“You’re welcome. Get some breakfast, I’ll be over after a few calls. Seth, this is going to be good for you.”
“I’m not going to worry about it now. I’ll see you in a few.”
As Seth was finishing in the bathroom Colby stepped in and grabbed the mouthwash. He appreciated how awesome Colby looked, but more than that, he really appreciated how good Colby was to him.
After Colby rinsed his mouth he turned and stared at Seth. “Do you still want to get married?”
“Oh yes, babe, I want you to be in my life forever.”
“I couldn’t sleep so I did some research. We need to make an appointment.”
“You didn’t sleep well?” Seth reached out and squeezed his shoulder.
“I slept some, but I was tossing and turning so I got up. The information is written down in the kitchen.”
“Are you ready to get married?”
“We’ll call today and make an appointment. Seth?”
Seth moved close to Colby and rested his hands on Colby’s hips. “Yeah?”
“When I met you, I had no idea anything like this was possible. Being with you has broken through any assumptions I had about what love was. I had no clue it could be this wonderful.”
His breath mingled with Colby’s, heating the air between them. “We’re good together.”
“We are,” Colby said.
“I love you.”
“I’m still amazed that you want to be with me. I freaking love you too. This is how it’s supposed to be, us together forever.”
“We need to shower. Justin is coming over in a bit.”
“Oh, do I need to fix breakfast?”
“No, he said to eat which I think means he is going to get his own food.”
“Okay, well I guess we need to shower.”
Colby stepped into the shower stall first and Seth followed. He kissed the back of Colby’s neck but didn’t stay close since they needed to finish quickly. He focused on washing Colby’s back before spinning him around, wishing they had hours to play together in the shower instead of minutes. Colby chuckled when he caught Seth’s gaze.
“We’ll have time later. Finish your shower and I’ll have breakfast ready for you.”
“Thanks.” Seth’s heart was so full of love. He thanked his lucky stars that he’d found this man who was absolutely perfect for him.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Seth had called the county clerk before leaving the bedroom. After Justin left he would tell Colby everything. They finished their breakfast just as Justin buzzed to come up. He’d purposely avoided social media and the news. It was bad enough what Channing had done, he couldn’t imagine the hate that would be spewed at him.
Colby opened the door for Justin and Seth would be lying to say he wasn’t a little jealous when Justin hugged Colby.
“Hey, Justin. I was still asleep when you called this morning. What happened?”
“It’s good for you. Social media is turning in your favor. Channing has been fired from his position with the University. They were going to keep it quiet, but the interview he did with his wife, the one where he was bashing you, yeah, that backfired. A bunch of other players who went to Florida or at least visited Florida are claiming that Channing tried something with them.”
Seth blew out a breath and shook his head. “Why did I believe him?”
Colby squeezed his shoulder and ran his hand down Seth’s back. “You didn’t know he was lying. It’s not bad that you believed him.”
“I just feel like a fool.”
“You’re not a fool,” Colby said.
“I have that statement typed up for you. Sit down and read it and then I can send it out.” Justin set up his laptop and pulled up a document.
Seth sat and read the letter, happy with what Justin had written for him. “This sounds good.”
“Thank you. So, I was thinking we should introduce Colby to the public.”
“We’re getting married,” Seth said.
“Yeah, that’s great.” Justin smiled and picked up his computer, settling on the other side of the table.
“No,” Seth shook his head. “We’re getting married today.”
Justin looked up, his mouth hung open. “Really?”
“Really?” Colby asked.
“Yeah, I wanted it to be a surprise, Colby, but I realized I wanted to see if you could make it, Justin.”
“No way. That’s cool. Okay, what time?” Colby said.
“Three this afternoon,” Seth answered.
“That is fantastic.” Justin pulled out his phone and nodded. “I’m good. I would love to be there and stand up for you guys. Dang, that is awesome.”
“I think I need to ask Maddox to be there. He seemed a little angry that he didn’t already know about you.”
“He can come. Actually that would be awesome,” Colby said.
“I’m going to send out this press release. I kind of want to say something about you getting married, but I don’t want to confuse the issue.”
“No, don’t say anything. We’ll eventually announce it, but this is for us. Colby, I requested a confidential license. That just means that no one else can have access to the records. It’s not that I’m ashamed of you, I just don’t want anyone to use you.”
“That’s fine,” Colby said. “Actually I was thinking about that when I looked up the information last night.”
“Good. So we have a lot to accomplish before we get married.”
Justin nodded and closed his computer. “Just sent it. Okay, I’ll be back at two. I’ll drive you guys over and then we can do a little bit of celebrating this evening.”
“I need to call Maddox,” Seth said.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Colby laughed.
Seth tugged him close and kissed his forehead. “We’ll go buy rings once I get off the phone.” Everything was falling into place and he couldn’t be happier.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Colby couldn’t believe they were buying wedding rings. He didn’t need anything fancy, but Seth didn’t want him to settle. “I’m fine with the plain gold band.”
“Babe, I want to treat you special.”
