Caleb's Choice

by Sarah Hadley Brook

  The place offered a free breakfast downstairs every morning. Cereal, bagels, and even scrambled eggs. There was coffee and juice, but he had tried the coffee the previous morning and immediately decided to stick with Starbucks. He’d been thrilled to find one right next to the office building.

  After he showered and dressed, he called his new boss and filled him in on the plan for the day. Mr. Sheldon was happy that he’d found someone willing to help him.

  “Don’t worry, son, this is for only a short time. We’re lining up some interviews today,” he promised Lucas.

  “Thanks. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the job,” Lucas began, but his boss cut him off.

  “Say no more, Landry. We hired you for news, not sports. But we really appreciate you pinch-hitting for us on this.”

  Shit. Did everyone talk in sports lingo? He felt like he’d fallen through the rabbit hole. Lucas had spent most of his life running from sports and jocks, but since arriving here in Rain Valley, he’d been thrust into their world. It was…unsettling, to say the least.

  His boss let him go and he waited for Caleb to give him a call.

  Caleb. He sighed and shook his head, frustrated. What was he going to do about that man? He couldn’t let Caleb know he was gay. God, he couldn’t relive his high school days. He’d barely survived back then.

  Being the daily target of school bullies had almost been his undoing, and most of those bullies had been jocks. Big, muscle-bound, testosterone-laced, angry jocks. He had cowered then, refusing to fight back. But now? He wasn’t the same person he’d been in high school.

  College had been a saving grace for him. He found his courage to be who he was, but even then he stayed away from athletes. Of course, he’d run in a different circle there. All his friends had been journalists, or at least wanted to be. The closest he’d ever gotten to sports was when his old roommate dragged him golfing. Truth be told, he hated golf, too.

  No, he knew he wouldn’t shrink away just because some sports-monkey wanted to belittle him. He’d stand up for himself now; Lucas was sure of it.

  He continued pacing the small room, giving himself his pep talk. Just because he was attracted to this man didn’t mean he couldn’t handle the situation. He could keep his attraction a secret and get through this assignment. Hell, maybe he could look back at it someday and laugh at the absurdity of it all. Lucas falling for a jock? Not possible. He could—

  The shrill ring of his cell cut into his thoughts and he fished it out of his pocket. “Hello?”

  “Lucas?”

  “Yes.” Damn, it was Caleb. He knew that voice, and his body was already betraying him. “Caleb?”

  “Yup. When do you want to get started?”

  That depends on what you want to start. He smiled. Stop it, Lucas!

  “Lucas?”

  He snapped back to attention. “Sorry. I’m ready any time.”

  “Great! Want to meet in about an hour at my place?”

  Lucas’ cock twitched. Damn. His place. That had all the markings of a disaster in the making. But apparently his mind was listening to his cock because he heard himself tell Caleb that sounded fine.

  Caleb agreed to text him the address so he could use his phone’s GPS, and they hung up.

  Within seconds, he had the information on his phone. But what would he do for the next forty minutes until he needed to leave? A growl from his stomach answered that question. The granola bar had definitely not been enough for breakfast. He decided to have a bagel downstairs, so he grabbed his laptop and headed for the elevator.

  * * * *

  As Lucas stood in line in the little dining area, someone bumped him from behind. He turned to see a pretty young woman with red hair smiling at him.

  “I’m so sorry,” she purred, offering her hand to him.

  He shook it. “No problem,” he replied with a smile.

  “I’m Claire.”

  “Lucas.”

  “I know. I saw you at the ballpark yesterday. You’re the new announcer, right?”

  “No. Well, yes, for now I am, but it’s only temporary.”

  She smiled again, this time a little too suggestively, and slid a little closer. He started to get the feeling that the bump had been intentional.

  “I’m staying on the third floor,” she volunteered. “Just for a couple of weeks, though. Once my divorce is final, I’m moving back to my place. Just waiting for him to get out, you know?”

  Lucas nodded, but no, he had no idea. He had never been married. Never been divorced. Never even lived with someone. Well, he’d had roommates, but that was different than sharing a life with someone.

  “I’m sorry to hear about your divorce,” he expressed.

