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“Put your hand up if you’ve never kissed another guy,” I say. Every single person raises their hand except for Cohen. I’m surprised to see Jacobs’s hand up. Meaning, either my suspicions about him and Grant were wrong or he’s lying right now. Cohen slowly turns in a circle. “Wait … really? How did you learn how to kiss if not with your best friend?” There are some snickers. “Your best friend is gay, man,” Rossi says. “No, he’s not.” But Cohen suddenly doesn’t sound so sure.
“All right, then.” I step closer and press against him. His eyes widen. “Wait … like … right now?” He turns his head. “Should we wait for Cohen?” Rossi waves him off. “He knows what it’s like for two guys kissing, evidently.” Jacobs nods. “Right, then.”
“I think we’re all a little gay after that. That was hot.” Rossi slaps Cohen’s shoulder. “Still only you, dude.”
It’s barely been a few months since I decided I’m totally and completely straight, and no way am I going to let a stupid kiss with an irritating asshole get in my head.
What did that Katy Perry sing about again? I kissed a guy. And my dick really fucking liked it.
“You’re right. I liked it. Wanna know why?” My response clearly takes him by surprise because when I dip my mouth down next to his ear, he doesn’t pull away. “You were finally fucking quiet.”
I keep replaying that damn kiss. Jacobs’s lips on mine. His tongue in my mouth. That groan … I’d sell my soul to hear that again.
“Think about what this will mean. What happens if you get caught?” Nothing. Nothing will happen if I get caught because my father is big and powerful and rich. “You getting out or not?” I bite out. “Nope. Drive. I have ten miles to convince you not to do this.” My lips quirk. “I’d like to see you try.”
No wait, he’s actually pushing back. He shoves me off him. “What the hell are you doing?” I blink. What am I doing? So many things run through my head that I could say. It seemed like a good idea. I liked kissing you and wanted to do it again. What comes out is not as clear. Or rational. “You’re not a potato.” You’re not a potato? What the fuck? “What?” “Nothing.”
“I liked kissing you, okay! It was hot, and it made me hard, and I swear I’ve jerked off so much to the thought of it, I was worried my dick would fall off. I wanted to see if it was a fluke.”
There’s nothing sweet or teasing about it, and the roughness has me so fucking hard I can’t think straight. Which seems fitting since there’s nothing straight about this moment.
This time my body blankets his, and my cock grinds into his hip. But it’s not enough, because apparently once I go gay, I want the whole fucking package. Literally.
He bites my earlobe with enough force my breath catches, so I pull him away from the wall then slam him back into it. Beck’s grunt smoothly turns to laughter. “That might work on one of your little princesses, but I think I’ve found a new kink.” “Which is?” “You being rough turns me the fuck on.” I don’t want to admit it, but my lips are already answering. “Yeah, me too.”
I nod. “Tomorrow night?” Jacobs snorts. “Depends on how much you piss me off tomorrow.” I pause. “Wait, I don’t know what that means. With normal people, I’d assume it means not to piss you off, but as we’ve established you like it when I make you mad. So …” He throws one of his pillows at me, but I duck out of the way. “See, I’m so confused. Is that flirting or telling me to go away?” He glares at me. “Okay, that’s more straightforward.” I make my way to the door,
“Remind them that practice is at eight tomorrow, and I don’t care if they’re throwing up, they’re not getting out of it.” See, this is why he’d make a good captain, and I … I shouldn’t have gone for it in the first place.
“Now, unless someone is bleeding or dying, don’t come wake me. I’m going to bed.” I get a whole lot of weird looks, but I can’t even muster the effort needed to be on right now.
My newfound enjoyment of manhandling does have some limits. Rough sex, good. Murder, bad.
I’m bigger than him, but he pressed me against that wall and carried me across his room without breaking a sweat. No, the sweating came later while he was on top of me. Grinding. And thrusting into his fist while dragging his hard cock along— One of the camp kids slams into me, knocking me off my skates. Yup, that’s what happens when you’re not concentrating.
“Who was she, then?” I say, still fighting like hell not to smile. “No one special.” He cocks his head. “Wasn’t even that good, actually.” I burst out laughing because I know for a fact that’s bullshit. “Must’ve been good for her if she left that,” Cohen says. He has no idea.
He eyes me. “How do you know what a cock cage feels like?” “I’m fully kinky. BDSM. Whips, chains … ball gags.” He eyes me skeptically. “Okay, fine, I watch a lot of porn, okay?”
