Logan thought fast, reviewing Wally's words. "Do youwantdating tips?"
"'Fraid that's not gonna work, Logan. I don't exactly play for your team," Wally snapped. Then he tilted his head, considering. "Of course, maybe if you helped me make a playforsomeone on your team…? Gotta say, those skin tight shorts you prance around the field in are fuckinghot. But then, you'd have to tell them you've spent the last few weeks sharing a room with your gay roommate. Wonder how they'll take it? Might think you're gay, too, you consider that? You've seen how the guys here at the house are. You really believe your football team will be much better? Maybe next time it'll be you getting 'Wet Wally'd. Only,you'llhave deserved it."
Logan's fists clenched at his sides, indignation flooding his throat and spilling out of his mouth in a hiss. "Don't know how many times I have to say it, but I swear — my drink getting dumped on you was an accident."
"Oh yeah? And who let them in on that little game of yours? Who told everyone to start calling me Wally again?" Wally snarled. "Or are you really so stupid you didn't think I'd guess it was you, Logan?"
"I didn't mean to!" Logan snapped. "Ashton said legacies don't get hazed, and I was trying to point out you were a legacy, too. How was I supposed to know you were trying to change your name? It's Ashton who's behind the 'Wet Wally' crap this time, not me.And!I just told him I'd punch him in the face and file a complaint against him if he did it again, too."
Wally rolled his eyes, looking bored. "Okay, great. You're a regular homo-hero. Good for you. You expecting an award? A cape, maybe? Get fucked."
Logan sucked in a breath, instinctively shoving his shoe in the door before Wally could finish closing it.
"Okay," he said quietly, jumping in before his better judgment could get in the way of his future.
"'Okay'?" Wally laughed darkly. "'Okay' towhat?"
Logan rubbed at the back of his neck, but…
"Is that what it'll take?"
"Is that… Is that whatwhatwill take?" Wally repeated, shocked. "What are you talking about?"
"I'll do whatever, man. I'm not kidding," Logan sighed. "Look, I really,reallyneed your help getting my grades up, or Coach is going to cut me. I can't promise to hook you up with any of the cheerleaders — " Logan held up a hand to stop the argument he could already read in Wally's face before he could get started. " — not even the two guys on the cheer squad thatareinto dating other guys, much less any of the three others who aren't. And I definitely can't help you bag one of the other players on my team. I don't have any money to pay you to tutor me, either. My scholarships barely cover my tuition and house dues as it is."
"Really selling your case here, hot stuff," Wally said flatly. "You're deluded if you think I'm going to spend my time helping tutor you. And on top of that, you're not even offering to pay me or set me up on a date? So, whatareyou offering? A pair of those ridiculously expensive shoes you and the other guys drool over? Not interested. The way I see it, you've got nothing I want."
Logan blew out a huge breath. "There might be one thing."
Was he really going to do this?
"And what would that be?" Wally asked, everything from the way he was squinting at Logan now to the arms crossed over his chest reading: skeptical.
But what other choice did Logan have here, really? He needed to get his grades up. He needed to make sure Wally didn't go file a complaint that would wind up on Coach Rankin's desk. He needed to maintain his place on the team, and to keep playing football. Because without football, what else did Logan have?
But Wally didn't want money, even if Logan could've afforded to pay. He wasn't interested in Logan's rare sneakers, or his help getting a date, or just about anything else Logan could afford to part with.
And so he took a deep breath, and offered Wally the one thing Logan was sure the other man wanted:
"Me."
Chapter 7
Devil's Bargain
"What?"Wally stared at Logan, utterly frozen.
"You help me bring my grades up," Logan began, closing his eyes as if not being able to see meant he could dodge the sliding tackle headed his way. "And I'll — I'll let you, uh, do stuff to me."
Wally barked a laugh, sharp and loud in the quiet room."'Do stuff?'" Wally scoffed. "You can't — Sweet baby Joseph on a fuckingbike.Just what in the hell is that supposed to mean? You can't seriously think — "
Logan bit his lip, seeing the entire house of cards he'd been betting on wobble. "Uh…"
"Oh my God," Wally said in a low voice as he scrubbed his hands over his face. "Youdo, don't you? You're here asking for my help, in exchange for — What? Say it, Logan. What exactly is it you're talking about here?"
"Um…sex stuff?" Logan whispered, not meeting Wally's eyes.
"SEX STUFF?Logan. God." Wally took a quick step back, a meaty thunk sounding in the small room as his shoulders hit the bunk frame. "What… I’mgay, not pathetic. Why the fuck do you think I'd take you up on that? Why the fuck do you think I'd take you up on that?"
