Confidential Moments: A M/M Sports romance

by Laura John

  I place my lantern and basket down and pull out a blanket.

  “It’s beautiful out here,” he says in awe, taking it all in.

  “I know… Mikey Ecosta’s parents own this place and I asked them if we could hang out tonight.”

  I move to the fire pit where I had set up wood and a lighter earlier today and start a fire. Once it’s going, I sit on the blanket and pat the spot beside me.

  “Come sit, babe,” I tell him, and he moves between my legs to lean against my chest. “Tonight is perfect. The sky is so fucking clear. I wanted to show you all the stars.”

  “This is amazing. I’ve never seen the stars so clearly before.”

  I wrap my arms around him and lean my head against his shoulder. When I inhale, I almost get lightheaded from his smell. How is it that I never get sick of this man? All the time I spend with him is never enough. I always want more.

  “I was trying to figure out a perfect end to the day, and I think this works.”

  “I’m not going to lie, I’ve never had a boyfriend who takes this good care of me,” he admits.

  “I think it’s important that we both put in the work. I know some people say relationships are fifty-fifty, but I think they’re one hundred-one hundred. Both partners need to give their all. When one partner is down, the other pulls them up, and vice versa.”

  He turns in my arms and grabs my face, pulling it to his. His lips are soft, his mustache and beard are much thicker than mine and tickle against my skin.

  “Relationships are a lot of work, but if you are willing to not give up no matter what, then we could make it in the long run,” he tells me before kissing me again.

  We stay cuddled together for a long time. Listening to the crackling of the fire, the swooshing of the water, and the wind gently whistling through the trees. It feels so perfect.

  I feel my eyes slowly closing and we decide it’s time to go.

  “Thank you for the best night,” Xavier tells me before we go to bed.

  I kiss him gently, and I feel my heart racing. I’m definitely falling for this guy. Part of me is terrified, the other part is happy.

  I don’t want to push love away anymore, so I’ll accept the fear with the happiness.

  “I can’t believe I’m at Mikey Ecosta’s fourth of July birthday bash,” Xavier whispers, his body vibrating with excitement.

  “I came last year, but I’m actually excited to chill with you today. I love when you have days off.”

  “I like that I can hang with all of these famous people, and there are no paparazzi in sight,” he tells me, leaning in to kiss me gently.

  “You guys are so cute,” Tia tells us, walking with one of her kids on her hip.

  “Thanks… It’s nice to be happy,” I tell her, holding Xavier’s hand.

  “It looks good on you,” she tells me with a smile. “I’m so glad you guys could make it.”

  She gives us both a kiss on the cheek before wandering off to visit with the small crowd.

  I recognize pretty much everyone, all close friends of Mikey and Tia. I guess that includes me now, and I hate that I could have had this sooner, but I pushed everyone away. Even when I did attend events like this, I kept to myself and people even stopped trying to talk to me. I was just the grump in the corner. That has now changed. I am different. Happy.

  We go to sit by the pool when we hear people shouting.

  “What’s going on?” I ask Leah, who is rushing to where Crystal and Dustin are.

  “I’m pretty sure she’s in labor. She was there for me and I want to see if she needs me,” she tells me, rushing off and pushing people out of her way.

  I watch as they rush Crystal into the house and, I’m assuming, to their car. Xavier and I decide not to follow, knowing they don’t need the extra people.

  “That was insane,” I tell Xavier.

  “Yeah… you want kids one day, right?” he asks me, and I nod.

  My thoughts start to drift to the idea of having kids with Xavier. I really think he would make a great dad. Maybe one day in the future that could be us, chasing after our kids, yelling, laughing, and being a family. My heart starts to swell at the idea.

  “Yeah, I do. But let’s hold off for a little while,” I tell him with a wink.

  “I wasn’t meaning today, silly. I’m just glad we’re both on the same page.”

  Everyone except Dustin and Crystal come back outside. Leah is the last to come back in. I guess Dustin and Crystal decided to do this on their own, which I don’t blame them for.

