Unfair Game: A Gay Sports Romance Novel

by Cecelia Storm

  Cade propped up his pillow a little more so he was more upright. He looked at Kyle, eyes assessing. “You can’t be jealous of Nolan.”

  Even the mention of him bothered Kyle. He sighed. “I don’t want to be. But I am.” It was a humiliating admission, but it had to be said. He wanted to be honest.

  Cade shook his head in exasperation. “Why, Kyle? Where does he come into our relationship? You’re the one I want. Don’t you know that?”

  Kyle shifted. The words were thrilling. “Maybe I don’t. Or maybe I can’t believe it.”

  Cade sighed. “You know something, if I wasn’t a famous football player, I would be nothing. I’m not smart, I’m not talented, I can’t make conversation like you. I’m not even good-looking.” He held up a hand as Kyle opened his mouth. “Wait. It’s true. I’m not. I’m not conventionally good-looking. But you are. You’re all those things. You’re funny and sweet and everyone loves talking to you. And you’re easy on the eyes,” Cade said, smiling affectionately.

  Kyle couldn’t help smiling back. “That’s not true, Cade. You have integrity, loyalty. You’re honest. Those are amazing qualities.”

  Cade shook his head. “A dog has those too. Listen, I’m nothing special. But you are. I know that. And I love you. But you can’t keep second-guessing us. This game… it’s unfair.”

  Kyle nodded. “I know. I just… It takes over me, sometimes.”

  Cade was quiet, looking at Kyle. “It’ll take time for you to trust me. It doesn’t happen in a second.”

  “I trust you!”

  Cade laughed softly, but without any malice. “I know. I know you do. But you don’t trust us. That’s what I meant.”

  “I want to.”

  Cade nodded. “Okay. That’s a start, at least. But you can’t run away, Kyle. Not again. You can’t shut down. You can’t ice me out. That hurts.”

  “I-” Kyle trailed off, out of words, feeling guilt overwhelm him. “I’m sorry.”

  “You can’t make me chase you forever. I thought you were the one who loved me more?” Cade said, gently teasing.

  Kyle couldn’t smile. “I do, of course I do. But I’m so sc-” He broke off, shaking his head.

  “I am too, you know,” Cade said softly. “But I don’t care.”

  Something about that statement sent joy soaring through Kyle. He felt an overwhelming elation fill him. “I love you,” he said suddenly.

  Cade laughed. “I know.”

  “Say it back.”

  Cade grinned. His eyes were drooping again. “No.”

  Kyle huffed, but they smiled at each other. “I’ll fight you tomorrow,” he said. “You’re weak tonight.”

  That made Cade laugh loudly. “Come here,” he said.

  Kyle stood, heart beating quickly. He perched on the couch next to Cade, their hips touching. Cade slipped his fingers through Kyle’s and the touch felt like fire. They hadn’t been together in weeks.

  “Give me a kiss,” Cade said, eyes on Kyle’s mouth.

  Kyle felt butterflies in his stomach. He leaned forward slowly, savoring the moment. He let go of Cade’s hands, bracing himself gently on his chest. Cade’s hands moved up, sliding up the sides of Kyle’s body.

  Kyle brushed his lips against Cade and it felt like sunshine. It was sweet, just their lips soft and clinging. Until Cade’s mouth parted under Kyle.

  The first touch of their tongues made Kyle a little weak and he leaned hard against Cade. They kissed for minutes after that, getting to know each other’s mouths again, familiar and not-so-familiar all at once. Kyle wondered how he would go back to London after this. How he would ever stop kissing Cade.

  It was Cade who pressed him back gently. “I want to do this,” he said breathlessly, “But I’m so tired.”

  For Cade to admit he was tired, he was probably so exhausted he was going to collapse. Kyle kissed him quickly, then leaned back. “Come,” he said. “Let’s get you to bed.”

  They held hands as they moved and it was both awkward and extraordinarily sweet. It was obvious they still had things to discuss, but at least they had made some amends.

  Kyle put Cade to bed, but he moved to the guest bedroom. Cade protested a little, but Kyle knew it was too soon. If he slept there, they would have sex in the morning and he didn’t want that until they’d finished their conversation.

  But as he slipped under his covers, he smiled.

