by Megan Slayer
* * * *
The next afternoon, Allan strode across the main student lot on campus. He remembered where Tyler had parked and relayed the information to his father. When he spotted his father’s tow truck, he laughed. Trust his father to be ahead of schedule. Truth be told, Allan preferred having a few moments alone with his dad. He wanted to explain the situation once again.
“Hey, Dad.” Allan shook hands with his father. “You’re early.”
“Things went a little faster at the shop this morning and I was able to get away. Mom sends her love.” Greg Clark, a thinner, grayer and less tattooed version of Allan, stepped back. “Saw you this weekend on the field. Looked good. Switching positions was a smart move. Are the scouts noticing?”
“I think so.” He folded his arms. “I’ll meet with two this week. I saw three or four watching the team during practice last week, too. I’ve heard I’m a lock for first round, but that’s only if I go out. I’m debating my next move.”
“Oh?” Greg paused then returned to hooking up the car to the tow truck. “Thinking about finishing your education? Might be smart.”
“Need help?” Asking the question was more out of respect than offering help. His father knew how to work the tow truck in his sleep and worked better alone. Still, he couldn’t say Allan hadn’t offered. “The scouts seem excited about my playing, but we’re not exactly at a top school compared to some of the bigger campuses, so who knows. Part of me wants to finish and have my degree and the rest wants to go pro. I can do both, but whatever team takes me has to agree to my finishing first.”
“If the team wants you then the rest can be negotiated.” Greg stretched and rolled his shoulders. He grunted. “Damn. I pinched a nerve in my shoulder the other day and every so often if I tweak it just right… I need to do the exercises the doctor suggested instead of ignoring them.”
Allan smiled to hide his frustration. He knew his father. The man was proud and wouldn’t accept help or advice of a doctor unless there was a really good reason. Still, he’d mentioned the injury. Was it a veiled attempt to convince Allan to come back home? Allan wasn’t sure.
“I know that look,” Greg said. “I’m fine and although I’d love for you to come to the shop to work, I know you. Fixing cars isn’t your thing. Football and getting kids involved in sports—that’s your thing. Now, about football, I noticed your boyfriend, Tyler. That kid’s got one hell of a leg on him. How far did he boot that last extra point? Like over forty-five yards.”
“Forty-seven,” Allan said. “His career best is fifty-one. He’ll add the asterisk that it was with the wind to his back, but hey, fifty-one is still pretty fucking good.” He gritted his teeth. His father hated when Allan swore and Allan worked hard to keep his tongue in check.
“I bet the scouts are looking at him, too. Seems like he’s got a good head on his shoulders.” Greg attached the chains to the vehicle then wiped his hands on a rag. “So, since he’s not here, I’m going to ask. Is this because he’s your piece of ass or because he really needs the help? I’m all for fixing it. Whoever wrecked this baby screwed up the bumper and knocked the tow out, among other things. The alignment’s probably shot, but I’ll know better once I get ‘er on the lifts. I assume he had it towed here.”
“I believe so.” Allan drew in a long breath and exhaled to give himself time to think. He didn’t want to piss off his father or throw Tyler under the bus. “Initially, the reason I volunteered to get the vehicle fixed was because I simply wanted to help Ty. His ex-boyfriend wrecked the car and still won’t take responsibility. His ex is a douchebag but he’s smart and knows know to get out of paying for the damage. I’ve known of Tyler since our freshman year. He’s a good guy with a dick ex who took advantage. What I didn’t know, was he was taking the bus to and from practice. That’s why he’d been running late. If you’re late too many times, you can be cut from the team—they call it a lack of dedication.”
“But?” Greg rested his hand on the fender of the truck. “What’s the rest?”
“Once we got to talking and spending time together, I realized I liked him. He’s a good guy. I know, I know. I could’ve just volunteered to carpool or stayed friends with him, but once things happened it got intense.”
“I see.” Greg turned his head before Allan noticed his expression.
