“Okay. How about my friend, then? Is that better?”
Without thought, Chance blurted, “I’m not your friend, either. I don’t even know you. You’ve only made yourself known to me yesterday.”
“I would have approached you sooner if you weren’t so distant and moody, and I had listened to my mates instead of doubting myself.”
Chance started walking again, his goal his next classroom. “Just leave me alone, Brody. Please.”
“See, there you go again, building up that wall.” Brody came in front of Chance, putting his hands onto his shoulders.
Electricity coursed through Chance from that touch, more so than when they brushed against each other at the lockers yesterday because now they were face to face. Chance’s heart leapt into his throat to tighten it.
“What’s your problem, Chance? Why do you lock everyone out all the time?”
Chance moved so he could get out of Brody’s hold but he failed. Mainly, he had to admit, because he didn’t really want to. He liked it when Brody touched him.
“Nothing’s wrong with me—it’s everyone else who’s got the problem.”
“Okay. Then tell me what’s wrong with me so I can fix it and be your friend.”
“What?”
“You heard me.” Brody offered one of his luscious lipped and devastating smiles. “And there you go, I saw it.”
“Saw what?” But Chance knew what Brody was referring to; it was written all over Chance’s face.
Brody snorted a laugh. “You’re smiling. You’re cute when you smile, you know that?”
“Wait…what? I’m what?”
But before Brody could clarify, the bell sounded and a couple of teachers came into the main hall to urge everyone to their classrooms. Chance was left standing alone, but not before Brody stated, “See you later—for that drive I promised you.”
“Um…you can’t be my supervisor while I’m driving. You haven’t had your license long enough,” Chance shouted back.
Brody turned around, the tide of other students going around him. He winked. “Who’s gonna know?”
Chance couldn’t wait for school to be over. The rest of the day was spent with Brody sitting next to him during every class they shared. He was his usual “I’m going to talk to you whether you like it or not” self. Chance was actually getting accustomed to him and missed Brody when he wasn’t with him.
To be honest, the boy was kind of endearing as well as being easy on the eyes. Chance was beginning to like him beyond infatuation. Though, at afternoon recess, instead of crying in the bathroom, he had to have a quick wank. All thanks to Brody’s closeness and how he touched Chance at any given opportunity.
Something Chance hadn’t done before in the school’s toilet.
He knew why as soon as he had to clean up his mess because it went over the edge of the bowl instead of in it. Aiming wasn’t a concern while in the throes of ecstasy…not until afterwards, anyway. Like now. Those stupid toilet paper dispensers never seemed to work properly in dispensing the product they held, did they? It took ages to get enough paper out—and crap in a handbasket, there was a lot of evidence of his feelings for Brody to get rid of.
That was a different experience, for sure. As the past couple of days had been, really. More so when he made his way to the carpark with a spring in his step once the after-school bell had sounded.
Brody did that to him. Chance smiled. One that formed a lot wider when he saw Brody leaning on the bonnet of his car, all luscious smiles and beautiful eyes, waiting for him.
“What took you so long to get here?”
“Why? Did you miss me since the last time I saw you thirty minutes ago?” Chance enjoyed giving some of Brody back to Brody.
“You know what, I did. And before you ask, I haven’t a clue why, because you’re still being tetchy, despite my best efforts.”
Now it was Chance’s turn to shrug. “I dunno, either.”
“Never mind, then. Just get in.” Brody went to the passenger side door, gesturing for Chance to go to the driver’s side. “The keys are in the ignition. Let’s blow this joint.”
They both got into the car.
“Where do you want to go?” Chance asked.
“Just drive anywhere. I don’t care. Maybe Lake Forest—the jetty.”
Chance paused before he turned the key. “Um…that’s a make-out spot.”
Brody smiled knowingly to his beautiful browns. “Is it?” he questioned innocently, his voice as sweet as dripping honey.
Chance swallowed before his mouth went too dry, which wouldn’t take long, truth be told. “You know very well it is.”