  “Sorry about the commotion. Another member of this crazy family is going to be born soon. But they told us to keep partying, so we are gonna listen,” Mikey says with a giant smile.

  Xavier pulls me to sit between his legs and we rest on a lounge chair. He plays with my hair, and I’m so happy that this is my life.

  “I hate flying,” Mason grumbles, holding my hand.

  “Are you afraid of flying?” I ask in a teasing tone.

  He glares at me and I smile. He really is cute.

  “No, I just don’t like it.”

  I lean over and kiss his cheek. “You’re cute.”

  He rolls his eyes and I chuckle.

  “Do you think there are going to be a lot of paparazzi when we land?” he asks, and I know he’s nervous.

  This is our first trip as a couple. He still hasn’t told his work about his sexuality, and we haven’t really gone public with our relationship. We aren’t hiding, we just aren’t blasting it everywhere. I’ve been trying to ease Mason into everything because he still has so much anxiety about other people’s opinions. He’s okay with showing public displays of affection around his friends and family, but I don’t know how comfortable he is out in public like this.

  It’s nice to see the world changing daily, but homophobia still exists, and I know one day we’ll face it. I just hope Mason doesn’t try to run when it happens.

  “Usually there isn’t a huge paparazzi presence at the airport, but there probably will be some there. Just keep your hat down and don’t stop. Do you want to walk out by yourself?” I ask, but hope he doesn’t agree to it.

  He squeezes my hand and shakes his head. “No, I’m your boyfriend, and this will be part of our life.”

  I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding and smile. My heart feels so happy. I fucking love that he said “our life” because that’s exactly what I want, a life together.

  “Are you nervous about meeting my brothers and mom tonight?”

  “A little, but I think it’s the right time in our relationship. I can’t believe that we’ve been together two months already.”

  “I know, but it’s pretty awesome, right? I’m really happy to have you in my life.” I lean over and kiss him on the lips.

  “Me too.” His voice is soft, and his eyes light up. Fuck, this man is something special.

  The rest of the flight is perfect. We watch a comedy special and Mason rests his head on my shoulder. It’s nice to see that he isn’t shying away from the PDA. I would listen if he told me he wasn’t comfortable, but I don’t want to hold my love back.

  “I told my mom we would meet her at the restaurant at eight, so we have lots of time to be alone together,” I tell him, grabbing his ass and making him laugh as we wait for our luggage.

  “Get a room, faggots,” some guy says quietly right behind us.

  Mason’s spine straightens and I grab his hand, pulling him to stand somewhere else.

  “I’m sorry that happened,” I tell him when we are standing further down the carousel. I’m worried that he may start rethinking the PDA, and that’s the last thing I want.

  “You shouldn’t have to apologize for that. I’ve actually been surprised these past two months that that doesn’t happen more often.”

  “The world is changing, but assholes still exist.”

  We grab our luggage and head out hand in hand. I keep wanting to tell Mason that I love him, and this moment makes tha
t feeling even stronger. He isn’t running. He’s still by my side.

  “My baby,” Mom says when we get to the restaurant, pulling me into her arms. “Are you eating enough? You look skinny,” she tells me, keeping her hands on my shoulders and checking me over.

  “I’m fine, Mom. This is my boyfriend, Mason,” I tell her, throwing him to the wolves.

  “Oh, you are so handsome,” she says before pulling him into a tight hug. “Thank you for making my boy happy. I am Isabel, but you can call me Mom.”

  He smiles. “He makes me happy too. You raised a very good man here,” he tells her, putting his arm around me.

  Mom’s smile makes me so happy. I know she’s going to love Mason; I just hope my crazy brothers don’t give him too hard of a time.

  “Hey, asshat,” Zack says, slapping me on the back. “I’m Zack,” he introduces himself to Mason, reaching out to shake his hand.

  Zack and I look a lot alike, same build, same height, but he has lighter hair and green eyes like Mom.

