Unfair Game: A Gay Sports Romance Novel

by Cecelia Storm

  Kyle purposely played a little badly, allowing Cade plenty of opportunities to get past him and score, but somehow Cade kept fumbling and shooting wide. When Cade somehow managed to pass to one of Kyle’s teammates, Kyle knew.

  Eyes wide, he paused the game and turned to Cade. “Why’re you letting me win?”

  Cade was already laughing. “I’m not! I’m just bad.”

  Kyle pushed him hard, laughing too, punching Cade lightly in the stomach. “No, you’re not! You’re doing this on purpose! What’re you trying to get out of me, Grayson?”

  Cade couldn’t breathe he was laughing so hard, and let Kyle manhandle him a little in punishment. The gentle wrestling meant that they had ended up sitting a little closer than before. Cade’s warm thigh next to him made Kyle so uncomfortable, he shifted away. Cade noticed and sobered.

  “Why do you do that?”

  Kyle pretended not to understand. “What do you mean?”

  Cade stared at Kyle, then holding Kyle’s gaze, he deliberately shifted closer, laying his thigh near Kyle’s. He raised his chin at Kyle, almost defiantly. Kyle swallowed, looking away.

  “I - I’ll get some water.”

  Cade let him go, let him get some water and come back. And when Kyle climbed back into bed, he made sure to sit away from Cade. Kyle went to restart the game, but Cade held his wrist.

  “Why, Kyle?” Cade’s voice was low, gravelly.

  Kyle hesitated, not looking at Cade. “You know why,” he finally said quietly.

  “Every single time we touch?”

  Kyle shook his head. “No. But in bed. Next to me. It makes it harder for me to control… my body.”

  “Why’re you trying to control it?”

  Kyle snapped his head up, looking at Cade in shock. “What - what do you mean?”

  “I’m a guy too. I know how it works. You don’t have to be embarrassed,” Cade said lightly.

  Kyle shook his head. “Well, it’s different for us. You’d understand if the situations were reversed.”

  Cade laughed. “Maybe once in awhile you should look at my crotch too.” Kyle peeked at that, but the sheets were covering Cade’s lap. He glanced up at Cade, puzzled.

  Cade was smiling. “It happens to me too.”

  “Well, yeah, but I meant that it’s embarrassing when it happens because of the person sitting next to you in bed,” Kyle mumbled.

  Cade grinned. “You moron. I meant that too.”

  Kyle froze, staring at Cade. “What?” he breathed.

  Cade raised his eyebrows, his expression mischievous. “What did you think? I kissed you because I wasn’t attracted to you?”

  Kyle was speechless. His cheeks were getting redder and redder. “I-” But that was all he could get out.

  Cade laughed. He inched closer, so that his thigh pressed against Kyle’s. They were close now. Kyle’s heart was pounding. “I’m attracted to you, Kyle. I’m just figuring out the rest of it,” Cade said, his voice very low.

  But Kyle couldn’t get past erections. “So you get turned on… because of me?”

  Cade rolled his eyes. “Yes. Plenty of times.”

  “Because of me?”

  Cade laughed. “What, you need proof or something?”

  “Yes,” Kyle blurted, his eyes wide. Then he blushed, realizing what he’d said. He shook his head quickly. “Sorry.”

  Cade smiled slowly, his eyes warm, intent. “I’ll prove it to you soon.”

  Kyle looked down. He felt he was going to explode. He didn’t know how to handle this Cade - this flirty, teasing, sexual Cade. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Cade leaning close and he tensed, still looking at his lap.

  Cade’s mouth was brushing Kyle’s ear and he shivered. “Don’t you trust me, Kyle?” he whispered, his lips moving against Kyle’s skin as he spoke.

  Kyle couldn’t get a single word out. He just closed his eyes. He could feel Cade smiling against his ear. “Kyle?”

  Cade whispering his name was so erotic that he moaned. His hand came up between their bodies, pressing lightly against Cade’s chest. Cade came even closer, one of his hands coming up to rest on Kyle’s back, the other on Kyle’s thigh. His chuckle rumbled into Kyle’s ear.

  “Look at me, Kyle. Turn your head,” Cade whispered.

  Kyle shook his head, overwhelmed. They were in bed, for God’s sake. This was too much. He was on the edge already.

