect you under the Storm family umbrella. You’re important to us, Mason.”
I needed to hear that. “Then let’s get this over with. I trust you, and Axel will too.”
“Okay, then I’ll get started on it.”
“Let me know if they’re interested and I’ll confirm a date with Axel.”
“I’ll be in touch.” Just as I went to say goodbye, she stopped me. “While I have you on the line, I have some news I’m sure will not devastate you.”
“Oh yeah, what’s that?”
She sighed. “Due to a lack of willing participation, we’ve cancelled the Bachelor Auction.”
I grinned from ear to ear. “Thank the… oh, I’m so sorry to hear that.”
She laughed at my response. “Sure you are. We’re going to ask the players to donate to a silent auction for fans, and we’ll work it into our PR plan for the season.”
“I really like that idea, Laura.”
“I figured you would,” she said. “I’ll be back in touch when I hear back from the Sports Network.”
I ended the call, lighter than when I started. Stripping off my clothes, I went to tell Thomas the good news.
Chapter 25
Thomas
A single candle flickered as the scent of sandalwood filled the bedroom. The French doors were open to the secluded beach below, allowing the sea breeze to offer a cool lick over our heated skin. Leaning over an outstretched Mason, I ran my oiled hands over his shoulders, then down to his lower back to the rhythm of the crashing waves, relaxing him as I coerced his tight muscles to give way. Randomly placed, unexpected soft kisses to his body caused him to shiver under my touch.
His perfectly defined glutes earned my attention after his afternoon workout of squats and whatever else he did to earn his athletic body. Squeezing each cheek repeatedly, I alternated between a kneading motion and deep palm rubs that beckoned my fingers to find his crease. The sounds he made were my guide to his pleasure.