  She wrinkled her nose in distaste. “I’m not. He’s an ass. Married less than a year and found him doing my best friend. In my bed.”

  “Wow…um, sorry….” He had no idea what to say. What was the proper etiquette in this kind of situation? he wondered.

  “Don’t be. He can have her skanky ass and her fake boobs. Mine are real,” she divulged. “Besides, I’m on to bigger and better things,” she added, her voice breathy. She leaned in and whispered, “It’s time I had some fun, too. Don’t you think?”

  Sister, you are barking up the wrong tree. “Um, sure.” He grabbed his bagel and turned around for his laptop. “Listen, I have to get going. It was nice meeting you,” he added as he practically ran out to his car.

  He didn’t care if he still had at least half an hour to kill, he needed to get away from there. He glanced at himself in the rearview mirror and laughed. His face was beet red and his dirty blond hair was sticking up in different directions. He looked a little like a mad scientist. Lucas shook his head and took a bite of his bagel. He never knew how to respond to pushy women. Well, that was only half-true. He never knew how to respond to women in general. They were so alien to him.

  As he pulled out of the parking lot, he tried not to pay attention to the butterflies in his stomach. The idea of spending time alone with Caleb, in his home, caused all kinds of reactions in his body. He might be attracted to Caleb, but the man was a straight jock and Lucas needed to remember that.

  * * * *

  Caleb’s doorbell rang just as he finished loading the dishwasher. He wiped his hands on the kitchen towel and scanned the apartment. Everything looked good. Not perfect, but certainly not the slovenly mess it had been earlier in the morning.

  He pulled open the door and his heart thudded. Lucas was just as gorgeous as he remembered. Part of Caleb had thought he’d imagined the silky brown eyes from yesterday, but here they were, peering up at him now. He shivered at the tingles running down his spine.

  Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Are you okay?”

  Caleb pulled himself together and nodded, unsure if speaking was a possibility yet. He cleared his throat and invited Lucas inside.

  Lucas glanced around and smiled. “It’s nice. I was kind of picturing beer cans and empty pizza boxes,” he admitted sheepishly.

  Caleb laughed. “Actually, you’re not far off. Sometimes it gets like that, but I try to keep it cleaned up.”

  Lucas grinned. “Hey, nothing wrong with pizza and beer.”

  “Part of the four food groups,” Caleb added, smiling. “Here,” he said, placing his right hand on Lucas’ lower back and guiding him to the kitchen. “I figure we can set up at the table, if that works for you.”

  Lucas stayed silent and rigid by his side. Caleb turned, and it surprised him to see the man’s red face. Only then did he realize his hand remained on Lucas’ back. He yanked it off as if he’d burned himself and looked away, embarrassed. Why had he done that? It had seemed so natural to touch Lucas, he’d done it without a second thought.

  “Um, so, yeah. You want to get started? Want some coffee? Soda?” His voice sounded rough to his ears.

  “Coffee would be great. I haven’t had any today.”

  “Sounds good. It will just be a minute. Make yourself at
home.”

  He started the coffee and kept a discreet eye on Lucas. The man was taller than Caleb remembered, probably only three or four inches shorter than his own six feet. His faded Levi’s fit him well, not too tight, but not too loose, either. When Lucas leaned over his laptop, Caleb stifled a groan at viewing the round, muscular ass encased in faded denim.

  And that blond hair with those brown eyes and creamy skin? Fuck. There was no way to get around it. This guy was hot. Damn. Caleb’s dick was already chubbing up. How the hell was he going to do this?

  “Sugar? Creamer?”

  “A little sugar would be great,” Lucas answered as he took a seat.

  Within minutes, Caleb brought their coffee to the table. “I’ve never tutored before,” he said, unsure where to start. “Why don’t you tell me what you do know about baseball?”

  Lucas blushed and chewed his lower lip. Being this close to the man was torture. All Caleb wanted to do was capture those sweet lips with his own.

  Lucas finally looked at him, his brows knitted. “About the only thing I know is that the Royals won the World Series in 2015. And that’s only because a friend of mine is from Kansas City and that’s all he could talk about all winter.”