  Cade kissed Kyle’s ear lightly. “Please, baby.”

  The endearment rocked Kyle. He turned his head and looked at Cade then. Cade’s pupils were dilated and his cheeks were flushed and for the first time Kyle truly understood that Cade was attracted to him, too. It so overwhelmed Kyle that he felt emotion flooding through him and, suddenly, tears were in his eyes.

  “What? Why are you crying?”

  Kyle’s vision was blurry and wet, but he could feel Cade peppering his face with kisses, worried. Kyle shook his head, tears falling freely now. “I’m sorry. It’s just… I never thought-”

  “What? Please, tell me.”

  Kyle struggled to calm himself. “I never thought we’d be like this.”

  Cade was silent. Then, he started to kiss Kyle, his mouth soft and tasting of Kyle’s tears. Kyle kissed him back hard, suddenly desperate for Cade’s touch. He pressed himself against Cade, whimpering a little, his fingers fisting in Cade’s shirt.

  Cade disengaged gently, hands coming up to grasp Kyle’s. Kyle half-sobbed, not wanting to stop. “Shhh,” Cade said, removing Kyle’s hands. He touched tiny kisses on the corner of Kyle’s mouth, pressing him down until Kyle was lying on his back.

  Kyle was restless, shifting, reaching for Cade. Cade leaned over him, kissing his mouth, tongue playing with Kyle’s. Kyle pulled Cade hard against him, desperate for more of him, more of his touch, more of his kiss.

  Cade let himself be pulled until he was half lying on Kyle. Kyle’s hands were fisted hard at Cade’s sides, knuckles white. Cade kept kissing Kyle, biting gently on Kyle’s lower lip until Kyle bucked up into him. Cade sucked the bruised lip into his mouth, soothing it with his tongue.

  Kyle moaned. He wanted Cade so much he felt he would die if he couldn’t have him that very moment. Cade’s hands were drifting, slipping gently under Kyle’s shirt, cool against his burning skin. Kyle wrapped his arms around Cade’s neck and, this time, Cade gave in, lying almost completely on Kyle.

  Kyle gasped, feeling Cade’s erection on his hip. His own cock lurched hard against Cade. Cade felt it and spread Kyle’s legs, pressing his thigh firmly against Kyle’s bulge. Kyle moaned, arching his back and breaking the kiss.

  “Cade, please, please,” he sobbed.

  Cade murmured nonsensical words into Kyle’s temple, shushing him slowly. Kyle knew Cade was just as aroused as he was, but he seemed to have tremendous self-control, and showed it by gently grinding his thigh against Kyle.

  Kyle bucked up again, humping hard against Cade’s thigh, rhythmically. He was moaning continuously now, chanting Cade’s name over and over, his eyes closed in pleasure. He was getting so close now. He opened his eyes, needing Cade’s mouth over his as he came.

  Cade seemed to understand and his eyes, fierce, burning, met Kyle’s. Then Cade kissed Kyle hard, his tongue so good in Kyle’s mouth that it sent him over the edge. He cried into Cade’s mouth as his orgasm shot through his body, eyes squeezed shut, bucking up into Cade’s thigh.

  Cade kept kissing him through the afterglow, but embarrassment was flooded Kyle now - embarrassment and guilt that Cade was still hard and pulsing against Kyle’s hip.

  Kyle broke the kiss, cheeks flushed. “Are you - you didn’t-” He broke off, feeling shy and drowsy all at once.

  Cade smiled, though his eyes were glittering and his cheeks were red. “It’s okay. Are you okay?”

  Kyle nodded, throat sticking with embarrassment. Cade kissed him slowly, gently. It was sweet and Kyle felt a rush of emotion. But Cade was still so hard so Kyle pushed him back. “I can- I can hel
p-”

  Cade shook his head. “No, I want you to sleep. I’ll go to the bathroom.”

  Kyle would have argued, but there was something in Cade’s face that stopped him. He nodded, knowing that he was very sleepy, his lids heavy with the pleasure of that incredible orgasm. Cade kissed him quickly and rolled off.