Colby shook his head and laughed. “Okay, I like this one.” Colby pointed to a nearly plain white gold band that had etching around the center.
“I like them.” Seth kissed Colby’s cheek and then stood tall, getting the saleswoman’s attention. “Can we try these two on?”
“Um, sure. Let me grab the keys.”
They were in a small jewelry store that was mostly empty. Seth had warned him that reporters might be following them, but they’d escaped the craziness so far. He was glad, because they didn’t have to put on a show or hide. Earlier, he’d called into work, telling them he had a personal emergency. So far he was still anonymous but that could change. With Seth being so famous, he knew there was a possibility he would have to quit his job. But Seth was more important than a job, and he knew he could find another one if needed.
The store clerk came over, a smile on her face. “Okay, here we go. Try these on and let’s see what size you need. We may have them in the store.”
Colby sucked in a breath. He wanted them today and if they weren’t available, it would crush him. The woman held out the first ring and he slid it on but it was too big. Seth took the ring and it fit perfectly on his hand. Another smaller but identical ring was produced.
“Here, try this one.”
Colby slid the ring on his finger and it fit perfectly. He looked up at Seth, catching the love shining in his eyes. They could make it. They had a good chance of being more than just a statistic. Neil had never looked at him the way Seth did. It wasn’t just a one-time thing for Seth either. He’d caught Seth staring at him so many times, love evident. They had a chance of becoming something epic and he was going to do whatever he could to make that happen.
The day melted away almost too fast. They didn’t tell their parents because they
didn’t want anyone to beg them to wait. He was glad that Seth insisted today be the day for them to get married. They’d stayed off social media all day. It was a blessing because he was only focused on the love he felt for Seth and not the crazy stuff going on out there in the ether.
When they showed up at the government office Seth’s coach was already there. They were both nervous and when Seth reached to shake his coach’s hand, his coach pulled him into a hug. Maddox hugged Colby too.
“Jeffery, it’s good to see you. Thank you for coming.”
“Anything for you, Seth. Colby, it’s good to see you again.”
“Thank you. And it’s good to see you too,” Colby said. His throat was thick with emotion. Having Seth’s coach here was good.
Justin stepped in and smiled when he saw them. “The car is parked.”
“Jeffery, do you know my agent, Justin?”
Jeffery stepped forward and smiled “Justin, it’s good to see you when you’re not trying to negotiate.”
“It’s good to see you too, especially under these circumstances.”
“Okay, Mr. Mercer and Mr. Larsen, are you ready?”
Colby reached out and took Seth’s hand. “Yes.”
“Good. Sign these papers while I look at your documents.”
Seth handed over his driver’s license and so did Colby. They also gave the woman their birth certificates and signed where she asked them to. After receiving their marriage license they moved to an office. Colby’s hands were shaking and he was glad Seth was still holding on to him. He knew gay marriage had been legal for a long time but he felt like maybe someone would come in and tell him they couldn’t do this.
The man officiating their wedding took their license and stood beside the window so they were looking out into a garden. “I’ve been doing marriages for years. I have to say that I’m always pleased to offer my services to couples like yourself.”
Seth was clenching his hand and Colby stepped closer to him. He tried to listen to everything the guy was saying, but his ears started ringing and he just did his best to say what he was supposed to when he was supposed to say it. Then they were married and Seth pulled him close, his lips pressing against Colby’s.
Tears burned his eyes and he couldn’t let go of Seth. They were legally wed and he wasn’t alone any longer. Seth’s forehead was against his and both of them were crying. He knew they were going to get married eventually so he should have been prepared for the emotions but he was overwhelmed. They’d really done it.
“Congratulations,” Justin hugged him.
Then Jeffery pulled him into a hug. “That was awesome. Congratulations. I’m happy for both of you. I need to head home, but thank you for allowing me to be a part of this.”
“Thank you,” Colby choked out. He couldn’t let go of Seth’s hand and he felt like he was going to burst. They signed their papers and took the document back to the first person they’d met with. Their papers were processed and it was official.
Justin held the door open and Colby stepped out into the circus. Cameras were everywhere. Someone had informed the media and they’d shown up in force. Seth turned to Justin and Colby caught the quick head shake he’d given Seth.
“That means you didn’t know about this either?” Colby asked.
“No. I wouldn’t do this to Seth,” Justin said. “Go back inside and I’ll go get the car and pull it to the side of the building. There’s an exit there.”
Seth dragged Colby back inside and they headed down the hall. When they exited the side of the building they got lucky and the reporters hadn’t found them. Justin took off as soon as they were in the car. Seth helped him strap in and then he clicked his own seatbelt in place.
“Well, you’re probably going to be recognized by the people at work.”
“Probably.”
Colby sighed and reached up, smoothing his hand over Seth’s cheek. “It feels amazing being married to you.”
“Are you sure? The cameras aren’t going to go away.”
Colby smirked and his heart squeezed. He loved his man so much that all of the cameras in the world wouldn’t scare him away. “Babe, they’ll get bored with us. I love you. We’ll have peace after the initial craziness goes away.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?” Colby asked.
