by Carol Lynne
“Have you checked into financial aid?” Chet couldn’t believe he was having this conversation. He should push Bobby to play football. I’m a coach, dammit! He tried to remind himself.
“It’s possible I could get something next semester, but only because of my mom’s financial situation. Although I do okay in grades, they aren’t near enough to get me an academic scholarship.”
“I don’t think you should quit football, but I can’t make that choice for you,” Chet tried to explain.
“I know. My knee felt pretty good today. Maybe I’ll be okay.”
It was the discussion he’d been avoiding since learning the truth of Bobby’s injury. “Will it change things between us if I decide to play Farley instead of you for the first few games?”
“No. As long as you make the decision based on performance, how can I argue with that?”
“Well, since we’re on the subject, Julian told me Farley knows about us.”
“It’s not just Farely, Chet. That’s what has me worried.”
“I thought you didn’t have a problem with people knowing you’re gay.” Was Bobby starting rethink coming out?
“I don’t, but I have a problem with him talking smack on you because of me.”
Chet threaded his fingers through Bobby’s. “You let me worry about that, okay? I need you to concentrate on building up your speed. Your times are way off.”
“I know. I’m gonna start running every morning with Dane and Chase until classes start. After that it’ll just be me and Chase because Dane has to go in early to kiss Professor Sofokleous’ ass or something.”
Mention of Magnus Sofokleous made Chet uneasy. Although gorgeous beyond compare, Magnus wasn’t the easiest man to get along with, even in bed. “Guess I didn’t realise Dane studied under Magnus.”
Bobby chuckled. “Dane’d love to do anything under Professor Sofokleous, but he’s just working for him this year.” His face turned bright red. “Shit, promise me you won’t tell anyone what I just said. Dane would kill me if he knew I told.”
“I won’t tell anyone, but it might be a good idea to try and subtly steer Dane in a different direction. Magnus isn’t someone Dane should mess with.”
“Why? What’ve you heard about him?” Bobby asked.
Telling tales wasn’t something Chet was comfortable with, especially when he had firsthand knowledge. “You gonna eat or not?” He picked up his own half-eaten burger and took a bite.
“Are we done talking?”
“For tonight. I’d just like to eat my dinner in peace and curl up on the couch with you for the rest of the evening.”
“I’m game.” Bobby smiled and pulled his plate back in front of him.
Chet realised they hadn’t even discussed the fact that Bobby had kept his injury from him. As he chewed his food, Chet wondered if it was worth talking about. Nothing he could say would change what Bobby had done or why he’d felt he had to do it. Once again it went back to the blurred lines between player and boyfriend.
As he reached for the store-bought potato salad, Chet decided to let it go. There were more important obstacles for the two of them to overcome if they were going to make a relationship work.
Chapter Seven
Bobby couldn’t believe the size of the crowd standing in line to get into the stadium. His stomach dropped when he saw more than one fan wearing a red and grey jersey with number thirty-two on the front and back, his number. Although Chet had broken the news to him the previous night, Bobby hadn’t been upset about not starting until the moment he’d spotted those damn jerseys.
“You just get here?” Chase asked, banging on the hood of Bobby’s truck with his fist.
“Yeah.” He’d come to a conclusion earlier in the day that would probably change the way Chase thought about him. “You’re kinda early.”
Chase grinned. “Are you kidding? This is the first game of my college career.”
“You know you probably won’t see any game time, right?”
Chase rolled his eyes and leaned on the car door next to Bobby. “Of course I know that, but it doesn’t make it any less exciting.”
There. That sparkle in Chase’s eyes said it all. Bobby knew for a fact he’d never felt like that. It made what he had to say that much harder. “You got a few minutes?”
“Sure.”
Bobby swallowed around the lump in his throat. “I’m not going to play.”
“What?” Chase chuckled. “Of course you are. The way you’ve been training lately, you’re going to run circles around Farley in no time.”