  “I’m Liam,” the other middle brother says, waving, not even bothering to stand up.

  Liam doesn’t really look like us at all. He has dark hair and brown eyes like me and Dad, but he’s got a smaller build and is a bit shorter than the rest of us.

  “And Ryse isn’t here tonight because he’s at an event with his girlfriend,” Mom tells us.

  I’m thankful he isn’t here. Honestly, he might have made the whole evening awkward. He wasn’t exactly my number one fan when I told him I was leaving.

  We sit down, and the waiter comes over to take our drink order.

  “So, Mason, Xavier told me you’re a lawyer,” Mom says before taking a sip of her wine.

  I put my hand on my face, realizing the interrogation is already starting.

  “Yes, ma’am. I do contract law, so I work with athletes, actors, musicians, and really anyone who is needing to sign a major contract.”

  “He got the Grey Wolves to agree to my terms and pay me a proper amount,” I tell her, grabbing his hand.

  “I try to make sure my clients get the best service and don’t get the short end of the stick. So often big companies try to screw people over, and I don’t stand for that,” he tells her.

  “That is very noble. How do you feel about Xavier traveling so often for his career? I’m assuming you don’t have a lot of time to travel.”

  “Mom!” I give her a look, telling her to shut up, but she just shrugs.

  “It’s okay,” he says, smiling and squeezing my hand. “You’re right, I don’t get a lot of time off, but I have been slowly dialing back my workload. Eventually I want kids, so I want to be able to provide for them, but also stay home with them. So even though Xavier travels a lot during his season, it doesn’t bother me because I work while he’s gone and spend more time with him when he’s home. I actually like that he is so into his career. I’ve always wanted a career-driven partner in life.”

  My mom smiles, clearly liking his answer. And so do I.

  “Good answer,” she says with a nod and a small smile.

  “He’s also helping his best friend open a restaurant. He’s going to be a silent partner once the restaurant opens,” I tell her and that gets Liam’s attention.

  “What kind of restaurant?” he asks, leaning on the table. Mom slaps his elbows off.

  “She likes comfort food, but also a mix of high-end. So I’m assuming it will be like that,” Mason tells him and Liam nods.

  “Do you think she could use someone to help with mixology?” he asks, and I stare at him like he’s an alien.

  “Where is this coming from?” I ask and he shrugs, pushing his glasses up.

  “Well, now that Hilary and I broke up, I’m looking for a change in life. I hate accounting. I’m sorry, Mom, I know you want me to be successful, but I’m so done with it.”

  Mom reaches and grabs his hand, “I just want you to be happy. But why don’t you find something here in California? Why move to Oregon?”

  “I need a change, Mom,” he says, and I feel bad.

  He was going to ask Hilary to marry him, but when he went over to her house one day, he walked in on her getting fucked by two guys.

  “I can ask Meadow. It’s all still new. We finally found a location but are still getting everything together. But if you are serious about it and Meadow agrees, I think it would be a great idea. I think it would also be great for you to move now and help us set up, so you can have a say in how the bar is set up.”

  Liam’s face lights up and he nods.

  “I’m actually up for renewal on my lease, so now is the perfect time.”

  “Perfect, I’ll call Meadow tonight and get back to you tomorrow,” Mason says, and I’m so happy that this dinner is going so smoothly.

  The rest of the dinner goes perfect, and Mason and I head back to the hotel around midnight.

  “Are you sure you want to sit with my family at the game tomorrow?” I ask when we are getting ready for bed.

  “Of course. I really like them,” he tells me, wrapping his arms around me while I get my toothbrush wet. “Thank you for bringing me, babe. I wish I could stay longer than two nights, but Meadow and I are meeting with the contractors to discuss what we want the building to look like.”

  “It sucks, but I’ll be home soon enough,” I tell him and kiss his cheek. I take a deep breath and know now is the time to tell him how I feel. Setting my toothbrush down, I turn around. “Being away from you sucks because you are so amazing. I love you, Mason.”

