Chapter Eight
Maksim searched through the junk drawer in the kitchen, looking for the scissors. He froze and stared down at the mess of Marshall and his things combined. They were living together. Maksim had no clue how it happened. He’d turned in his resignation letter, and his apartment was gone in the blink of an eye. Maksim called to let Marshall know his apartment sold, Marshall said they’d find a place for his stuff, and boom. Maksim couldn’t find his scissors in a drawer filled with their stuff. Nothing was Marshall’s or his any longer. It was theirs. Sometimes the knowledge hit Maksim at the oddest times. It wasn’t shock or fear that froze Maksim in his hunt; it was wonderment. He’d never pictured sharing his life with anyone. He couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
“The infamous junk drawer,” Michael said, appearing from nowhere and carrying catalogs. “You’ll never find anything in there.”
Maksim flashed Marshall’s twin a smile. “Especially since there’s twice as much junk now that I’m living here.” He leaned over and kissed Michael on the cheek. “I didn’t know you were coming by today.”
Michael flashed the catalogs he held Maksim’s way. “Yeah, this is the day Marshall and I spend every year, picking out what we’ll send Mom and Dad for gifts this year. One day scheduling orders, and we’re done with our familial duties until next year.”
That was one of the most depressing things Maksim had ever heard. He kept it to himself. “Marshall is downstairs, studying game clips. Do you want anything to drink? I’ll be down there in a minute.”
Michael shook his head and opened the fridge. “I can get it. Go back to your hunt. You don’t need to wait on me. Marsh and I have never been guests in each other’s home.” He froze and met Maksim’s stare, as if his own words registered a second too late. “Wait. This is your home too now, and I just barged in without thinking. Would you like me to knock next time? If the door is locked, I usually do, but it was unlocked, so I assumed Marsh left it open for me. Now I’m realizing I just invaded your home and I feel like an ass.”
Michael’s rambling had Maksim’s smile out of his control. There were moments—like now—when it was more than obvious Michael was Marshall’s twin in more than looks. “Nothing has changed. This is still your second home. Come and go as it pleases you. Raid the fridge. Stay if you’d like. You are Marshall’s twin. We love you.”
Michael’s smile let him know he’d said the right thing. Not that there was any other option. Marshall might not seem to mind the fact that Michael was all the real family he had, but Maksim minded. Sometimes it bugged the shit out of him that he was a trophy child, as Marshall put it. Other times, Maksim wondered if it was for the best. After all, he wasn’t sure, if he was Marshall’s parent, if he’d be the man he’d choose for Marshall. Not that it mattered. Maksim was the man who loved him. The man who’d love him until he died. Maksim’s chest ached. He needed Marshall’s kisses. He gave up on his search and hit the stairs. Nothing would be right again until Marshall’s lips brushed his.
Michael glanced up as Maksim came into view. He smiled before going back to flipping through his catalog. Maksim moved in behind Marshall. His fingers brushed through the back of the man’s hair before he thought about it. He tightened his hold and pulled, tilting Marshall’s head back. He captured the man’s lips. Maksim didn’t consider his action. His need to taste Marshall eclipsed all thought. As their lips met, Maksim realized something huge. It was the first time Marshall ever kissed him in front of Michael. It didn’t matter Michael already knew they were together and Maksim had moved in. Marshall had never kissed him with his brother as witness. Maksim was unprepared for the impact on his heart. He wasn’t a secret. Marshall wasn’t ashamed. They were a real couple. He was in love.
Maksim had to pull away to catch his breath. He’d never been so instantly winded. Michael was watching them and smiling.
Marshall scooted to the edge of the couch, making room for Maksim to climb in behind him. Maksim didn’t hesitate straddling the man’s back and pressing his lips between his shoulder blades. He stayed like that for longer than he cared to admit, inhaling Marshall’s scent. The long-sleeve tight t-shirt Marshall wore kept Maksim from touching his skin the way he wanted. This was enough. He’d take it.
“I can’t stop smiling,” Michael said. His expression matched his claim. “Seeing the two of you together makes my day.”
“Where’s your husband?” Marshall asked, ignoring Michael’s statement.