  Caleb chuckled and leaned toward him, his hand about to grasp Lucas’ shoulder. But Lucas flinched and his body recoiled.

  Realization dawned on Caleb. He pulled away and settled into his chair. “Are you afraid of me, Lucas?”

  “No. Well, not really.” Lucas sighed and carded his fingers through his hair before looking Caleb in the eyes. “I was bullied in high school. By jocks. All four years.” He paused and gazed to the side. “All four years.”

  Caleb let out a breath. “Man, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

  Lucas held up a hand. “No apologies necessary. I’m twenty-five, for God’s sake! High school was a long time ago. And I was fine in college. Enjoyed college a lot, actually.” He sighed deeply and gave Caleb a small smile. “I guess with the move to a new city, the change in my job—albeit temporary—and the fact that I’m working with baseball players, is just bringing it all back. I don’t know.”

  “Well, I can certainly see why it would. Being bullied can be traumatizing.”

  “You’ve been bullied?” Lucas asked, eyes wide with disbelief.

  “No, not me. My sister, Rebecca. She was picked on about everything. Her braces. Her glasses. Her high IQ. It took her a long time to deal with that.” He cocked his head. “Is that how it was for you? They picked on you for being so smart?”

  Lucas gaped and he stared at Caleb like he was from Mars.

  “What? What’s wrong?”

  “You think I was picked on for being smart?”

  “That wasn’t it? I just know teens can be horrible to each other and you seem so smart…I just assumed….”

  Lucas’ eyes crinkled and he smiled. “Um, no. I mean, yes, I am smart. Not brilliant, but…anyway, no, that wasn’t it. I was picked on for being gay.”

  Caleb’s heart did a little dance. He’d been sure Lucas was gay, but his admission just cemented it. His mouth curved into a smile and he leaned toward Lucas.

  “Did you hear me? I’m gay. If you have a problem with that, tell me now.”

  “Oh, I heard you,” Caleb whispered as he inched closer, tracing his finger along Lucas’ jaw line, then tapping just under his chin, tilting up his head a little. “I heard you loud and clear,” he murmured before his lips pressed against Lucas’. Lightly. His gut clenched and he knew he could easily lose control.

  Lucas gasped as he pulled away, and his lips twitched into a smile. He looked at Caleb through heavy-lidded eyes and an adorable blush spread across his face.

  Caleb cupped Lucas’ chin, stroking the soft skin with his thumb. “I’ve been wanting to do this since yesterday.”

  Suddenly, Lucas yanked backward, standing and sending his chair flying. “What are you…but, you’re not…what is going on?” he sputtered, eyes flashing at Caleb.

  “I’m gay,” Caleb whispered, leaning back in his chair.

  “But you…you’re a jock. That’s just not…I mean, I don’t know what to say.” Lucas threw his arms in the air.

  “Excuse me, but athletes can be and are gay, Lucas. You know that. Don’t stereotype me.”

  Lucas flushed and looked away. “You’re right. I know this. I…you just took me by surprise, is all. I didn’t think…I mean, I had no idea…” Lucas came back to the table. “I’m sorry. I…I’m sorry.”

  Caleb grinned and leaned in for another kiss. Now that he’d tasted Lucas, he wanted another bite at the apple.

  But Lucas had other ideas. He pressed his palm against Caleb’s chest, stopping him.

  “What?” Caleb asked, confused. Was he wrong about their mutual attraction?

  “Are you out?” Lucas asked, his voice quiet but firm.

  Caleb exhaled deeply. Time to be honest. “No. I’m not out.” His gaze flicked to the other side of the kitchen, then back to Lucas.

  “Not out to anyone? Or just not out to the team?”

  Caleb scrunched his eyebrows together. “No one knows. Why does it matter?”

  Lucas shook his head. “Because I am out. I’m proud of who I am and won’t be shamed into staying hidden. I was somebody’s little secret once, and I won’t ever go through that again.”

  Caleb breath whooshed out. He looked at his feet for a moment before leveling his gaze at Lucas. “Look, it’s not that I’m ashamed of who I am. I’ve known I was gay most of my life. It can be…dangerous…for an athlete to come out. Plus, my dream is to make it to the Show someday.” He smiled at Lucas’ look of confusion. “The Major Leagues,” he clarified.