Allan could’ve sworn his father smiled and chuckled under his breath. He hooked his fingers in his front pockets. He needed to convince his father of what he already knew. “Dad, I wouldn’t ask for your help if it wasn’t something important. I like Tyler. He makes me feel like I’m important other than as a football player.”
“You’re important to me and your mother.” Greg glanced over his shoulder. “You’re important to your brother, Vic.” He pushed one of the levers, moving the chain and dragging the car onto the back of the truck.
“Dad.” He knew how his folks and his brother felt. They were family and family stuck together. But this was different. For the first time in his life he was in love—not familial love or platonic, but down-to-his-soul love. Tyler made him whole.
“I know what you mean.” Greg sighed and leaned on the front fender of the truck. “She’s ready to go. Once Tyler shows up, I’ll explain what’ll happen and financing.”
“About that…he’s got a part-time job. Might take a bit to pay it off.” Allan waggled his head. “I’ll help. Whatever you want.” God, he had a lot of convincing to do.
“Son, as long as he pays it off eventually, I know where to find him—probably with you or on the field. I’m not worried about it.” His father smiled and crossed his arms. “I’m assuming that’s him coming up the sidewalk. Has a deer in the headlights look about him.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “But he’s cute. Good choice.”
Had his father just approved of Tyler? Allan ripped his gaze from his father and glanced over his shoulder. Sure enough, Tyler made his way up the sidewalk. He had his hands in his pockets and his eyes were wide. He might’ve been almost twenty-two, but, for a moment, he looked eighteen and green. The wind plastered Tyler’s black T-shirt to his chest and his jeans dipped low on his hips. Despite the fear in his eyes, he was still hot as fuck to Allan.
“Mr. Clark?” Tyler managed. He stuck out his hand. “I’m Tyler Leigh. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you very much for fixing my car.”
Greg’s throaty laugh split the tension. “You practiced that all the way over here, didn’t you? Son, you don’t have to be so formal. My name is Greg. Feel free to call me that.” He shook hands with Tyler. “It’s good to meet the hero of the football team. Without you, they’d never get those extra points.”
Tyler opened and closed his mouth but didn’t say anything. Red flooded across his cheeks. “I’m not a hero.”
“I don’t know about that.” Allan bumped shoulders with him. “You’re good in the clinch.”
Tyler’s eyes widened again. “Allan.”
“That’s my son. He’s smooth.” Greg clapped Tyler on the shoulder. “Here’s the deal. I’ll take the car back to the shop. Might be a week or so before I can get ‘er done, but that’s due to the availability of the parts. I’m charging you for parts only and I’m not worried about payment right away. You can make payments or put in a few hours at the shop once the season’s done.”
“Thanks,” Tyler murmured. If it was possible for his eyes to widen even more, they had, and the color faded from his cheeks. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Greg sighed and grasped the handle of the door. “I’ll get the clipboard for you to write down your info.”
“Sure.” Tyler nodded as he scrawled his information onto the papers. “I appreciate this.”
“My pleasure.” Greg placed the clipboard back into the truck. “Now, I’d like to stick around but I’ve got a full plate back at the shop. See you both at the game this weekend?”
“Yes,” Allan said and hugged his father.
Tyler nodded and shook hands once again. “T
hank you.”
Greg dipped his head once before he climbed behind the wheel of the tow truck. He waved as he drove away and left Tyler and Allan in silence. Once the truck disappeared around the corner, Allan spoke.
“Dad really seemed to like you.” Allan slipped his hand into Tyler’s and fell into step beside him. “You got him to smile.”
“He’s getting business.” Tyler didn’t look at Allan. “People tend to be happier when they know they’re getting paid.”
“Or you’re easy to like,” Allan offered. He wanted to punch Blake for treating Tyler so badly. Christ. Tyler’s confidence wasn’t strong and the jerk knew how to destroy the tiny pieces. Fuck Blake. Allan liked Tyler and wanted the world to know. “I wouldn’t have introduced you to my dad if you weren’t a good man. I like you and he must agree. The last time I brought someone to meet them, Dad wasn’t that pleasant.”