“Then if you don’t want to go there, drive somewhere else. Like I said, I don’t care. It’s your log hours, not mine.”
“I don’t have my logbook with me.”
“Er...you can use the VicRoads app.”
Brody was right about using the app; Chance felt that lovely ball of air form inside his stomach to lighten him, making his head feel all giddy and lovely. If Chance wasn’t mistaken, it was suddenly hot in the car. “Can I crack a window?”
Brody leaned back in the seat, but not before switching on the radio so some smooth tunes filled the car. “Knock yourself out.”
After doing so, but only enough so he wouldn’t get that annoying whooshing sound in his ear, Chance turned the ignition key. Before he could contemplate where he was headed, the sign for the Lake Forest exit loomed on the highway, telling him to take the next turnoff.
During the drive, Chance noticed Brody was fidgeting. Or more to the point, his knee didn’t stop moving. Was he doing it to the music? Or was it because of something else? Chance couldn’t tell. In fact, Brody hadn’t spoken much since Chance’s accusation, either.
That was interesting.
Before Chance could stress about Brody’s body language, the Forest Lake carpark loomed, a gravel patch perfect for Bogans to do donuts on in their hotted-up cars to amuse themselves or those they wanted to have sex with—which amounted to the same thing, really.
When the car was parked, Brody undid his seat belt, coming close to Chance. “You’re a good driver. I didn’t have to dig my fingernails into my seat once. That’s something.”
“Thanks.” But again, it was getting hot in the car. Chance could feel the atmosphere closing in all around him. Or was that just Brody’s close proximity?
Either way, he was uncomfortable. Though, he was unable to determine whether that was a good thing or not. Because, yeah, he was now with Brody in one of the most romantic spots in Melbourne. To prove that, the view they had was spectacular, all glistening sapphire water surrounded by natural bushland with the city in the distant hills.
They were all alone, too.
“You’re welcome, cutey. If someone does something good, they should be praised. Too many people look for faults in others these days. It’s so wrong.”
Brody’s words startled Chance. “You…you called me cute.”
“And?”
“And…well, what does that mean?”
“It means I think you’re cute, that’s all. Again, no conspiracy or ulterior motive intended, if that’s what you’re thinking.” But Brody got even closer, so much so, their noses were almost touching.
Chance couldn’t breathe now, and his heart was sure making a fuss, pounding like it did. “I’m n-not t-thinking…that.” In a way he was glad he’d had a pre-drive beat-off session in the bathroom because he’d be harbouring a boner that would make him faint right about now if he hadn’t.
Brody moved his hand so that it rested on Chance’s leg, his touch warm and gentle. “What are you thinking?”
Chance was paralysed. Brody’s touch was more than electric, almost making him convulse in raptures of pleasure; it was that good. He didn’t realise how much he wanted this—no, needed it. To have a boy close to him, and what’s more, a boy like Brody. It was amazing.
“More…more like w-what are you thinking?” Chance
stammered.
“I asked first.” And with that, Brody came even closer, his lips almost touching Chance’s. Chance swallowed as best he could considering his dry mouth; it was like a desert.
The air between them felt like it was alive with the hope and joy of what could be. Chance loved it. He shuddered a breath, remembering he needed to inhale, but he could no longer speak. Everything was numb and heightened at the same time. His mind was a mess of confusing thoughts and feelings; again, that was new. Not even Liam had made him feel like that.
To be honest, Chance was a mess of wonderful proportions, mainly because of the anticipation that overwhelmed him. Was Brody…was he going to kiss him? For real instead of only in his dreams?
Chance closed his eyes.
His world spun when he rested his hand on Brody’s slim waist just above the hipbone. It felt good to touch him there, even though Chance’s palms were so sweaty now he was sure he’d leave a stain on Brody’s football guernsey.
Brody shuffled his weight and moaned in a way that sung to Chance’s heart. Here was the boy he’d only just met, getting up close and personal, and crap in a handbasket, would the boy just kiss him already?