Bobby shook his head. “I’m not getting any faster, and I know I won’t unless I have ACL surgery.” He took a deep breath. “I came to tell Chet I’m quitting the team, but he’s probably gonna be pissed because I waited so late to tell him.”
“Why did you? Wait, I mean.”
“Because I kept thinking I’d change my mind, but the game’s in an hour, and I know I’m doing the right thing.” He’d spent the entire day going over his options. Dane had been there when he’d finally come to the realisation that playing while injured was not only bound to snap his ACL entirely but hurt Chet in the process. Not to mention it would mean taking a scholarship he knew he couldn’t earn honestly.
“You want me to come with you while you tell Coach?” Chase asked.
Bobby stuck his arm out the window and squeezed Chase’s shoulder. “Thanks, but this is something I need to handle.”
Chase nodded and took a step back. “Well you’d better get to it then.”
Bobby couldn’t leave his new friend without knowing. “Are you disappointed in me, too?”
“No. You know your body better than anyone. Doesn’t mean you’re going to stop talking to me, does it?”
“Of course not.”
“Then do what you need to do. I’ll have your back if anyone tries to talk shit on you.”
Bobby chuckled. He could only imagine Chase going up against some of the defensive linemen. He opened the truck door and got out. Standing, his knee felt almost as good as new, but standing wasn’t the issue. “Why do I feel like I’m getting ready to face the executioner?”
“Because you care about what Coach’ll think.” Chase bumped his shoulder against Bobby’s. “Because you loooove him.”
“Yes I do,” Bobby agreed.
* * * *
Chet was in the middle of a pre-game coaches meeting when a knock sounded at the door. He glanced away from the whiteboard towards the door. “Julian, can you see who’s out there and tell them I’m in the middle of a meeting.”
“Sure thing.” Julian stood and made his way to the door.
Chet turned back to the white board and finished diagramming the offensive play the team had been practicing.
“Coach. It’s Bobby. He said he’d like to come in and talk to all of us,” Julian announced.
Dammit. Chet knew Bobby had taken the news that he wouldn’t start too easily. As much as he’d rather have a private conversation with the running back, he had a feeling it would be better for his career if he allowed Bobby to address the rest of the coaching staff as well. “Okay, let him in.”
Bobby came into the room and shut the door. “Sorry to interrupt.”
Chet felt like all eyes were on him, but when he looked at his staff he found Bobby held their attention. “What is it?” he finally asked.
Bobby swallowed several times, clearly nervous about something. “I’m not sure how many of you know this, but I’ve been struggling to come back from a partially torn ACL. I thought with physical therapy and training, I’d be able to heal enough to play out the season, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Chet’s heart sank. “Just because you’re not starting this first game doesn’t mean we don’t have faith that your speed will come back.”
“I know, and I thank all of you for believing in me to that extent. But I know my body. If it hasn’t come back by now, it won’t. Not without surgery, anyway.
”
“So you’re planning to have the surgery?” Julian asked.
“Yeah. As soon as I can get it cleared through insurance and get it scheduled.” Bobby looked at Chet. “I’m sorry. I feel like I’m letting you down, but it’s the right thing to do. There’s no way I’d last the season with my knee the way it is, and I can’t live with taking scholarship money that I can’t earn.”
As a coach, Chet was devastated by the news he’d lose out on the chance to coach one of the finest running backs to ever play college football, but as a boyfriend, he couldn’t have been more proud of Bobby’s decision. Chet knew his next question would put Bobby on the spot, but he needed one more answer. “You don’t plan to drop out of school, do you?”
Bobby shook his head. “Not at all. I’ll figure the financial stuff out. Like my dad used to say, work for what you get and your life will be richer for it.”
Peter, the offensive coach finally spoke up. “Your times may be off what they used to be, but you’re still a lot faster than a lot of the running backs in the nation.”
“Maybe, but Farley’s faster. He’s earned the right to play.”