  His eyes go wide for a minute, but then his face softens.

  “I love you too. And your family is amazing.” He leans forward and kisses me, putting his hands on the counter behind me. “I’m so glad you came into my life. You made me a better person.”

  My heart flutters from his words. Knowing that he loves me back breaks down all the barriers between us. I lean in to kiss him gently, trying to pour all of my love into him. He nips at my lip and I’m fucking down.

  “Get in the bed now. I need you,” I growl and run my tongue over his bottom lip.

  He laughs and runs off to the bed.

  I am so happy we are getting this chance to be partners. I want to build a life with him. I want to start a family with him. I never knew I wanted all of this until I met him, but I’m really excited about the future.

  “I’m Ryse,” Xavier’s brother, who I didn’t meet last night, tells me, shaking my hand.

  He looks a lot like Xavier and Zack, tall, dark, and handsome, leaving Liam as the odd man out. I have to actually look up at him a bit, and I’m pretty sure he’s taller then Xavier. I bet that pisses him off.

  “Mason,” I tell him with a smile.

  “How’s it going?” Liam asks and I smile at him.

  “Really good. I got a hold of Meadow and she’s really excited to chat with you about being the head mixologist.”

  His face lights up, and Ryse stares at him.

  “Mixologist where?” he asks, and Liam presses his lips together.

  “Sienna,” Liam tells Ryse.

  “What the fuck? You’re leaving too?” he bites out, his face turning red.

  Xavier mentioned Ryse is a bit of a hothead, and now I’m seeing it.

  “Calm down, you two,” Isabel tells them in a stern tone.

  “Sorry,” they both mutter.

  “Didn’t mean to make you guys fight,” I tell them, feeling awkward.

  “It’s okay,” Liam tells me with a warm smile. We walk towards the counter selling beer, and Ryse goes towards our seats with his mom. “I was going to tell him eventually. He hates change, and I knew this would piss him off, but it’s my life, not his.”

  I nod, understanding the withholding of information all too well.

  Once we get to our seats, Isabel, Ryse, and Zack are already seated. We hand out the beers and watch The Grey Wolves warming up.

  Xavier looks over at where we are sitting and waves at us. He shoots me a quick wink and all
the nervous energy I was harboring leaves my body. I can do this. Xavier loves me and I love him. Nothing else really matters.

  “You make him happy,” Isabel whispers into my ear.

  “He makes me even happier,” I tell her back, and she smiles widely.

  The game goes amazing and I love how the brothers rib each other, even including me in the conversations. I feel like I’m with family—which is, I guess, what I am. When we leave the park together, I have this feeling of acceptance. A small part of me wishes I would have come out sooner, but another part of me thinks I was waiting for Xavier to come along.

  “I’m so excited to meet with the contractor,” Meadow beams, her body literally shaking with excitement.

  “Did you have a lot of coffee this morning?” I joke, and she pushes my shoulder.

  “No, well, yes, but I just can’t believe this is actually happening! And it’s all because of you.” She throws her arms around me and squeezes.

  “I’d do anything for you, and I know a good investment when I see one. I also wanted to thank you for agreeing to take Liam on.”

  She smiles at me. “First of all, it’s super cute you want to help your boyfriend; second, Liam is amazing. I don’t know drinks and he has great ideas. I told him we’d FaceTime him when the contractor gets here so he can join in on the discussion. I know he isn’t technically investing and won’t be a ‘partner,’” she holds her fingers up making quotations, “But he is joining us on the journey, and everyone knows a great restaurant is only as good as its bar. We could have amazing food, which we will,” she pauses, giving me a giant smile, “and people would come. But people stay for the booze.”

  “You are so smart,” I tease, and she rolls her eyes. “But seriously, Med, I’m so proud of you. Not only are you going to make me so much money,” I pause, and she sticks her tongue out at me, “but also you are going to make a name for yourself in this town. Your smile keeps growing every day, and it’s fantastic. This is your passion. I’m happy to be a part of it.”