“Off-season practice with some of his buddies,” Michael said, sounding sad. Maksim felt a moment of connection with Michael. The man sounded how Maksim felt every time Marshall was out of his sight.
“What do you think about this for Dad?” Marshall asked, flashing the catalog Michael’s way. “Last I heard, he was working on his golf skills.”
Michael eyed the page. They were so matter of fact—like it mattered not at all that Marshall had heard through the grapevine his dad played golf and had never personally witnessed it. Michael shrugged. “Looks good to me. Maybe that along with a gold membership to White Plains Golf resort.”
“That’s good. I like that idea,” Marshall said, flipping the page.
Michael turned some more as well. “By the way, Gavin says the rumors have started about you two.”
Maksim’s heart stopped. “What?”
Michael didn’t look up. “Yeah. It’s sort of like, is he or isn’t he? Are they? That sort of thing.”
Maksim felt Marshall shrug. “Let them speculate. Here’s something else.”
Michael glanced over and looked at Marshall’s latest suggestion. “We got Mom that two years ago.”
“Oh yeah.” Marshall went back to his search.
Maksim still couldn’t breathe. “I don’t want to hurt your career.” Maksim heard the soft confession as if it came from someone else.
Marshall glanced over his shoulder. “The only thing that would hurt me is losing you, so hush. Grab a catalog and get to work. This could take a while,”
Maksim bit his bottom lip and picked up a magazine. He wanted to argue. The last thing Maksim wanted was to ruin everything Marshall worked to achieve. He loved his man child too much for that. Maksim couldn’t focus on the pages. He dropped the book. “Marsh—”
“I swear to god I will spank you if you say a goddamn thing that leads me to believe you have any intention of sabotaging our relationship because of some fucking true rumors.” Marshall delivered his warning without once taking a breath or looking Maksim’s way.
Maksim fought against his smile and lost. Michael caught his eye. The man’s smile matched the way Maksim’s felt. Michael winked before getting back to work. A few minutes and suggestions passed before Michael spoke up again. “I have another bit of news. How do you feel about being called Uncle Marsh?”
Maksim felt Marshall tense. His head turned Michael’s way. Michael’s gaze never wavered from his magazine, but the way he bit his bottom lip and smiled said it all. Marshall slapped the catalog from Michael’s hands, leaving the man no other choice but to look at him. “Spill.”
A smile exploded across Michael’s face. “Mara’s pregnant. She’s agreed to be our surrogate. In about six months, you’ll be an uncle.”
Marshall flew to his feet and pulled Michael to his. “Shut the fuck up,” he roared as he lifted Michael to his feet in a bear hug. “Oh my god. I can’t believe it. Never in a million years did I think our family would grow beyond you and me. Wow.”
“Congratulations,” Maksim said, feeling an odd pang of jealousy. He’d never considered the life Michael so easily embraced.
Michael flashed him a quick grin before focusing on Marshall once more. “Gavin and I were wondering if you’d be our child’s godfather? I know it’s a huge thing to ask,” Michael said, rushing out the words before Marshall could respond. “It’s just that our parents aren’t an option. Coach would do it in a heartbeat, but Gavin’s mom hasn’t spoken to him since he came out, and—well—
you’re kind of perfect for the job. I always thought you’d make one of those great, fun dads. Of course, we hope it isn’t a role that ever gets called in, but the last thing we want is there to not be a plan in place.” Michael finally stopped rambling. He seemed to hold his breath.
Marshall glanced Maksim’s way. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s none of my business,” Maksim shot back without needing to think.
A line appeared between Marshall’s eyebrows. “Of course it is. If there’s any chance at all that a kid might come to live with us, that’s your business.”
Maksim’s brain stuttered to a stop. Goddamn. They’d never felt more real. Marshall wasn’t playing house. He’d moved Maksim in with every intention of permanence and they’d never even discussed it. Their love just seemed to eclipse all sense of reason.
“I’ll let y’all think about it and talk it over. Just let me know sometime in the next six months,” Michael said, reclaiming his seat.