  Because, suddenly, being with Cade seemed so easy.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Kyle was woken up by a high, piping voice and fingers poking urgently at his eyeballs. He sat up, only to be faced with Sam’s beaming expression about an inch away.

  “Kyle!” the baby squealed happily, straddling his chest, kneeing him squarely in the ribs. Kyle swallowed a curse at the pain streaked down his side, stifling a sigh. Sam had an action figure in his hand and waved it so close to Kyle’s face it was just a blur.

  Kyle jerked his head back a little, afraid for his eyeballs again. “Who’s that?” he mumbled, yawning widely.

  Sam launched into an inarticulate explanation of who the action figure was and Kyle tried to listen. He really did. But after a few minutes, he wondered where Cade was. He felt a fluttering in his chest that had nothing to do with the chubby toddler bouncing happily on his ribs.

  They had a lot to discuss, and he hoped it was all going to end well.

  Midway through Sam’s never-ending chatter, he scooped the baby into his arms and made his way to the bathroom. The toddler seemed unfazed by this treatment, continuing to regale Kyle with stories. He brushed his teeth like that, Sam propped on the bathroom counter, still talking, Kyle’s arm on the counter caging him in safely so he wouldn’t fall.

  He decided to pee later, not exactly sure how comfortable Cade would be with this situation. Helping the baby hop down, they went into the kitchen hand-in-hand, shuffling along in their pajamas.

  “Papi!” Sam cried, tugging on Kyle’s hand to show Cade the visitor.

  Cade smiled, looking up. He was sitting on one of the kitchen stools, his phone in his hand. Kyle smiled toothily at Cade, his heart overflowing with good humor.

  The baby ran at Cade and he scooped him up, laughing. “Papi, look- Kyle, Papi!” He pointed at Kyle as if Cade hadn’t seen him already.

  Cade looked at Kyle, his eyes warm, his mouth curved in a small smile. “Yes, there’s Kyle,” he said, his voice low.

  Kyle felt the words brush him as if they were Cade’s fingertips. He suddenly wished they could skip the discussion, that the baby could be put to bed right away, because he really, really wanted to kiss Cade. Right then and there.

  Cade seemed to understand because his smile was mischievous and he kept his eyes trained on Kyle’s. Kyle looked away, knowing full well that one of them had to have some self-restraint.

  He took a deep breath and plopped over on stool, pouring himself a glass of orange juice. He could see that the baby was tugging urgently on Cade’s shirt, trying to attract his attention. Distracted, Cade looked at his son and Kyle grinned. Nothing like a baby to kill the mood.

  Sam seemed intent on showing Cade something in the other room and Cade sent an apologetic look to Kyle who waved him away cheerfully. After they left, Kyle called Jack, chatting to him before he left school. All the time with Sam made him want to see his son again. He missed him terribly, and thought about all the times Jack woke him up too early the same way Same did. He laughed, his eyes slightly tearful.

  Cade and Sam were a long time returning. Sam was showered and dressed and wearing his backpack.

  Frowning, he turned to Cade, “Isn’t he sick? Why’re you sending him to school?”

  “Not school,” Cade said, shaking his head. “He’s going to my brother’s today. He’s better but I don’t want him to go to school yet. He just loves his backpack.”

  Kyle grinned at Sam who giggled. “Why your brother’s?”

  “He has a play date. And besides, I thought we could talk.”

>   Kyle nodded, his heart beating fast. When Cade’s brother came to pick up the baby, they exchanged hugs and chatted briefly about their children and families. Rodrigo left soon after, Sam’s chubby fist curled comfortably in his.

  When Cade closed the door, Kyle felt his heart begin to beat uncomfortably fast. An awkward tension filled the room as Cade turned around to face him. They were both still in their pajamas and it felt uncomfortable, almost too intimate.

  He had seen Cade naked, obviously, but this was different. There was too much still undecided between them and he felt like jeans gave him a protection his flimsy cotton pajamas didn’t.

  Cade met Kyle’s eyes squarely like he always did, unafraid. People underestimated how strong, how brave Cade really was. Kyle admired him, his resilience, his ability to get on with life, his unfailing ability to move on.

  Kyle felt buoyed by it. He knew all this was harder for Cade. He had more to lose if their relationship went public. He was much more famous, much bigger than Kyle in a way they both understood keenly. It was this thought that sent an electric surge through Kyle’s spine, snapping it straight. He felt suddenly fearless, more confident in Cade then he’d ever been before.

