by Megan Slayer
“One more time.” Allan lobbed the ball at Tyler. “Make me work for it.”
Work for it? Tyler shook his head and laughed. Wasn’t what they were doing work? He waited for Allan to get into position before he kicked a second time. Unlike before, he was ready for Allan to charge down field.
“Gonna tackle me?” Allan asked, taunting Tyler. “Kickers don’t tackle.”
“Want to bet?” Tyler lunged at him and pinned Allan. Together, he and Allan rolled in the grass.
Allan laughed and maneuvered Tyler onto his back. He kissed Tyler then flopped onto the ground beside him.
“Kissing isn’t in the official football rules.” Tyler closed his eyes and soaked up the sunshine warming his skin.
“Rules are meant to be broken.” Allan eased onto his side and draped his arm across Tyler’s belly. “Hey, Ty?”
“Right here.” He refused to open his eyes and blind himself with the sun.
“Want to keep doing this?” Allan asked.
“Tackling each other? We only did it once, but yeah, I’m game.”
“I meant tackling, fucking, going out. All of it.” Allan tangled his legs with Tyler’s. “What do you think? Interested?”
“You want to date me? I just got dumped by Blake.” He opened his eyes and focused on Allan’s face.
“So? I’m game to be a rebound.” Allan grinned. “Are you game to try again?”
“I hate the word ‘rebound’.”
“Then let’s make a new one. How about boyfriend?”
Tyler didn’t answer right away. He allowed the question to linger in his brain. ‘Boyfriend’. Not servant, fuck toy or bed warmer. He smiled and warmth flooded his chest.
“Well?” Allan grasped the front of Tyler’s shirt. “You’re grinning.”
“The last time I took a chance…” He paused. His cock thickened behind his running shorts. He wanted to do more than tackle Allan. “The last time I opened up and tried again, we played with fire.”
“I like stoking your flames.” Allan bobbed his eyebrows. “I’m hard thinking about you and me in the shower.”
“I want to throw caution to the wind and try again, yeah.” Tyler settled onto his side and kissed Allan. “With you.”
“I knew I’d win you over.” He kissed Tyler back. “Want to watch the games tonight with me? I hate shouting at the television alone.”
“Only if I can bring my macroeconomics notes. I’ve got a test tomorrow.” He slid his hand beneath the waistband of Allan’s running shorts and palmed Allan’s hip.
“Deal.” After another kiss, Allan sat up. He sighed and stood then offered Tyler his hand. “I need to go over my art history notes, too.”
“Art history?” Tyler stood. “Isn’t that a frosh course?”
“Yeah, yeah. I kept putting it off.” Allan shrugged and retrieved his football. “Shit. We were supposed to be doing laundry. If you’re not opposed to having your clothes mixed with mine, we can use the machine down the hall from my room.”
“I’ve had your dick in my mouth. Your shirt tossing with mine won’t be a problem.” Tyler fell into step beside him. “You’re not getting tired of me?”
“Nope.” Allan bumped shoulders with Tyler. “I’m right where I want to be.”
Tyler chuckled but kept the noise to himself. He liked the sound of that—belonging with Allan. Maybe taking a chance wasn’t a bad thing. Seemed to be working out so far. Allan wasn’t a bit like Blake. Thank God. Tyler gripped the ball. His past didn’t matter. He had someone to share his present and future. Now he had to hope things would keep looking up.
Chapter Five
Tyler headed to practice Monday afternoon. He’d slept well the night before and even remembered most of what he’d needed for his test. The lecture in his lit class hadn’t been as boring as he’d expected and the words had flowed as he’d added an entry to his blog. Life was good now that he had a positive influence in his relationship situation.
He switched into his jogging shorts and T-shirt before heading out to practice. He noticed Allan in the locker room but he couldn’t talk to him. At least he could ogle Allan’s ass in those tight pants.
Tyler ran through his battery of stretches and met up with the special teams unit. He worked for two hours on kicks, formations for trick plays and place holding for Stuart, the freshman kicker.
“Hey, you.” Allan jogged up to Tyler and swatted him on the ass. “Good practice so far?”