  Kyle wanted to protest, but through his drooping lids, he could see Cade walking quickly to the bathroom. And, with that, Kyle slid into heavy, dreamless sleep.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Kyle woke up with a start, heart pounding. For a second, he didn’t know why he felt so anxious and then remembered his… encounter with Cade last night. His face burned red and he threw off the covers. He shuffled to the bathroom, hoping a shower would cool his mind. He avoided looking over at Cade, though he could see his naked skin out of the corner of his eye.

  The water beating down on him only seemed to stress him out more, because it reminded him of Cades fingers tangled in his hair. What was happening between them? Were they friends with benefits now?

  He loved Cade completely, totally, unconditionally.

  But he was getting mentally wrecked a little. He had come here to concentrate on the Championship and this was too much. He didn’t need the distraction. He rested his head against the shower wall. The tile was cool under his burning skin. He wished suddenly, tiredly, that he had never told Mason he loved someone that night.

  His friendship with Cade had been perfect, and it was getting complicated. Who was he kidding? What was the guarantee that Cade would ever love him back? What was the guarantee that, even if they started dating, it would work out?

  And how would he handle that breakup?

  He shook his head, fear suddenly overwhelming him. He couldn’t take it, couldn’t. Wouldn’t. Cade was too important to him. He didn’t want the romance, the sex, the other stuff. He just wanted them back to two weeks ago. He wanted their simple friendship. He could handle unrequited love - he’d done so for years, hadn’t he?

  This was worse. This doubt, this anxiety, the possibility of losing everything was ten thousand times worse than never being loved back.

  Kyle had always been scared of losing Cade, but losing Cade after he was loved by him would be devastating. He didn’t have it in him. He wouldn’t survive that, he couldn’t. And he knew that, no matter what, long distance relationships didn’t work out. How much could Skyping make up for it? How could they do it when Cade had so many commitments, and Kyle too?

  He was panicking now. He breathed hard, trying to calm himself. But the thoughts were buzzing around his head. He felt frightened and claustrophobic and trapped.

  He had to back out. He had to. There was no other option, was there?

  He’d have to tell Cade.

  He groaned, rubbing his forehead, and slid his back down the dripping wall to the shower floor. How the fuck was he going to explain it? He knew Cade was starting to get involved too and he didn’t want to hurt him. Admittedly, Cade was new to this and would recover quicker, better maybe. But he had to stop it before it got too far.

  But what about the Championship?

  Would he fuck Cade up if he broke it off now? Would Cade’s performances be affected?

  Fuck.

  He couldn’t tell if he was crying with the warm water raining on his face, but his was was contorted and painful. He needed some air. He was feeling overwhelmed and he could feel something like a panic attack coming over him. He’d never experienced one before, but the anxiety in his chest felt like a bullet lodged in his heart.

  He turned the water off. He hadn’t washed his hair or face or anything, but he didn’t care. He toweled himself dry and, praying that Cade was still asleep, slipped out of the bathroom. Cade was still snoring lightly. Kyle listened to the rise and fall of Cade’s broad chest against the sheets, and relished the woosh of air escaping his lungs. He dressed and put on a baseball cap and pulled up his hood so hopefully no one would recognize him.

  He left the hotel room almost in a run, terrified that Cade would wake up and stop him. His heart was pounding so hard there were spots in his vision. It was like his pulse overlaid the world around him.

  Hands shaking, he texted Cade:

  I went for a walk. Be back soon.

  ***

  No one recognized Kyle as he left the hotel, and he was thankful for that. The sunglasses probably helped, plus he’d snuck out of the back entrance. He walked around the city with fast, wide strides. His mind raced, and his hands were jammed into his jean pockets to keep them from shaking.

  The morning air was cold and sharp, but it made Kyle feel better. He walked for a long time, without aim, until he came to a park and started watching the morning joggers. The rhythmic movements were calming, and for a moment he didn’t think about Cade.

  Then that his phone buzzed.

  Heart thudding, he pulled it out of his pocket.

  Where are you? Why did you go for a walk now? Are you okay?

  He jammed the phone back into his pocket. All of a sudden, he felt like he was being strangled. He was so afraid. He didn’t know how to handle this, or who to talk to. He felt alone. He could maybe talk to Mason, but what happened between him and Cade should stay between them. He didn’t want anyone else to know and he knew Cade was as private as he was.

  His phone vibrated again.

  Kyle, please tell me where you are. You’re freaking me out.

  Kyle’s fingers were trembling, but he texted back, hardly looking at the keyboard or thinking of the words he typed.