“Commando?” “Yup. I knew tonight was going to end this way. Less obstacles.” “Who knew you were smart as well as good at hockey?” That adorable frown line I love so much creases his forehead. “I feel like there could be a compliment in there somewhere, but I’m struggling to see it.” I laugh
“You know, this is practically a date.” Jacobs sprays coffee all over the table, and I lean back in my seat victorious.
with the way my focus blinks in and out, it’s clear I’ve overdone it. Even in my ineb … inebri … “How do you say inebriated?” I ask. But it must not come out right. Rossi laughs at me. “Not like that, buddy.” Ugh. Why am I so … that word? Oh, yeah. He called her baby.
“Come on, big guy,” Rossi says, swiping us into the building. “Buddy … big guy … Stop being so conscending.” “You mean condescending?” “That’s what I said.”
“Want to talk about what’s going on with you?” Rossi asks. “Nope.” “Is it Beck?” “What?” I round on him, and his eyebrows jump up in surprise. “Because he’ll be voted captain.” “Fuck captain.” I don’t mean that. “And fuck Beck.” That one I kinda do mean.
“You’re scared.” Beck cocks his head. “I get it. I mean, we’ve both topped chicks before, that’s old news. But while you might be the BJ king, I bet I’m a total power bottom.” He leans in and drops his voice. “It’ll be too hard for you to compete with.” “You think you’ll take dick better than me?” I’m smiling as I advance on him, and Beck backs up easily until he’s pressed against one of the huge tree trunks lining the side of the path. “Come on, Topher, we both know I will.”
“Sorry we’re not spending much time together. This camp thing has a crazy packed schedule.” “Mm, you look exhausted,” she says. “Thanks. You’re beautiful too.” She smiles. “You know, you’d probably get more sleep if you stopped sneaking out at night.” My face falls. “Say what?” My voice is comically high-pitched.
Baby narrows her eyes. “What?” “When I’ve asked you about your girlfriends—and I use that term loosely—you’ve had no problem describing them and giving me their name because you know I’ll never meet them.” She cocks her head. “Which means, there’s either a chance of running into this new gi—person … or … I’ve already met them.” I don’t miss the way she switched pronouns. Shit. I run a hand through my hair. “If you could, like, not be so perceptive, that’d be great. Thanks.”
She throws her arms around me. “Aww, Teddy. I’m proud of you for rejecting the social convention of heteronormative bullshit.” “Yes. Because that’s the entire reason for sleeping with a teammate.” Her eyes widen. “It’s totally that asshole guy, isn’t it?” “He’s not an asshole,” I grumble. “Oh, that’s so cute.”
“A whole afternoon and night off. What could we possibly get up to?” “If that’s your way of asking me on that second date, your delivery needs some work.” “Oh, and the way you asked was so romantic. The only reason I knew it was a date was because you told me to change my shirt.” I shove him. “Ask me out properly, dick.” He laughs. “Hey, asshole, wanna go out tonight?” “With such sweet pet names like that, it’s amazing we’re not totally in love yet. But yes. I will go out with you tonight.”
Shake it off, Beckett. You have to beat Jacobs at something. He’s mastered BJs. Be the best damn bottom ever. Become one with bottoming. Be your carefree, fuck the consequences self and take dick like a champ.
“Told you I’d ace this bottoming thing.” “Can I move properly yet?” Fucker. “You’re not allowed to call me on my bullshit when you’re inside me. It’s like, the law.” Jacobs laughs hard. “And now you’re laughing. Best sex ever, am I right?” “Maybe if you shut up and focused, we could get this thing going. Then we can decide if it’s the best sex ever.” “Me? Shut up? I think you’re forgetting—” Jacobs attacks my mouth, his tongue pushing its way inside and forcing me to be quiet. The best way to make me silent.
“I don’t have a thing for guys. I have a thing for Topher.” “Aww, I’m so right. Invite him.” “I already feel bad enough for inviting myself to stay at his farm on the way back. I’ve messed with his summer plans enough as it is.” “Chickenshit.” “… Virgin!” “Am not,” she sings. “You always will be in my eyes.”
“You two are so cute.” “Are we going to have to put up with that for the next six hours?” “Me telling you that you’re cute? Yup. You called me a princess. Suck it up, Teddy.” Jacobs snickers. “Yeah, Teddy Bear. Besides, I’m totally cute.” Right again.