“Yeah.” He dropped his voice to a whisper. “I’ve had great scenery to look at.”
“Nice.” Allan winked. “Want to grab supper after practice? I could use some help with the medieval church flash cards. Test tomorrow.”
“Sure.” Tyler caught up with the rest of the field goal unit and spent the remainder of practice helping Stuart prepare for the scouts on Saturday.
Forty-five minutes later, Tyler strode into the locker room. He couldn’t wait to peel the sweaty clothes from his body and step under a hot shower. He toweled off his face and the back of his neck.
“Two days, no calls and no texts. What the fuck?” Blake snarled.
Tyler tensed. He hadn’t heard Blake behind him. Why did his ex insist on making his life miserable in the damn locker room? On the plus side, there were witnesses.
“So?” Blake shoved Tyler into the locker, smashing Tyler’s nose on the chilly metal. “What the hell is your problem?”
Tyler groaned. Blood dribbled down his upper lip. Fuck. He yanked his shirt up to wipe the mess from his face and glanced back at his ex. “I’ve been busy.” He shrugged to hide his fear. Flippancy with Blake wasn’t his best move, but with his nose aching and blood still streaming from his face, he didn’t give a fuck.
“How? With Clark?” Blake whipped Tyler around and pressed his back to the lockers. “Are you and that asshole bumping uglies?”
“For the love of God. Yes.” Blake would find out sooner or later if he didn’t know already. “I thought you’d talked to him. A phone call? Something to put the fear of Blake into him?”
“Fuck off.” Blake stepped up to him, his face millimeters from Tyler’s. “You are my piece of ass. Got that? I fuck you. Not him.”
“No thanks.” Tyler edged around Blake, trying to put some more space between them.
Blake grabbed Tyler’s arm before he could get away and slammed him into the lockers again.
“You little shit,” Blake snarled. “Worthless.”
“Excuse me.” Tyler shrugged, unable to free himself from Blake’s grasp. “You dumped me. I don’t belong to you.”
“The hell you don’t.” Blake grabbed a handful of Tyler’s shirt and smashed his fist into Tyler’s chest. “You come when I call. Got that?”
Tyler summoned the power he normally reserved for the game of football and gathered his wits. He refused to allow Blake to own him or to push him around. Two days weren’t enough to know if he was in love with Allan, but it was more than enough time to be certain he wanted nothing to do with Blake. He preferred being with someone who cared about him and made a difference in his life for the better.
“I’m not sure what the fuck you think you’re doing, but I’m out.” Tyler yanked his shirt out of Blake’s fist and ducked away from his ex. He strode through the locker room to the running track and broke into a jog. His strides lengthened as he quickened his pace into a full run. Was he trying to get away from his ex or his past? He wasn’t sure, but pushing himself felt good.
“Don’t you dare walk away from me,” Blake shouted. “Your ass is mine.”
Tyler deviated from the running track and burst through the gates to the practice field. He ran across the bed of green until his lungs ached. He knew damn well the issues with Blake weren’t over. Far from it. If anything, Blake would come on stronger and get even more violent. He wiped his face again, smearing his shirt with new blood. Fuck. He’d need to see the personal trainer and team doctor. Although he wanted to head back to his dorm and hide, he
kept his head up and walked into the training room.
The trainer looked up from his paperwork and gasped. “What happened to you? You’re the kicker. They aren’t supposed to tackle you.”
Tyler squared his shoulders and allowed the trainer and doctor to care for his bloodied nose. He’d explain the situation once they finished, but right now he wanted the world to go away and leave him the hell alone.
* * * *
Allan debated running after Tyler. He’d seen part of the argument play out but had missed the beginning. Tyler needed to be free of Blake once and for all. Allan strode up to Blake.
“Hello,” Allan said. He stood toe to toe with Blake. “Did you need something? You’re chasing someone who doesn’t want to be caught.”
“But you caught him,” Blake snarled. “I thought I told you to leave him the fuck alone. What’s wrong with you? One too many tackles without a helmet?”
The witty dog… “He’s not your property and he deserves to be treated with dignity.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. Do you really know him?” Blake rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “Did he tell you about his past? The little shit turned tricks freshman year. I saved him. Without me, he’d be peddling his ass at every club, hoping someone would bite. He owes me.”