Maksim didn’t need to think about it. Chances were good that role would never get called in, but Marshall needed a family. Right now, all the man had was a set of shitty parents and a twin with a life of his own. This was one more tie. “It’s fine with me,” Maksim said quick before the topic slipped away.
Michael looked hopeful.
Marshall shook his head, as if in disbelief of how quickly things had moved. “Then I’d love to.”
Michael popped back to his feet. “I think this calls for a round of beers and I need to call Gavin.”
Maksim watched the man disappear up the steps. Marshall dropped to his knees between Maksim’s and captured his lips before he had time to guess at his intentions. He had no idea how long their lips clung in the sweetest kiss they’d ever shared. All Maksim knew was he wanted all the silent promises Marshall made him with nothing more than the brushing of lips.
“The two of you are just so damn adorable,” Michael said, reappearing with three beers in hand.
Marshall pulled away and flashed his brother a smile. He pretended to flip his hair. “What do you mean? I’m fucking adorable all the time. I’m like a baby squirrel on a hunt for his first nut.”
An unexpected loud snort escaped Maksim. He shoved Marshall’s shoulder, but the man didn’t budge. “You’re a fucking idiot,” Maksim said with laughter heavy in his voice.
“Maybe,” Marshall said, plopping down on his butt between Maksim’s knees and accepting the beer Michael fetched him.
Maksim accepted his as well. He took a swig before pressing his lips to the shell of Marshall’s ear. “You’re my fucking idiot, and I love you.” He watched Marshall’s profile change. The shape of his cheek proved how big his smile grew. Marshall’s happiness meant everything to Maksim. It was possible they’d never have all the things Michael and Gavin had. They’d probably never get married. He’d never thought about kids, but—most likely—that wasn’t in the cards for them. Hell, Marshall might never publicly come out. Maksim was fine with what they had, because he had Marshall’s heart. No other man on the planet could claim as much. He was content.
Chapter Nine
The turf beneath his cleats was as much a part of Marshall as the color of his eyes. Even the sun beating down on him, burning his skin, couldn’t dampen Marshall’s love of the game. He’d worked twice as hard today, and he knew the reason. Maksim had joined him on the field today. With his new business up and running, Maksim needed new blood. Training camp was filled with players who were good enough to be pro but would still be cut from the team before the first regular season game. Maksim eyed each possibility. Marshall was hyper aware of his love walking the sidelines.
Two of Marshall’s teammates, Will and Leon, stretched nearby. Marshall moved to join them. He grabbed a bottle of water and chugged it while fighting the urge to pour the entire bottle over his head. July was a tough time of year for training camp. The heat had dehydration setting in along with horrible cramps. They each tried taking as many breaks as possible to stretch and hydrate. It didn’t help all that much. New Orleans in November was bad, but New Orleans in July was hell on earth.
“I’ve been meaning to tell you congratulations on landing the starting position this year,” Leon said as soon as Marshall came up for air. “We all liked Waylon, but his arm is shot. Last year, we got closer to the big game than ever before. With you, we could make it this year.”
Marshall fought not to preen like an idiot. He’d worked damn hard for this. It mattered that his teammates felt he’d earned it. “Thanks.”
“Coach’s son is here,” Leon said, nodding toward the sidelines and changing the subject.
Marshall glanced behind him. Sure enough, Gavin stood, chatting with his dad. Marshall’s gaze automatically slid Maksim’s way. With a clipboard in hand, he walked the sideline. Marshall bit back a smile. Damn, Maksim looked sexy as sin.
Will snorted. “I see that Petrov guy is here too. Today must be invasion of the fa—”
Marshall’s head whipped around. He dared Will with his eyes to finish his slur. “Go on.”
Will visibly floundered. “Shit. Sorry. I forgot Coach’s son is married to your brother.”
Marshall fought his natural inclination to say it was fine. It wasn’t. They were about to have a problem.
Will’s shame lasted all of five seconds. “Speaking of which, why is he with that Petrov guy? Everyone knows that guy could get anyone a spot on the team of their choice for a blow job.”
Something inside Marshall broke. There’d only been a thin dam between his head and heart to begin with, and Will’s words were like a sledgehammer, breaking it down.