“Marrying me.”
“Babe, thank you. I can’t believe that you want me and that we’re a couple. It’s amazing and I’ve never felt this way.”
Seth leaned in close and brushed his lips over Colby’s. “We’re almost home. The reporters are close behind us. You’re going to have trouble going to work in the morning.”
“Colby, Seth, I think you’re going to have to hold a press conference tomorrow. You probably need to call into work, Colby,” Justin said.
“They’re going to be mad.” Colby caught the worried look that passed over Seth’s face and his heart stalled. “Babe, you’re more important than a job. I’ll have you forever. The job was just a place to work.”
“Okay, you two hop out and run in as soon as I pull up. The reporters won’t be able to get in before the door closes. I’ll be up in a bit.”
The car slowed to a stop and Colby followed Seth out of the car and into the condo. They were in the elevator before any of the reporters had made it out of their vehicles. He leaned back against the elevator wall and Seth moved to stand directly in front of him. Their gazes met and he shivered.
“My husband,” Colby whispered, a wide smile on his face.
“I’m happy I’m the one who brought that smile to your face.” Seth ran his fingers over Colby’s sides.
“So am I. Tell me, husband, what ever are we going to do after Justin leaves?”
Seth threw back his head and laughed. The elevator doors opened and they made it into their condo without any incidents. Seth pressed Colby up against the door, his lips only millimeters away from Colby’s. “You’re going to slide into me and take me as your husband, that’s what we’re going to do. Then later, once we’ve recovered, I’m going to do the same to you. And we’ll keep going until we can’t stay awake.”
Colby’s cock lengthened and he wanted relief. “Touch me.”
Seth’s eyes grew darker as he nodded. His fingers trailed down the sides of Colby’s body and then around to the front of Colby’s pants. Seth palmed Colby’s cock, stroking the length. Colby let his head fall back against the wall. His eyes rolled up and his mouth hung open as Seth brought him pleasure. Seth stepped away and spun Colby around, pressing his chest to the door. Colby planted both palms on the door and pressed back just as Seth ground forward. The resulting sensation of Seth’s cock riding against his ass had him close to the edge.
“Fuck, Seth. So good. I want you.”
The buzzer sounded and Seth reached over and pressed the button. “What?”
“Hey, it’s me. The cops arrived and have pushed the crowd back. I can get in now. Buzz me up.”
Seth hit the button allowing Justin in. He stepped away and Colby whimpered. “We’ll get rid of him fast. I want you totally naked and in my arms.”
Colby reached out and pulled Seth close again. He held on tight, unable to let go. A knock sounded and Seth moved them away from the door as he pulled it open. Justin stepped in, gave them one look, and his cheeks turned pink.
“Okay, I think whatever I have to say can wait. The reporters are starting to leave because they know they won’t get anything. I’m going to go to dinner. You two try not to hurt yourselves.”
Colby laughed at that and Justin turned a darker shade of pink. “You can stay for a drink if you like.”
“No he can’t.” Seth groaned. “Sorry, I’m just—”
Justin laughed. “Trust me, I get it. I’m flying to Chicago tomorrow, but I’ll keep on your situation. We’ll figure it out. Kristen will be out early next week. You have a couple of deals on the table. Nike called after the information about Channing broke this morning, they want you no
w. So you’ll have to do a few commercials with them.”
“Okay, sounds good,” Seth replied.
“Kristen said congratulations, by the way.”
“Tell her I said thanks, and that Colby can’t wait to meet her.”
“Well, I’m heading out. Congratulations you two. I’m happy for you.” Justin stepped out leaving them alone.
Colby tugged at Seth’s belt pulling it free and tossing it on the floor. “I want you in the center of the bed, totally naked and on all fours.”
“Oh fuck.” Seth tugged off his shirt and tossed it beside his belt. Next he pulled at his pants and shed those quickly.
Colby slowly removed his tie, adding to the growing pile of clothes on the floor. “I hope you’re ready for me because I’m really ready for you.”
Seth shivered under his touch. They were perfect together and this was just another way they fit. The craziness of the media would be there, but he wasn’t going to let it change him or their love. What they had was too important to allow anything to destroy it.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Seth didn’t really want to put Colby in front of the cameras. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Colby to get it right, but he didn’t trust the media to treat his husband with respect.
Colby had headed into work this morning though Seth wished he didn’t have to go. He wouldn’t tell Colby he had to quit his job, that would be wrong. At three, just before practice ended, Colby showed up at the practice field. He was flanked by the team’s press liaison, Amy, and one of the security guys.
The press was setting up in a larger room that the team used for group meetings. Seth’s stomach pitched and his ears buzzed. He needed to call his parents before they found out on national TV. Last night he had planned on calling, but then Colby had driven him to distraction, taking him to heaven over and over again as they rocked, ground, and slid against each other.
“You doing okay, Mercer?” Maddox called out.
“Awesome!” Seth replied though his stomach was in knots.
After The Snap Page 34