But I refuse to keep Beck a secret. It might have made sense early on when I’d been sure things were only physical, but now we’re actually together, now we’re both committed to this thing, I’m going to claim him. Beck is mine. And everyone is gonna know it.
we’ve barely parked when the back door flies open and Mom hurries out. My brothers and Dad aren’t far behind her. “I thought you’d be working,” I say, jumping out of the car and swamping her in a tight hug. “You really think we’re not going to be here to welcome you home? When I got your text, we rushed through morning chores.”
“Finally, he gets the hint. I’ve been trying to get you to bring your boyfriends to help for years.” Excuse me? Beck bursts out laughing. “I’ve never had a boyfriend before!” I splutter. “Uh-huh, sweetie.” She pats my cheek. “Whatever you say.” “I haven’t.”
Dad nods. “He looks strong. Good pick, son.” My face contorts because while I want them to be supportive, I don’t want them sizing my boyfriend up.
“See this?” Mom asks my brothers, pointing at us. “This is the standard of partner you need to bring home. Anyone else gay? Bi? Pan? We need some more hockey players to round out the family.” Rafter laughs. “Who needs hockey players when Tony’s girlfriend could kick all our asses?”
“I know you’re cracking jokes to try to make me feel better, but I don’t know if it’s working.” “What if I let you blow me now? Will that make it better?” “How magnanimous of you.” “I’m a generous guy.”
“Hey, Zach, it’s Topher. And Beck.” Jacobs smiles at me. “But you’re totally allowed to call him Teddy seeing as you hate the last-name game. Where’s Foster? We kinda need to talk to him.” “Don’t you two hate each other? Did someone die?” We look at each other and laugh. “We, uh, have some questions,” I say. He gasps. “Was I right? It was totally sexual tension between you guys?” I glance at Jacobs. “Zach’s gay. We could ask him.”
“Who’s on the phone?” Grant’s voice sounds far away. “Your friends. Topher and Teddy.” “Who the fuck is Teddy?” I laugh. “It’s Beck.” There’s no answer for a long time. “You two are … together? Didn’t camp end? Oh my God, who died?” “That’s what I asked,” Zach says.
Beck’s getting more used to the work though. I think Dad felt sorry for him after the first day or two and let him help with making the cider and taking the tractor rides instead. They’ve never let me do those things, and I’m beginning to think Beck was right. Those bastards like him better than me. And I don’t even care.
“So, Jenny, since I’m the favorite son”—he’s met by four scoffs—“what are the chances of taking some of those donuts back with me?” “If you make them, you can take them.” “Always trying to get me to work,” Beck groans. Dad laughs. “You think what you’ve been doing is considered work, Teddy?” “Jenny,” Beck whines. “Are you going to let him talk to me like that?” “Pretty much.”
“Go,” Dad says. “Are you sure? Because if it’ll be too hard—” He laughs. “That isn’t anything you need to worry about. You work hard, you deserve the weekend off.” His eyes squint up as he turns to Beck. “Besides, your boyfriend gets in the way.” “Hey!” Beck exclaims, pretending to be offended, but there’s more of that gooey happiness flooding my veins.
“I have a proposition for you.” I sigh. “Let me guess. You’re willing to overlook the boyfriend thing if I put my head down and work really hard to be your minion.” “Would you shut that mouth of yours for five seconds?” Dad grumbles. Eww, why did my dad suddenly remind me of Jacobs? I shudder.
“Eight solid Beck-less hours. The horror.” I kick his shoe. “I’ve gotten used to you being around.” “Yeah … you too.” He screws up his face. “Who are we?” “Topher and Teddy.” “I’m so embarrassed by you.” Beck shakes his head and turns back to his food.
sure enough when I walk in, he’s there, saving a seat for me. Yep. My boyfriend’s cute. And still in high school apparently.
“Why would I be nervous about that? It’s no big deal. It’s nothing special—we’re just two dudes who are dating. There’s nothing to be nervous about.” “So … you’re terrified, then?” “Quietly shitting myself, yes.”
“And this year, we have an alternate. Congratulations, boys. You worked hard for this.” I’m still completely numb as I quickly turn to Beck, sure he’s going to be as stunned as I am. Instead, he’s smiling. Smiling. “What did you do?” Beck smirks as he takes the jersey from my loose grip and tugs it over my head. “I made sure things went the way they were supposed to.”