Peter stood and held out his hand. “There’re going to be a lot of disappointed fans out there, but I respect your decision. You have more than college ball to worry about. Do what you need to do to make sure you’re fast enough for the pros.”
Although Bobby didn’t contradict Peter, Chet knew in his heart Bobby had no plans to go pro. Again, while it was a tough blow for the coach in him, it was a moment of jubilation for him personally. A quick check of the time told Chet they were due on the field. “We’d better get out there. I’ll go talk to Reggie to see how he wants to handle the press.”
The coaches stood and began to file out of the office. “Bobby, can I speak to you for a second?”
Bobby stopped and moved to the side to let the others pass. The moment they were alone, Chet shut the door and pulled Bobby into his arms. “You sure about this?”
Bobby nodded. “Like I told them, it’s the right thing to do.”
“And school?”
“Dane said I could mooch off him if I did the cleaning. He hates having outsiders come into the house every week, so it works out for both of us.”
“And tuition?” Chet dared ask.
“Someone who cares a great deal for me offered to loan me money until I can apply for financial aid next semester.” Bobby leaned in and kissed Chet. “That is if the offer’s still good?”
“You know it is, but what made you change your mind?”
“I realised that stupid bull-headed pride I had going didn’t mean much while I continued to lie to myself and you about my true condition. Just promise me one thing?”
“Anything,” Chet said without reservation.
“See what you can do to get Chase some of my scholarship money.”
“I can’t promise anything. It’s really not my decision, but I’ll make the suggestion to the scholarship committee.”
“That’s all I ask.” Bobby leaned in for another kiss, this one deeper. He thoroughly inspected the inside of Chet’s mouth before breaking the kiss. “Now go out there and win one for Bobby Ray.”
Chet rolled his eyes. “Bobby Ray had better have his ass somewhere watching.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
* * * *
Chet groaned. Having Bobby naked and under him was even better than winning his first game of the season. He continued kissing his way down Bobby’s body and stopped when the head of Bobby’s cock pressed against his chin. He looked up and stared into Bobby’s eyes. For the first time since he’d first realised it, Chet didn’t have any reservations about telling Bobby exactly how he felt. “I love you.”
Bobby thrust his hips, sliding his cock over Chet’s chin to brush his lips. “I know. Just like I hope you know how much I love you.”
“I’m starting to,” Chet replied before capturing Bobby’s cock with his mouth. He pressed the underside of the spongy tip with his tongue as he suckled the head. Bobby squirmed under him, making noises that were quickly turning Chet on even more. He worked Bobby’s cock as far down his throat as he could without gagging and grazed the sensitive skin with his teeth.
“Awww, fuck,” Bobby moaned. “Fingers. I need fingers.”
Chet chuckled at the commanding voice and nearly choked himself. He grabbed the base of Bobby’s dick and eased his mouth back up its length before releasing it. “Where’s the lube?”
Bobby handed Chet the bottle and a foil packet. Chet stared at the condom for several moments before opening it. As much as he wanted to fuck Bobby without it, Chet needed more time to be sure Bobby was the real deal. There were so many changes going on in Bobby’s life, Chet needed more security than one day, one important decision to make that leap to forever.
He moved to his back and rolled the condom down his length before coating his fingers with lube. After insinuating his hand between Bobby’s legs, Chet circled the wrinkled hole with the tip of his middle finger. “Feel good?”
“You know it does. I love it when you play with my ass.”
Chet inserted his finger to the second knuckle. It amazed him how much freer he felt with Bobby now that he didn’t have to worry about straddling that line between coach and lover. Bobby was his and only his, and Chet’s job was to love and care for him. He slowly pushed in his ring finger, watching for any sign of discomfort.
With his head tilted to the side, Bobby stared at Chet with nothing but love in his eyes. “You’re so beautiful,” Chet whispered.
“And so ready for that cock of yours,” Bobby shot back.
