"You were fucking amazing," he says, leaping down from the bleachers.
I laugh as he pulls me into a big hug, then immediately makes a sound of disgust—probably because I’m soaked through with sweat, and now so is he.
"I don't remember you having a problem with me being all sweaty last night," I tease.
"That was different. You were naked then, and you'd--"
"Just finished pounding that ass?" I grin wickedly and reach around to give said ass a squeeze. Owen actually blushes.
"Something like that," he murmurs.
Before he can get me back for that little stunt--and he always gets me back, in ways that make my whole body ache for him--a voice calls out from behind me.
"Vincent, you got a second?"
My eyes widen as I recognize the assistant coach. I pull my hands off of Owen's ass and end up blushing just as much as he is. Fuck. I know the Tigers are inclusive, but I'm not sure this is what they had in mind.
"Of course, Coach," I say, clearing my throat.
He nods at Owen. "You the boyfriend?"
"I hope so, otherwise this just got really awkward."
Christ. I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing. Owen can be such a little shit sometimes.
But to my surprise, the coach just laughs. "No kidding." His attention turns back to me, and that hard, drill sergeant look he's had all through camp is replaced by an easy smile. "I won't be posting the roster 'til Monday, but I wanted you to know you made the cut."
My jaw drops and I stare at him. "I..."
"Don't look so damn surprised." He claps me on the shoulder and gives another hearty laugh. "You played like a mad man, Vincent. Never seen anybody work that hard for it before. I'd be crazy not to offer you a spot."
My mouth is still hanging open and I have no idea what to say. My brain can't even process what's going on right now. Did I just get a personal invitation to play for a D1 team...? Ho-ly fuck.
"Can't argue with that," Owen says cheekily, and I nudge him with my elbow.
The coach’s grin broadens. "You got a good one here. Make sure you bring him by the barbecue next Sunday, yeah?"
"I... Yeah, definitely," I manage, starting to remember how words work.
Coach claps my shoulder again, then says, "Look forward to seeing what you can do with the Tigers, Nate," before he jogs off in the direction of the locker room.
"Holy shit! You did it. You fucking did it!" Owen's voice is high and full of excitement. His green eyes shine with joy, and I instantly know I've won. This is definitely the happiest I've ever seen him.
"Thanks to you."
Some part of me expects him to talk some shit about how he didn't do much, but he knows. He knows exactly what he did for me, and how much it meant. So instead of feeding me some line, he just gives me a soft smile and pulls me into a kiss, letting me know exactly how proud he is of me, and how much he loves me.
I'm breathless when I draw back, and my lips quirk into a grin. "We're gonna have to find something else to compete over now."
There's a glint in Owen's eyes, and I know he gets me.
"I think we can figure something out," he says, before drawing me close for another kiss.
My hands slide over his back, my fingers gripping his shirt as I get lost in this perfect moment. I don't want it to ever end, but I know there's so many more to come.
And with Owen in my life, I plan to meet them all head on.
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More from Alison Hendricks
Alison Hendricks is devoted to creating contemporary M/M romances that are sexy and emotionally satisfying. She loves making her boys work for their Happily Ever After and believes love stories are better with just a little angst thrown in.
Born and raised in Florida, Alison has always had a passion for writing, and romance novels of all kinds are her number one escape when life gets a little too hectic.
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Also by Alison Hendricks
Eastshore Tigers
Strong Side
False Start
Trick Play
Offside
ESC Mavericks
Roughing the Passer
Glen Springs
Final Stretch
Last Bell
Break Free
Standalone Titles
Business as Usual
Unnecessary Roughness (ESC Mavericks Book 2) Page 15