“Meeting the ‘rents is a big step. I’m surprised you wanted to—other than to get my car fixed.” Tyler stopped walking. “I’ve got to say this. This was the first time I’d ever met the parents of my boyfriend. I’m sorry I acted like a doofus.”
“You’re adorable.” Allan kissed him hard on the lips. “How long until your next class?”
“An hour.”
“Good. I’m starving and I wanted to eat outside, since it’s warm for a change.” Allan didn’t give Tyler a chance to argue as he dragged him into the student center. Ten minutes later, he walked hand in hand with Tyler to the campus commons. He coaxed Tyler onto the grass beneath one of the shade trees. Neither spoke as they ate lunch.
Tyler broke the relative silence first and balled up the paper from his sub sandwich. “I might be a doofus, but I’m glad I took a chance and let you give me a ride.” He grinned and crossed his ankles. “Best last-minute decision.”
“I’m glad.” Allan tossed the sandwich paper into the bag and settled on his back with his head on Tyler’s lap. He didn’t give a fuck who saw them or what they had to say. “I thought meeting with the scouts and pumping my numbers was scoring, but the biggest points gain of my life so far is what I’ve got with you.”
Allan closed his eyes and sighed. He’d fallen so hard for Tyler. He hadn’t thought this kind of attraction or devotion was possible until he’d started seeing him. His heart beat for Tyler and he wanted to become more than a player. His mind whirled with ideas for the future. Yes, the relationship was new, but there was so much potential. If Tyler wanted to write and teach then he’d be there beside him. Okay, maybe he’d play professional ball for a few years—if he was drafted—but then he’d find a job teaching or coaching. Either way, he’d finish his degree. He wanted more from his life than a few bone-crushing years on the football field. He wanted the chance of a life with Tyler. He smiled. His ideas for the future weren’t going according to the original plan but he wasn’t worried. Life kept getting better, and all because he’d opened his eyes, his mind and his heart to the handsome man in the locker room.
Chapter Six
Tyler flipped through his class notes from macroeconomics and chomped on his submarine sandwich. He’d wanted to meet up with Allan at lunch, but their schedules hadn’t meshed. He didn’t mind. He’d see plenty of Allan that night when they left practice. Only two more games and they’d have a bye week. He couldn’t wait for the break, even if he’d spend most of it in practice. Although it was only the first week of October, ideas for Christmas presents for Allan floated around Tyler’s mind. If he worked his schedule just right, he’d have enough to pay off the repairs to his car and to buy something nice for Allan. He’d have to pick up more hours in the spring but he’d make it work.
In the two weeks since Mr. Clark had towed the car away to be fixed, he’d worked wonders. Tyler had nearly passed out when he‘d seen Allan driving down the road in front of the dorms in his car. When he’d met up with his boyfriend in the parking lot, he’d wanted to christen the backseat, but Allan had stopped him.
“Not in the daylight,” Allan had cautioned. “I don’t want to get caught.” He’d placed his finger over Tyler’s mouth. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate in my room.”
That evening after practice, Tyler had gone home with Allan. The sex had blown his mind and the snuggling afterward had overwhelmed him. He belonged heart and soul to Allan, with no regrets. Thinking about that special night warmed him to the core. He smothered the smile behind his hand and focused his attention back on his macroeconomics notes.
His phone buzzed and rattled on the table. He swiped his finger across the screen to check the notifications. Three texts.
“Allan must be free,” he murmured and inputted his pass code. He flipped through the screens to retrieve the messages. Two of the texts were reminders for practice and when to meet the bus for the game that weekend. The third message confused him.
Allan: Car’s fixed. Pay up.
Silly man. Allan knew he didn’t have the cash just yet and Allan’s dad seemed cool about doing payments. Maybe Allan was just toying with him.
Tyler: I will. I promised. Made the first payment to you already. You liked it.