Allan bit back his surprise. Something about what Blake said didn’t ring true. Yes, Tyler could easily pull off the club kid style, but he wasn’t the type to pimp himself out. Low confidence or not, Tyler was the type who wanted to please—usually Blake. Besides, Tyler had confessed pretty much all of his sins. If he’d done what Blake had accused him of, then he would’ve said something to Allan.
“Yeah, thought you might be in the dark about that.” Blake flexed his hands. “Okay, you want to go pro, too? Right? Leave him alone and do your thing. Let me have him and get yourself a pretty blond. Someone to spend your money and be your arm candy. I know what Tyler needs and wants. You have no fucking clue.”
Allan bit back his frustration and anger. Blake wasn’t worth the fight, but Tyler was and he didn’t want to lose the bond he’d formed. “Whether I go pro or not isn’t your problem. What I do or don’t do with Tyler isn’t your concern, either. Leave him alone so he can have his life. If you do or ever did have feelings for him, cut him loose.”
Allan didn’t give Blake the chance to answer. The fucker. Right now he needed to be sure Tyler was okay. If he had to give his account of the fight to coach, he would. Screw Blake. The ass wasn’t helping the team any and would be better off not taking up space on the bench.
Once the locker room cleared out, Tyler returned with cotton stuffed up his nose and a bruise forming under his right eye. He removed the cotton and rolled his shoulders.
“Ty.” Allan resisted the urge to yank him into his arms. “Damn, he got you good.”
“Yeah.” Tyler tried to smile but the light didn’t reach his eyes. “I stood up to him.”
“I heard.” Allan sank onto the bench beside Tyler. His heart ached for Ty. The past didn’t matter. Everyone had done things before that they weren’t proud of. What made him any different? He rubbed Tyler’s back. “He’s a bully who can’t function without taking his anger out on someone else. Forget him.”
“Tell that to the swelling on my face.” Tyler chuckled and rested his head on Allan’s shoulder. “I just want to go home and forget all about Blake.”
“I can make that happen,” Allan said. “A little fun in the shower, some fun in my bed. A little drilling with the flashcards before we start round two…you’ll forget his name.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Speaking of plans, we need to make one to get your car fixed. I talked to Dad this morning after my math class. He’s bringing the tow truck up tomorrow around lunch. Think you can meet us at the C lot?”
“You know I can. What do I owe him or you?”
“Don’t worry about it right now.” He squeezed Tyler’s thigh. “For now, let’s get out of here. This place stinks.”
“I need to get my bag from my locker but I’m ready when you are.”
Fifteen minutes later, Allan escorted Tyler into his room. Sure, they could’ve gone to Tyler’s, but he liked having more space to move. Once he’d closed the door, Allan pinned Tyler to the wall.
“I’ve wanted to do this all day.” He kissed Tyler and stuffed both hands into Tyler’s shorts. He couldn’t hold back any longer. “Want to fuck you.”
“Yeah,” Tyler whispered. God. Allan had him reduced to single-word sentences after a few kisses. Tyler should’ve cared. He wanted to sound intelligent, but fuck it. He allowed Allan to shove his shorts and jock strap down his thighs. The cooler air helped to level out some of his fever, but not much. When Allan turned him around to face the wall, Tyler didn’t protest.
“Just a minute.” Allan left him long enough to grab a condom and lube. He shoved his shorts and jock strap to the floor and kicked out of the bunched-up clothing. He didn’t even bother to remove his shoes.
Tyler flattened his palms and stuck out his ass. Christ, he wanted this. He pressed his cheek to the cold wall and watched Allan move.
Allan returned and kissed Tyler’s shoulders. “Babe, you’re in my soul. Thought about you when we were at practice, all through class and each time I saw you it took all I had to keep from popping wood.” He slid his cock between Tyler’s ass cheeks then tore open the wrapper.
Although Tyler couldn’t see Allan put the condom on, he knew the moment they’d be complete was close. He exhaled and bore down on Allan’s erection as Allan pushed his way into Tyler’s body.