Chance groaned.
But then Brody did something even more unbelievable. He moved his hand closer to Chance’s groin, doing so tenderly and slowly. Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God! That pre-wank was now useless, as Chance’s dick engorged to attention to let him know that no matter what he was thinking, his body sure liked what was going on.
“K-kiss…me,” Chance managed through the maelstrom that was everything going on inside him.
“I can’t stop thinking about you, Chance.”
He could feel Brody’s breath against his, their contact inevitable now. Chance’s stomach flipped and then flipped some more. Forget the footballs inside him, it was going berserk in there. He now had a whole stadium filled with raging fans there. It was fantastic! He shuddered again when Brody finally made contact.
Sweet, sweet contact.
Chance thought he’d faint as he suddenly felt so lightheaded.
HE WAS BEING KISSED BY BRODY SIMPSON!
Brody moved so that both his arms were around Chance now. Okay, he missed the slow crawl of his hand towards his groin, but a hug was perfect, too. Then, with their lips firmly together, joined as one in the most beautiful, sensuous way possible, Brody’s tongue contacted Chance’s upper lip, asking for permission to deepen their kiss.
Heck yeah!
But as Chance was about to do so, open his mouth to let all of Brody in, willingly and so wonderfully, Brody’s phone rang, belting out the Preston Tigers theme tune.
Chance was let go, their kiss broken like a spell had been countered in the cruellest way possible. There was a moment of confusion as Chance lost balance and the vacuum left by Brody’s absence sent him into a spin. His head hurt…his dick and balls more so.
What had just happened?
Chance blinked, unable to believe Brody was answering his phone at such a critical time. Before he could question it, fear prickling at the nape of his neck that brought back memories of Liam and what happened between them, Brody said, “Shit. Shit. Shit. I’ve got to go. Coach is having a coronary and really chewing me out. Like we’re talking emergency room level drama here. Shit, I forgot we had practice this afternoon in prep for Sunday’s opening game. Sorry, Chance.”
“Sorry?” Chance was flabbergasted…and worried. “Is that all you can say? You make me drive you up here to the most romantic make-out spot in Melbourne, you kiss me, and then what? End it like it means nothing?”
“I’m so into you, Chance, but I forgot about practice. Honest.”
“You forgot? Is that the best you can come up with? Why don’t you just admit you got carried away in the heat of the moment, and now you regret your decision? Looks like you were saved from making a mistake, literally.”
“It’s true what I told you.” Brody smiled, but to Chance it was weak. “You make me forget things, and I can’t function sometimes ‘cause I think about you all the time.”
Chance sucked in a breath. “You…you think about me?”
“Since your last boyfriend left, yes.”
“Why didn’t you come to me earlier, then?”
“I was scared…and you weren’t exactly approachable.”
“You didn’t even try.” Chance snorted. “And I have my doubts about your intentions, Brody. Did you just want to see what it was like to kiss me? Then, when you didn’t like it or you felt guilty for using me, that’s why you stopped?”
“Er…no.” Brody looked taken aback. “I’m into you, Chance. Really into you. I thought you got that.”
“How could I have gotten that? You come out of nowhere two days ago, your mates are either snickering at me or calling me a fag, and…well, what am I supposed to think? I thought you were just playing with me.”
“I’d like to play with you in the bedroom, if you’ll let me.”
“What?” But now Chance was annoyed.
Was Brody playing with his heart, only wanting him to experiment with him? Like a few “straight” boys did with gay boys to make sure they were straight, or however the heck they justified it? Or was Brody genuine?
Chance didn’t want to find out.
He didn’t want to get hurt again. Liam had taken a part of his heart with him to Estonia. Chance didn’t have much of it left. Certainly not enough for Brody’s games, anyway. No, it was more than likely that once Chance put out for Brody, he’d be dumped and Chance’s virginity would be just another trophy for Brody to own along with all the others he had no doubt acquired.