  Cade seemed to sense it because he stilled, raising his eyebrows questioningly.

  Kyle smiled brightly, his trademark grin, teeth all on display. He was suddenly so proud of the fact that Cade wanted him, Cade wanted him - of all people, of everyone in the universe.

  It made him giddy with joy, head swimming with confidence. He stood up impulsively, making to go to Cade, when Cade’s phone rang, stilling them both.

  When Cade’s eyes snapped up from his phone to meet Kyle’s, eyes full of anxiety, Kyle knew. As quickly as his mood had risen, it sank, like a balloon popping. Ugly jealousy filled him and he felt it twist darkly inside him, making him both numb and torn apart all at the same time.

  Kyle could see Cade making to silence it, but he shook his head. “Answer it,” he said hollowly.

  Cade’s eyes searched his. Then he took a deep breath and swiped quickly at the screen. “Hey, Nolan,” he said casually, his gaze still fixed on Kyle’s.

  Kyle had known, but the name still jarred him. He turned away, but Cade’s hand was on his arm so fast, he was taken by surprise. He stopped because of it, facing Cade, who had moved to his side. Cade was still chatting to Nolan, but his eyes were dark and angry, a warning.

  He shook his head at Kyle, his mouth firm. Kyle felt angry in turn that Cade would expect him to stay when he knew how he felt about it. But Cade’s eyes were so furious, Kyle knew there was no escape.

  He turned back to his stool, perching on it, keeping his eyes down, trying to block out the conversation. Cade ended it soon after and then placed his phone on the countertop with a calmness he obviously didn’t feel.

  There was a pregnant pause.

  “When,” he said quietly, “are you going to trust me, Kyle?”

  “I trust you-”

  “No, obviously not,” Cade cut in, face grim and set.

  “Cade-” Kyle said, voice shaking.

  “Shut. Up,” Cade bit, so furious he was vibrating with rage. “You are an IDIOT. You don’t know anything! Have I ever given you reason to doubt me? Have I fucked around on you? Have I flirted with other guys? Have I kissed someone while we were together?”

  Stunned, Kyle could only stare. “I-”

  “I said shut up. Who the fuck do you think you are? Need I remind you that you kissed someone other than me recently? You know the last time I kissed someone whose name wasn’t Kyle? I can’t even fucking remember!”

  Kyle kept silent, eyes wide, just watching Cade explode. Cade was leaning against the countertop, still except for the unnatural vibration of his fury. His hands were clenched, knuckles white.

  “Cade-”

  “What, Kyle?” Cade snapped. “What could you possibly say to make this okay?”

  “I’m sorry,” Kyle said quietly. “I shouldn’t have gotten jealous. You’re right. You’ve never given me a reason to be jealous. I’m just so in love with you-”

  “This isn’t about love, Kyle. This is about you. Your insecurities.”

  Kyle was silent. That was a hard thing to agree to. He nodded slowly, swallowing hard. “Yes. I- I’m just so scared of losing you.”

  That made Cade’s eyes soften. “But why? If I haven’t left your side since you were 17 years old, why would I now?”

  Kyle took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Cade. I’ll try-”

  Cade shook his head. “No. Tell me what I can say to convince you. What’s it going to take to make you trust me?”

  That left Kyle at a loss. “I- I really don’t know,” he confessed. “Maybe it’s just something that needs time.”

  “So you’re saying I’m going to have to keep dealing with this?” Cade looked aghast at this and it made Kyle laugh hard, cutting the tension.

  “No. Well,” he amended, “Yes. But I’ll try to be better at this too. Maybe we just need to deal with it better.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, no yelling,” Kyle said mischievously. Cade gave him a warning look so he continued swiftly, “I don’t know. Maybe I should just tell you whenever I get jealous and you can reassure me.”

  “Will you actually tell me when you are?”

  Kyle took a deep breath. “Yes, I will. I’ll tell you whenever I’m scared or afraid instead of just running away.”

  Cade nodded. “Yes. That would work.”

  “But,” Kyle said hesitantly, “You really shouldn’t yell, you know. And you have to be a little understanding here.”

  Cade looked like he wanted to say something to that, but instead he nodded. “You’re right. We both need to be a little mature about things.”