Tyler turned his head and rested his forehead on the wall. “Allan.” He panted and flexed his asshole around Allan’s shaft. God, Allan was good. He knew how to stroke Tyler from within and how to push just right to blow his mind. Allan grasped Tyler’s hips.
“Fucking hell, Ty. Better than the last time.” Allan moaned. Skin slapped against skin and the sound of Allan’s grunts filled the room.
A shiver ran down Tyler’s spine. Nothing else seemed to matter as Allan increased the speed of his thrusts.
A million thoughts filled Tyler’s head, but nothing made sense other than his feelings for Allan. He was in love.
“Oh, my God, Ty! Fuck! My blood is on fire and I’m going to blow my load.” Allan slammed into Tyler. His breath tickled the back of Tyler’s neck. “Mine. Ty, you’re mine.”
As if I’d argue? Tyler met him push for push, falling deeper in love with his teammate. Was it fast to fall in love? Yeah, but he didn’t care. He’d never been in so far over his head before.
“Tyler,” Allan bit out. “Fuck.” He rammed into Tyler once more and held Tyler tight to the wall. His cock pulsed within Tyler’s ass. He rested his head on Tyler’s shoulder and wrapped his arms around his waist. He sighed. “You’re making me rethink my desire to go pro, babe.”
“Why?” He laced his fingers with Allan’s and basked in the togetherness. “You’re good. You worked hard for it. Do it.”
“I probably will go out for the draft, but you make me want to aim higher and teach. That’s nuts, right?” Allan kissed his shoulder once more then pulled out of Tyler’s ass and let go.
Tyler dragged a long breath into his lungs and closed his eyes. “It’s only nuts because you’re having this conversation with me right after sex.” He sighed and turned around. Tyler opened his eyes. “But you should do whatever you want. What makes your heart sing.” I just said ‘makes your heart sing’. Since when did I decide to start sounding like a sappy greeting card?
Allan yanked his shirt over his head then kicked out of his shoes. He tugged his socks off and stood nude in front of Tyler. He’d removed the condom but the sweat still glistened on his body. The man was built for modeling and the tattoos added to his appeal. Tyler still wasn’t sure how he’d managed to hook Allan, but he wasn’t about to shove him away.
“Okay, so I’m horrible at post-sex conversation.” Allan helped divest Tyler
of the rest of his clothing. “Shower with me. I want to make sure you feel better.”
“The sex certainly helped.”
Tyler allowed Allan to tug him into the bathroom. Once again, he climbed into the stall with the man he loved. The hot water stung his body. His muscles ached from the punishment at practice.
“Feel better now?” Allan asked.
He eased up behind Tyler and ensnared him in his arms. Tyler rested his back on Allan’s chest and his head on Allan’s shoulder.
“I’m with you. Yeah, I’m doing great.” His nose still ached a bit but not as much as right after the attack.
“Good.” Allan turned Tyler’s head and kissed him on the lips. “Stay with me tonight. I want to wake up next to you and see you first thing in the morning.”
Blake would have another fit but, unlike before, Tyler wasn’t afraid of him. As far as he was concerned, he’d found his heart in Allan’s hands.
Allan washed and caressed Tyler, lulling him. He kissed and nipped Tyler’s skin. Little moans and groans punctuated his moves. “I’m complete when I’m with you.”
“Crazy, but same here,” Tyler replied.
Although the rest of the shower blew by in a blur, once he’d settled in bed beside Allan the world seemed to slow down. He ran through the flashcards with Allan until he could tell which church was of the Romanesque influence and which had Islamic influence during the Gothic era. Tyler read halfway through the required book for his literature class.
Tyler bit back a chuckle. With Allan absorbed in studying the new plays and Tyler neck-deep in his book, they seemed like an odd pairing. But, after being together a short time, they made things work and functioned like an old married couple. Marriage. He snorted. If he let himself think that far ahead, he was nuts, but the relationship had staying power. There was a chance they could go the distance. Did he want to grow old beside Allan? The idea warmed him to the core. A few hours later, he snuggled up beside Allan and succumbed to sleep. They were in their own special place and he was safe. He was with the man he loved and dreamed of more time with him.