That’s what Liam wanted from him before he left. Chance didn’t give it to him—and that’s when the nastiness started. Chance didn’t want history to repeat.
“You heard me. I want to be with you, Chance. I want you to be my boyfriend. I’d love to be your boyfriend.”
Chance wasn’t having it; he’d heard enough lies. Straight boys were all the same, even ones who wanted to experiment. Once they got what they wanted, they moved onto their next victim.
Pathetic.
“I think you should just take me home, Brody. Then you can go to your precious practice. Don’t worry about me.”
“Come with me to practice,” Brody said, his voice wavering.
Chance wasn’t having any of it. “I don’t think so.”
Brody sat back in his seat, arms folded, and his face reflecting a darker mood. “You are weird, Chance.”
Chance didn’t reply. He was mad. Madder than mad, even. And a little hurt. Why hadn’t Brody stated his intentions earlier if he was genuine? There had to be more than what he said was going on here. And Chance didn’t like where his thoughts about that led him.
He got up out of the driver’s seat, walking over to the passenger’s side. He didn’t even look at Brody. Not once. Not even when Brody pulled up into Chance’s driveway and tried to say goodbye.
“See you at school tomorrow, then?”
Chance didn’t want to be hurt or rejected again. His heart still ached for Liam, but it ached for Brody even more. But he had to let him go. The truth of the matter was that Chance didn’t trust Brody.
And that wasn’t good.
He went inside his home without turning to look back. His bed and the pillow he needed to cry into beckoned.
5
Chance’s mum came home around eleven.
She sat next to him on the couch looking exhausted; her eyes had dark circles under them. Chance had left his room after hours of crying, deciding he needed to watch some TV to distract him from any more tears. Which was why he now occupied the couch like a boss, not bothering to do anything else.
“This morning you were happy. Now you look like you’ve been crying your heart out, honey. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Doesn’t look like nothing. Say, I have a slice of that pecan pie left. Did you want it?”
Chance sat up. �
��What happened to that pie this morning?”
“I made it for my boss, Mr. Singh. Which was why I didn’t want it eaten before I could give him some of it.”
“Oh, God, Mum.” Chance looked her in the eyes. “He’s married. Please don’t tell me you’re trying to get into married guys now?”
“Hell, no!” she said looking scandalised. “And if I was, it wouldn’t be Mr. Singh, that’s for sure. Besides, all men are bastards. I’m done with them.”
“I hear that.” But Chance started to feel better. Talking to his mum after not really seeing her for so long was nice.
“Ah-ha, I knew it was boy trouble you were having. Spill it, Mister. I’ll get the pie and coffee.”
“Hey, don’t change the subject. Why did you bake the pie then?”
She turned to him, putting her hand onto his with affection. “I baked it to thank him.”
“For what?” Chance asked cheekily. “Most guys only want you to suck their dicks or put out for them in thanks, even if they’ve only kissed you. Eating pie isn’t on their agenda.”
“Is that what happened to you, honey? A boy kissed you and then wanted more? Like Liam did before he left?”
“Oh, there you go, turning it around to be about me again.”
Chance’s trepidation boiled within him. Why should he tell her anything? Over the last few months, she’d certainly made it clear she’d been avoiding him. His concern joined in as he thought about that further, and he shifted his weight away from her.
“I’m only trying to help, Chance.” She didn’t move closer but didn’t take her eyes off him either. “And I know I haven’t been around much these past few months.”
“You can say that again.”
She frowned, putting her hand gently onto his knee. “Would pie help the conversation? Because I’ll tell you why I baked it if you tell me what happened to you today to make you cry.”
Chance shrugged but didn’t offer anything to give her any leeway. His mind was in a whirl of how he felt about her lately and his need for her to be by his side. Because he did need someone to talk to.
After a moment of tense silence between them, his mum uttered, “I owe you an apology Chance. So, I’m sorry.”
Between the Blue Sky and You Page 3