  I’m okay. I’ll be back soon.

  He knew Cade wouldn’t let that go and waited, perched on a bench. He stared at his phone. Sure enough, Cade’s face popped up on his screen. He was calling.

  Kyle froze, his mind blank. He pressed the red button, declining the call.

  I’m on my way back. I’m fine. Talk to you later.

  Cade didn’t text for a long time, but then finally he sent a message back.

  Okay. Love you. Tc.

  Kyle’s eyes swelled and his throat tightened. All he needed was paparazzi to snap a picture of him crying on a park bench by himself in the dead of morning. They could still be around. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes. He needed to calm down. He needed to approach this rationally.

  He had to go and talk to Cade. He glanced at his watch. They had two hours left until training and that was enough time.

  He sent up a prayer, of sorts.

  He didn’t want to lose Cade. He couldn’t.

  ***

  By the time he reached their room, he was sweating, palms damp and heart racing. He took a deep breath and slid his card through the slot, the room door clicking open.

  He pushed it open only to find Cade right at the threshold.

  “Where were you?” Cade said, eyes wide, reaching out to touch Kyle.

  Kyle flinched, recoiling from his outstretched hand. Cade froze, staring at Kyle, then dropped his hand. His face went blank and immediately, he backed up.

  Kyle looked down, closing the door behind him. He leaned on the door and then finally took a deep breath, meeting Cade’s eyes.

  “Can we talk?”

  Cade’s eyes were so shuttered, Kyle felt frightened. He’d never seen Cade shut himself off so much from him. He had to believe this was going to work out, had to believe that they would be okay. Because, if not, he was going to break down.

  Cade nodded. He turned around and moved back into the room. He sat down on his own bed and waited until Kyle sat too. There was a stillness about Cade that only served to assure Kyle of how explosive his mood was.

  Kyle looked down, wondering how to start. Finally, he blurted, “I think we should go back to before.”

  Cade was quiet so Kyle looked up at him. His expression was impassive. He simply looked at Kyle. There was a long tense silence. His words came out slowly. “Before what?”

  Kyle couldn’t say it. “I want to go back to us being just friends.”

 
Cade dropped his head. He seemed very relaxed until Kyle noticed how white his knuckles were. “Cade-”

  “Why?” Cade’s voice was low, and it vibrated against Kyle’s skin.

  Kyle swallowed. “I can’t take it if something goes wrong,” he said hoarsely.

  Cade raised his head. His eyes were hard. “Like?”

  “I don’t want our friendship to get fucked up by this. There’s no guarantee to anything.” Kyle waved his hand between their bodies and felt a huge sense of loss threatening to swallow him whole.

  Cade laughed harshly, his face tense. “Oh, so based on something that might or might not happen, you’re saying no?”

  Kyle flinched. “Cade, please-”

  “Did you honestly think I was just going to accept your decision and walk away?” Cade hissed, fury etched in every line on his face, in every angle of his body.

  Kyle was stunned. “No, I meant- I’m not comfortable with this anymore, Cade!” he said, voice rising.

  “Why? Is it easier to take no risks? Is it easier to tell me to fuck off?”

  “Of course not!” Kyle snapped. “But this is a two-way street-”

  “Is it? I don’t remember being asked for my opinion?” Cade taunted. His voice was so cruel that Kyle felt bewildered and hurt. “You are selfish, Kyle.”

  Kyle’s jaw dropped at that. “How am I selfish when I’ve been in love with you for years and never asked you for anything back?” he cried, his hands balling into fists.

  “Because you were scared! And that’s what you’re doing now too!” Cade was so angry, his voice was shaking. “Well, screw you. You can’t do this to me. You think it’s fun to find out that you love me and then two weeks later that you want nothing to do with me?”

  That stung. “I’m not saying that! I just want to be friends. You can’t force me into anything!”

  Cade went very still. “Forcing you?” he whispered, his expression stricken. “Fine. I won’t… force you into anything. I will leave you the fuck alone.”

  “That’s not what I meant!”

  Cade raised his hands. “Sorry. I’ll be your roommate, teammate, best friend, and nothing more. That’s good, right?” Cade’s expression was calm, but Kyle swallowed. Cade was so upset Kyle could feel it pulsating through the room.