  Kyle grinned at Cade, feeling relief unfurling in his chest so fast it made him giddy. “I’m plenty mature.”

  Cade snorted, looking askance at Kyle. “Don’t even get me started.”

  Kyle touched the back of Cade’s hand gently. “I want to make this work. I don’t want to be without you anymore. I don’t want to fight with you. I hate it. It ruins my entire day.”

  Cade’s smile was very warm. “It doesn’t exactly make mine, you know. But I want to do this too.” He flipped his hand over, clasping Kyle’s, their palms cool and dry against each other.

  Kyle felt like laughing because of sheer joy. “So,” he said, trying to act nonchalant, “are we boyfriends?”

  Cade grinned, his dimples appearing suddenly. “Hmm,” he said, eyes crinkling in amusement. “Are we?”

  Kyle tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Well,” he said casually. “I’m single. You are too. So why not?”

  Cade raised his eyebrows. “Oh, is that the criteria? Hmm. Then I could be almost anyone’s boyfriend.”

  Kyle suppressed a laugh. “But you don’t love them.”

  Cade nodded very seriously. “You’re right.”

  Kyle leaned forward on his elbows and said, “I love you, you know.”

  Cade was smiling slightly too. “I know.”

  Kyle raised his eyebrows. “And?”

  Cade raised his eyebrows in turn, his expression laughing. “And?”

  “And you love…?” Kyle trailed, waving his hand for Cade to go on.

  “Sam?”

  Kyle huffed. “Well, yes. But after Sam?”

  “My mom?” There was a definite smile on Cade’s face now.

  Kyle knew Cade was joking, but he felt irritated nonetheless. “Well, okay, yes, after family.”

  “Andrea?”

  “You know what? I don’t love you. I take it back.” Fuming, Kyle stood up, going to stalk away. Laughing, Cade put an arm on Kyle’s, stopping him.

  “Wait, don’t you want to know what I feel for you?”

  Kyle turned back to look at Cade’s politely inquiring face. Suspicious, he sat back down. “Okay, and what do you feel for me?”

  “I don’t love you,” Cade said tho
ughtfully.

  Thoroughly fed up, Kyle swore and got up again. Laughing hard now, Cade called after him, following Kyle to the living room. “Wait, you didn’t let me finish!”

  “I don’t want to hear it,” Kyle said, plopping on the couch, so disgruntled he wanted to smack Cade hard.

  “Are you sure?” Cade asked teasingly, sitting right next to Kyle.

  Kyle knew it was childish, but he immediately inched away. Cade, infuriatingly, moved even closer. “I’m very sure.”

  “Well,” Cade said, trying to thread his fingers through Kyle, who batted it away. “I wanted to say that I don’t love you, because it’s something more than that. It’s cheesier than love. So of course you’re my boyfriend.”

  Kyle turned to Cade, genuinely surprised. Cade rarely opened up like this. “What’s cheesier than love?”

  Cade smiled slightly, clearly embarrassed. “How I feel about you.”

  It was corny. Kyle knew it. It was terribly, awfully, insanely cheesy and corny and over-the-top, but it was also amazing and beautiful and exactly how he felt about Cade. “I love cheese.”

  Cade grinned, more at ease now. “Mm, yes. Let’s order a pizza.”

  Kyle laughed. He leaned into Cade suddenly, kissing him impulsively. He intended it to be a quick kiss, meant to show how much he appreciated their relationship, but Cade didn’t break the kiss, following Kyle when he tried to move back.

  Kyle felt himself hardening almost immediately. It had been a few weeks since they’d had sex and he was suddenly ravenous for Cade The emotion of the situation, of having Cade back, made him desperate. Like a lightning bolt to his crotch, his cock came to life, throbbing in his pants. Cade seemed equally hungry for Kyle and they clawed at each other’s clothes.

  Kyle’s T-shirt came off first. He helped Cade remove his own shirt and they kissed like that for a few moments, naked skin pressed together, burning on contact. The kiss was sloppy, rough, tongues lapping hotly against each other.

  Kyle felt their teeth grind against each other, but he didn’t care. Cade was pushing Kyle down on the couch and he willingly lay back, spreading his legs so Cade could press a thigh against his crotch. It throbbed hard at the contact and Kyle couldn’t help but arch his hips, a small moan escaping him.