When Troy sees me hesitating, he tightens his brow. “Come here,” he says as his hand lands on my hip and he pulls me close.
Our mouths meet in a slow, firm kiss. His tongue pushes against mine, and I lean up, putting my weight into it.
We pull away, and warmth gushes through me.
“Now go,” he says again, eyes blazing as he looks at me. “Have fun.”
“I’m coming to your place the second I’m done.”
“I’m counting on it.”
Immediately, I’m swept back up into the excitement of the team. Coach gives another speech in the locker room, and so does Zeke. We end up huddled with our arms around each other’s shoulders, already psyching ourselves up for the next big match.
Plenty of guys take a minute to congratulate me personally, too. I can see a lot of them are genuinely happy for me that I’ve come out, even if they’re still thrown that I’m dating Troy. A few people seem to avoid my eyes, but I tell myself not to take that on.
Let them have their discomfort. Today is about all the wins.
Zeke clasps my shoulder. When I meet his eye, he gives me a nod.
“You know the team has your back, right?”
I’m surprised by his words. It’s not that I expected Zeke to reject me, but his reaction could have gone a lot of ways.
“Thanks, Zeke,” I tell him. “I really appreciate that. And everything you’ve done for me and the team.”
He nods. “If anyone can keep you out of trouble, it’s Troy.” He considers me. “Seems you’re good for him, too.”
“I try to be,” I agree, and Zeke clasps my shoulder one more time before moving back into the crowd.
Somehow, the team makes it back out on the field. We take more photos, and a lot of us have interviews with media on the side. When my obligations are almost complete, I see Kevyn and Stace talking by the goal.
“Hey, Orlando, anything new today?” Kevyn jokes, and I laugh.
“How’s the exam?” I ask Stace.
“Only mildly stress-inducing, but I know I nailed it. Great game, by the way. And very nice coming out.”
I grin and push my hand through my hair. “Thanks. I’m sure there’s going to be an aftermath to deal with later, but it’s worth it.”
Kevyn sneaks away to give another interview, leaving Stace and I alone for a minute. I see the way her eyes trace after him and smile to myself.
“Are you still keeping things casual?” I ask quietly, and Stace pulls her eyes back to me.
“School is done,” she points out and lowers her voice, “but public relationships with famous athletes are still definitely off the table.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Public relationships,” I say, “but maybe a secret one?”
Stace shrugs and smiles to herself.
Someone grabs me for my last interview, and when I’m done, I immediately find my phone and call Troy. “Hey, boyfriend. I’m coming your way,” I tell him when he answers.
Troy grunts. “Are you meeting up with your team tonight?”
“Not for a few hours.”
“That’s what I thought. I’m waiting in a car at the stadium’s back entrance. I got us a hotel nearby.”
I grin to myself. “Sentimental reasons?”