Laughing, Chet withdrew his fingers and rolled on top of the man he loved. Before he could reach between them to guide his cock to Bobby’s stretched hole, the head of Chet’s dick found it on its own. Evidently Chet’s cock knew exactly where it wanted to be.
Chet rose up on his arms and pushed the crown of his cock past the ring of muscles to the warmth inside. “Ohhh,” Chet moaned, as Bobby’s body tightened around his length.
When Bobby moved one of his legs to drape over Chet’s shoulder, Chet shook his head. “You’ll hurt yourself.”
Bobby shook his head. “No I won’t. And even if I do, I promise not to tell the surgeon how it happened.”
“Well in that case…” Chet positioned Bobby’s other leg over his shoulder. Despite what he said, he took extra care to make sure he didn’t twist the leg as he did it. Satisfied, Chet pushed the entire length of his cock inside Bobby.
Bobby began to squirm almost immediately, indicating his desire for more. Chet withdrew a few inches before surging back inside.
“Harder.”
Chet repeated the movement, giving Bobby what he’d asked for. He’d never thought himself as a particularly good lover, but Bobby always made him feel like he could do no wrong, in bed anyway. There was something special about the way Bobby’s head thrashed from side to side once Chet picked up speed that always threatened to send Chet over the edge.
“You like that cock fucking you?” Chet asked, slamming in once again.
“I love it,” Bobby panted.
“You gonna fuck me someday?” Chet surprised himself by asking.
Bobby stilled. “Really?”
Chet stared deep into Bobby’s eyes and nodded. “If you want to.”
“I do. Someday.” Bobby grabbed Chet’s hips and prompted him to move. “But not today.”
“Do that thing I like to watch you do.”
When Bobby reached between them, Chet finally broke eye contact and looked down. The sight of Bobby jacking off never got old. He wondered if it made him some kind of pervert but realised he didn’t care.
“So pretty,” Chet groaned, picking up speed.
“Chet!” Bobby called out as the first strand of cum shot from his cock.
Chet grit his teeth as Bobby’s body contracted around his cock. With a loud roar, Chet shot his seed into the condom,
wishing like hell he didn’t have the thin latex between them. He slipped Bobby’s legs from his shoulders and carefully helped them to the mattress below before collapsing on top of the man he loved.
As he struggled to regain his breath, Chet prayed the day would come when he could envision a real future between them without doubts. Until that day, however, he’d soak up whatever love Bobby was willing to give.
* * * *
Chet was putting away the last of the dinner dishes when Ellen came into the kitchen. “Get it taken care of?”
Ellen shook her head and took the plate out of his hand. “No. He’s being a pain in the neck this evening. Said if he needs washing you can do it.”
Embarrassed, Chet searched for something to say. Ellen had arrived four days earlier, the day before Bobby’s surgery, and since then Bobby had allowed his mom to do very little for him. “I’m sorry.”
Ellen smiled and reached for Chet’s hand. “Don’t be. I knew this day would come the moment he told me he was transferring here.”
That old feeling of guilt began to settle into Chet’s chest. “Does our relationship bother you?”
“Of course not. He’s happier than I’ve ever seen him.”
That surprised Chet. Bobby had had only one evening to entertain his mom before he’d gone into surgery, and since the procedure he’d been a bear to everyone. “I think there must be something wrong with your happy metre because I know he’s bitten your head off at least as many times as he has mine.”
Ellen lifted Chet’s hand to her mouth and kissed it before releasing him. “No offence, sweetie, but you haven’t been around him the last few years.” Ellen took a glass out of the cabinet and poured a glass of the wine leftover from dinner. “Bob was a good man, but he was especially hard on Bobby Ray. After Bob’s death, Bobby Ray was finally able to live his life for himself instead of for his father.” Ellen took a sip of her wine and watched Chet over the rim. “He may be as stubborn as his dad, but Bobby Ray has definite ideas of what he wants out of life, and if those things are here in Idaho, who am I to judge?”
