Hunter hit the ground again and cursed. He got up slowly, shaking his head clear. This was what happened when you lost one football game — your coach called in a rival team to scrimmage against.

Hunter was paired with a rival team member, and as soon as the ball was snapped, he was flat on his back again.

“Trevino!”

“What?” Hunter yelled at his coach.

“Stop being a pussy and hit back!”

Hunter cursed under his breath. He got back in formation and looked at the guy in front of him. He was over six feet and built. Hunter couldn’t see anything else. His helmet was on and he hadn’t said one word since they started; he just took him out with one hit every time.

The ball was snapped again and Hunter hit the ground again. He hadn’t even had time to hit the guy. The air left his lungs with a whoosh as his helmet went flying. Now he sprawled on his back, trying to catch his breath.

“Are you okay?” Jesse asked. He hadn’t wanted Hunter to know it was him, and now he had no choice.

Hunter opened his eyes to see the guy who had hit him for the thousandth time standing over him. Holy shit. It was Jesse, the guy he’d met in the food court of a mall several months ago.

“Jesse!”

“Yeah, coach?”

“Don’t baby him.”

“I think he got the wind knocked out of him.” Jesse crouched down and looked at Hunter with his hand out. “Sorry.”

Hunter couldn’t stop staring at him. Jesus, he was even hotter in uniform. “No problem.” He took his hand and stood. He ran his hand through his hair and blinked. Jesse was studying him, his head tilted.

“What?”

“You don’t look so good.” Jesse put his hand on Hunter’s forehead. “Hey, coach?”

“Yeah?”

“He’s burning up.”

“Take him to the infirmary, Jesse.”

Hunter passed his coach and eyed him. “You want me to stay?”

His coach put his hand on Hunter’s forehead and pulled it back quick. “Hell, no. He’s right. Something’s up with you, and I don’t need your fathers breathing down my neck.”

Jesse took his arm and led him into the school. Hunter had never been in it, but now that the two schools had agreed to play one another, he knew it wouldn’t be his first time to visit. They passed a big display case with a bunch of trophies in it. Hunter could see Jesse in most of the pictures.

“Well. I can see now how you keep knocking my ass down.”

“Did he say fathers? Plural?”

“Yeah, he did. Got a problem with that?” Hunter went right on the defense.

Jesses chuckled; Hunter thought he was a homophobe. “Nope, not at all. That’s why I play the way I do. I’m gay, and most guys think that makes me weak. I give them another perspective.”

Hunter stopped mid-walk. “You’re gay?”

“No, I lied. I just love saying that to see how people react.” Jesse arched a brow. “Yes, I’m gay. You have a problem with that?”

Hunter almost choked he laughed so hard. “Nope.”

“Good. Now let’s get you checked out.”

Jesse stayed around while they checked Hunter out. Sure enough, he had the flu, and his temperature was through the roof. The nurse had taken his shirt off and it took everything Jesse had not to drool. Hunter Trevino was a knockout; his eyes were amazing, and he was built like a truck. He had a strong, defined chest. Jesse closed his eyes and tried to keep it together. This guy might have two fathers, but that didn’t mean he was gay as well.

Once the nurse was finished, she sent Hunter home with some pain pills and orders for bed rest and lots of fluids. Since the rest of the team was still at practice, Jesse offered to take Hunter back to his school and get him settled in.

“Sounds good, Jesse.” His coach stared at him. “Don’t forget practice, bright and early. Can’t have my star player not show up.”

They took Jesse’s car, as Hunter had come on the team bus. Jesse drove to Hunter’s school and smiled at the building. “I almost came here when I was first looking at schools.”

“How come you ended up at Fairfield?”

“My dad. He wanted me to go to the same school he did.” Jesse parked and helped Hunter out.

“Damn, Trevino. You get hit by a car?” Hunter’s friend Jack laughed. Jack also knew Jesse.

“Yep. Was the same gray-haired old lady that hit you, Jack.”

Jack laughed at Jesse. “Dude, you are a bad ass. Did you take Hunter out?”

“Actually, no. Hunter wasn’t playing well today due to the flu. I wish I could say it was me who took him out.”

Hunter rolled his eyes. “Thanks.”

“Well, get him to bed. He looks like shit.”

“Fuck you, Jack.” Hunter sighed.

“Maybe later, when you feel better.” Jack winked.

Hunter chuckled as Jesse’s arm encircled his waist. They headed to his room and Hunter collapsed on the couch. Jesse looked around the room at all the pictures. There was one with Hunter and another guy. Damn, he was gorgeous.

“Who’s this guy?” Jesse picked up the picture.

“That’s Jensen. My best friend.”

“He’s smokin’. No offense.”

“None taken.” Hunter settled back. “Are you saying I’m ugly?”

“You want the truth?” Jesse looked at him dead on.

Hunter sat forward. “Yeah.”

“You put him to shame.”

Their eyes locked and Jesse was starting to think he had just put his foot in his mouth. The next thing he knew, Hunter’s hand was over his mouth, and he ran for the bathroom.