Marshall’s spine stiffened. A smirk touched his lips. “Maksim isn’t here with Gavin.”
Will shrugged, looking nowhere near as concerned as he should. “What makes you think so? They’re both gay, and—from what I hear—Gavin is a player. I’m just looking out for your brother.”
There were so many things wrong with Will’s statement, Marshall didn’t know where to rage first. Instead, his wicked grin grew. “I know he’s not here with Gavin, because Maksim is here with me.” Without waiting to see the men’s reaction, Marshall walked away, heading Maksim’s way. He tucked his helmet under his arm as he went. His gaze never wavered from the man who owned his heart.
Maksim looked up from his clipboard. The man’s expression turned heated when he focused on Marshall. “Hey.”
“Hey, gorgeous,” Marshall said before claiming Maksim’s mouth. For a moment, Maksim stiffened in his arms. Then his hand landed on Marshall’s shoulder and slid higher until he cupped Marshall’s jaw. Nothing mattered except the lips against his and the man who owned them. For as many years as Marshall had spent worrying what people would think, it surprised him how easily that fear slipped away for Maksim. No one could claim he didn’t belong on this team. If they wanted to win, they’d keep their fucking opinions about his personal life to themselves.
Marshall pulled away.
Maksim’s gaze moved over his face. He massaged Marshall’s neck. “You’ve done it now,” he whispered.
“I don’t care,” Marshall said with a shrug and never meaning anything more. “You’re mine, and you’re worth it.”
Maksim bit his lip and dropped his gaze to the ground before meeting Marshall’s stare once more. The happiness written on Maksim’s face let him know he’d made the right choice. “I love you, man child.”
A whistle blew. Marshall glanced over. Coach pointed toward the field. “Get back to work, Frost.”
With a nod, Marshall shoved his helmet on before tossing Maksim a wink. “Love you too. See you at home.”
“Yeah. See you there.”
Marshall jogged back onto the field without meeting anyone’s gaze. He didn’t fool himself by thinking his life would be easy now. In fact, he’d never been more certain things would never be the same. It didn’t matter. He wouldn’t spend the rest of his life hiding Maksim. If the shoe was on the other foot, it w
ould kill him if Maksim denied him. The hard road was worth it, as long as Maksim was there to walk it with him.
The way Marshall carried himself—so proud—was the sexiest act of defiance Maksim had ever seen. When Marshall kissed him, Maksim didn’t know why the clipboard hadn’t fallen from his numb fingers. He couldn’t feel a thing beyond the shock. In the blink of an eye and with no explanation, Marshall put everything on the line for Maksim. Maksim couldn’t tear his gaze away from the amazing man who’d ruined him for all others, even as the man moved to join the rest of his team on the field.
Gavin sidled up beside him. “Hands down, that was the bravest thing I’ve ever witnessed.”
“Yeah,” Maksim said, still reeling.
“Or the stupidest,” Gavin added, pulling Maksim from his haze. He couldn’t argue Gavin’s logic. Marshall had said he wouldn’t risk the life and career he’d built for someone who only saw him as a fun time. Maksim had let the man he loved feel that way for too long. They were in this together, and Maksim would never let Marshall go it alone.
“Man child.”
At Maksim’s shout, Marshall turned his way, but continued walking backward.
Maksim didn’t need to think it over. “Marry me.”
Marshall’s face lit. “Tell me a time and a place. I’ll be there.”
“All the time. Everywhere,” Maksim shouted back. His smile was out of his control.
“You’re on,” Marshall called out. He looked over at his teammates. Everyone openly watched their exchange. Marshall pointed at Maksim. “That’s going to be my husband,” Marshall yelled. The pride in his voice sent Maksim’s heart soaring. Some of Marshall’s teammates looked as if they thought he might be joking. Marshall shrugged when no one offered their congratulations.
For the first time in Maksim’s life, everything felt right—like he was headed in the direction meant for him. Marshall had just given him the world, risking it all. No matter what happened, Maksim wouldn’t let him down. No matter what, Marshall would be happy for the rest of his life, because Maksim wouldn’t let it be any other way.
Bang (Hard Hit Book 13) Page 9