  Lucas nodded, still appearing a little confused.

  Caleb began to feel the moment unravel, and he grew irritated. “Besides, you’re acting like I’m looking for some long-term commitment. Hell, we just met, Lucas. I thought we might have some fun, but if you aren’t into it, that’s fine.” He leaned back into his chair and shrugged, groaning inwardly at his words. He was lying. And being hurtful. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go.

  Lucas paled and looked at his laptop. “I’m not asking for a commitment. I agree with you. We did just meet. But I respect myself too much to hide who I am. I won’t do it for anyone.”

  Caleb’s stomach churned, and his skin felt cold and clammy. What the hell was going on? Why would he feel such an intense reaction to Lucas’ rejection? He needed to think, so he stood and excused himself. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he said through gritted teeth and strode to his bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

  He sat on the bed, bracing his hands on his knees, and took a slow, deep breath. His heart raced, and he trembled all over. How had one little kiss reduced him to this? How could he go back in there and face Lucas? He cringed as his words returned to him. Did he really say “I thought we might have some fun”? Fuck. Lucas probably thought he was an ass.

  Caleb stared at his reflection in the large mirror over his dresser. He looked like shit, so he moved into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. He pressed the towel to his skin and tried to shake the idea that he’d just blown things with Lucas. But, hey, they had just met. And they didn’t really know each other. He locked eyes with himself in the mirror. “Get your ass out there and show him who you are. Show him the real you, not the jerk you just were.”

  As he walked to the door, he noticed the piece of paper on the carpet.

  Juan. Damn. He had forgotten to read the man’s note. He picked it up and carefully unfolded it.

  Caleb,

  I’m here with my boyfriend at the Marriott. If you’re looking to have some fun, we’d love to have you over. Call me at 816-555-1212.

  Juan

  Hmm, there was that phrase again—“to have some fun.” Was that what he was all about? Hook-ups and having fun? He crumpled the paper and tossed it to the floor. He didn’t have time to think about that right now.

/>   He walked back to the kitchen, where he found Lucas looking up “baseball” on Wikipedia.

  “Seriously? You’re going to read about baseball?”

  * * * *

  Lucas swiveled his head to find Caleb looming over him, his lips twitching. God, those lips. Would he ever feel a kiss like that again? So light, and yet, the sweetest of his life. That kiss held promises. He didn’t care what Caleb said. He knew he felt it, too. It didn’t matter right now, though. Lucas had meant what he’d said about being someone’s secret. Besides, his priority now had to be learning about baseball.

  He watched Caleb round the table and take a seat.

  “What? Reading is how I learn. How most people learn,” he responded defensively.

  Caleb stared at him, appearing incredulous for a moment. “Yeah, well, baseball is unique. It’s a living, breathing thing. It has heart. It has strength. It becomes a part of a person. It’s not just a game, Lucas. You have to feel it to learn it,” he stressed as he lightly punched his own chest with his fist.

  Lucas stared at him slack-jawed. Was Caleb serious? He seemed to be, but was the man just messing with him? “Feel it?”

  Caleb sighed. “Okay, let’s go over a few things. I’m going to give you the basics and then I’ve got a game for us to watch on DVR. I’ll explain as we go.”

  Lucas nodded cautiously, not sure he would ever really understand baseball, or any sport for that matter, but he needed to give it a try. He was still new at his job, and if his boss felt like he wasn’t doing his best, the man might not keep him around for the news spot.

  Caleb scooted his chair closer. “Have you ever played baseball?”

  “T-ball. One time. Kindergarten. Got a black eye.”

  “How the hell did that happen? Did someone hit you with the ball? The bat?”

  Lucas felt the flush creep into his face. “Um, yes and no,” he told him, hoping that would be the end of it.

  Caleb sat back. “What does that mean?”

  Lucas twisted his mouth and shrugged. “Well, I mean ‘yes,’ the bat hit me, and I mean ‘no,’ it wasn’t ‘someone,’” he replied, using his fingers as air quotes. He kept his eyes on Caleb’s face, waiting for him to understand.