He chuckled. They’d both liked the night of sex and football. They’d watched a game on television and every time one of the teams had scored, they’d made love. By halftime, Allan had fallen asleep. They’d broken their record for sex four times in one night. Blood rushed below his belt and his erection pressed against his zipper. Shit. He and Allan needed to meet up so they could get a little relief together.
When he glanced down at the screen again, the return message popped up.
Allan: On your knees.
Tyler glanced around, hoping no one could see the words on his phone. He enjoyed getting sexts from Allan and wouldn’t turn his man down.
Tyler: Always. Love that.
He typed the words let’s meet up before practice, but the next text interrupted him before he could hit send.
Allan: Me & the team. Nothing is free.
Tyler shifted in his seat and clutched the phone. Allan sent sexy texts, but nothing like this. Not even as a joke. He deleted what he’d typed then inputted an updated message.
Tyler: What? Who has your phone?
Allan: I do.
Allan: Life sucks and this is payback. Prepare to kiss the team’s ass.
Tyler’s heart sank. This couldn’t be Allan. His boyfriend was sweet and kind. Allan held doors for him and snuggled him when they slept. He left little notes in Tyler’s planner.
Tyler: Allan?
Allan: U R my bitch now just like u were Blake’s. Mine.
Tyler rubbed his forehead with the pads of his fingers. Something wasn’t right, but he couldn’t be sure Allan wasn’t on the other end of the texts. Still, he wasn’t sucking the collective cock of the football team.
Tyler: No
He turned off the phone and placed it face down on the table. He couldn’t handle looking at those texts. Not right now. He’d thought Allan was different. Thought he could trust his heart and his soul with Allan. Now, he wasn’t so sure.
But this wouldn’t get settled if he allowed himself to stew on the texts. No, he needed to find Allan and sort things out. Tyler closed his notes and shoved his things into his backpack, then tossed the paper from his sandwich. He slung his pack across his shoulders and made his way to the astronomy building. According to Allan’s schedule, he should be done with class at any moment. If the texts were any indication, the class had ended more than ten minutes ago. He passed a couple of teammates along the way. Both waved and one smiled.
“See you at practice,” the halfback said in passing.
Glen clunked by on his crutches. “Kick a couple of good ones for me. Make the Wolves have to start from their own three-yard line.”
“Will do,” Tyler said and smiled to hide his frustration. Although his imagination ran wild, he kept telling himself not to get too worked up. Once he saw Allan and they talked, he’d be fine.
In the astro
nomy building, Tyler located Allan. His boyfriend sat at a round table in the foyer and leafed through a text book.
The guy sitting with Allan nodded, causing Allan to glance in Tyler’s direction.
“Hi.” Allan jumped from his seat. He tugged a chair out for Tyler. “Sit. We were going over the crap for the next test. I love learning about the stars, but the prof gives a crazy amount of notes.”
“Do—do you have a minute? I’ll let you get back to studying, but I need to ask you something.” He’d stumbled over what he’d wanted to say. He cleared his throat and summoned his courage. Allan wasn’t going to hurt him—or at least he didn’t believe so. They’d talk, sort out the issue and be fine. Probably.
“Sure,” Allan said. He pushed in the chairs and zipped his bag. “Be right back.”
“I smell a quickie,” the guy said and laughed. “Count me in.”
Tyler shuddered. He’d thought his days of being a doormat were over. He followed Allan to an alcove. His façade of confidence slipped. The ghosts from his past came back in waves, reminding him he didn’t deserve a good man like Allan.
“We can’t have a quickie here, but I’m not going to lie. I’d love to tunnel that ass right now.” Allan kissed him hard on the lips. “Been thinking about you all day.”
“Have you?” Tyler tried to keep a lid on his frustration but he’d never been good at poker. His feelings betrayed him every time. His head ached and he gritted his teeth. Shit. He needed to be cool, not fly off the handle.
“Yeah.” Allan frowned. “What’s gotten into you? You’re tense and jumpy.” He rubbed Tyler’s arms and stepped closer. “Who fucked with you? I want names so I can kick some ass.”