“Well, that’s a new reaction,” Jesse muttered.

Hunter’s cell phone rang, and Jesse looked to the bathroom, then back at the phone.

“Could you answer that?” Hunter managed to call out.

Jesse picked up the phone. “Hello?”

Roman looked at the phone to make sure he had the right number. “Who is this?”

“I’m Jesse Walker. I brought Hunter home from football practice. He has the flu.”

Jesse could hear two men talking and then the original voice was back on the phone. “What are his symptoms? This is his father.”

“Oh.” Jesse walked to the bathroom. “Your dad wants to know what your symptoms are.” Jesse could hear Hunter throwing up. “Well, puking is one for sure. He has a high fever.”

Brett got on the phone. “Jesse, is it? Would you mind terribly staying with him for the night? I know we sound over-protective, but I don’t want Hunter alone.”

Jesse looked at his watch. “Yes, I can do that, Mr. Trevino.”

Brett let out a sigh of relief. “Is there any way I could speak to him? I’m a doctor.”

Jesse walked back to the bathroom and knocked on the door softly. “It’s your dad, the doctor… he wants to talk to you.”

The door opened a crack and Hunter put his hand out. Jesse smiled and handed him his phone. He sat on the couch and looked around. He had picked the wrong school. Hunter didn’t even have a roommate.

Jesse wanted to go to another school besides the one he was in. His father had insisted he go to his alma mater, which Jesse hated. The school was not gay friendly, which was why he had to be tougher than most. He had been bullied in middle school and had his ass kicked more than once in addition to being called a pansy and fag. When he hit high school he had bulked up and joined the football team. The first guy who had tried to take him out during a game had a big surprise. Jesse had broken his ribs with one hit. It had been an accident, but after that they no longer picked on him.

He heard the bathroom door open and then Hunter came out. He sat down on the couch, dropped his head against the back and looked sideways at Jesse. “Sorry.”

“For what? Being sick?” Jesse felt his forehead again. “Take a shower and then get in bed.”

“Is that an order?” Hunter arched a brow.

“Yep. Move it.”

While Hunter showered, Jesse looked through his small kitchen. A kitchen, for Christ’s sake. He had a sink in his room, and that was it. Jesse shook his head and went about making tea and soup for Hunter. He put his old family recipe to work to make the soup. His grandmother said it was the cure-all.

He found Hunter in bed, bare chested. He had his eyes closed and Jesse took a nice long look while he could. Jesus, he was gorgeous. He sat on the edge of the bed and put the tea down. Hunter’s eyes opened and Jesse smiled at him. “How’s your stomach?”

“Nothing left.” Hunter groaned.

Jesse felt his forehead. He was cooler, but not by much. He let himself gaze over Hunter’s face. He had beautiful lips — not too full, just perfect. Jesse found himself caressing Hunter’s face without even realizing it. He pulled his hand back and shook his head. “You need to sip this.”

Hunter sat up carefully and took a sip of the tea, and then Jesse gave him a spoonful of the soup. “That’s good.”

“I’ll just be in the other room if you need me.” Jesse got up.

“Shouldn’t you be getting back?”

“No can do. Promised your dad I’d stay.”

“You don’t have to, Jesse. But if you’re staying, could you keep me company?”

“You want me to feed you, don’t you?” Jesse teased.

“I’ll admit it has its perks. But I don’t want to make you sick.”

“Not worried about it.”

Jesse stayed with Hunter and fed him his soup. They watched TV and talked about everything. They talked until Hunter fell asleep. Jesse covered him up and looked down into his face. He kissed his forehead. “ ’Night, Hunter.”

 

Hunter opened his eyes and looked around the room. It was still dark and he got out of bed and looked out the window. There was at least a foot of snow on the ground and then he remembered — Jesse. He walked into the living room and found Jesse asleep on the couch — shirtless. Hunter closed his mouth to keep from gasping out loud. The man had the body of a god.

Hunter looked at the time. It was almost seven. He put coffee on, then sat on the edge of the couch. Hunter ran his fingers through Jesse’s hair.

“Hey.” Jesse opened his eyes. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I was never sick. What was in that soup?”

“Can’t tell you.” Jesse sat up and ran a hand through his hair.

“It snowed.”

“I know. Coach called me at six to say no practice.” Jesse stretched and sat back. “You look a lot better.”

“About yesterday… what you said…”

“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, Hunter. If you want me to leave, I will.”

“No, it’s not that.” Hunter could feel his face reddening. “I find you attractive.”

“You do?” Jesse sat up.

“Yeah.” Hunter looked up and their eyes met. “Like, a lot. The thing is, I’ve never really done anything, you know?”

“Not even kiss?”

“Well, one time, but that was a girl. Not my thing.” Hunter blushed. “I kinda knew right away when I didn’t feel anything.”

“So, you’re gay.”

“Seems that way. So I was wondering if maybe you could, well, you know.”

“I don’t know, Hunter…”

“I brushed my teeth really good. I even gargled; no more puke.” Hunter waggled his eyebrows.

“It’s not that, Hunter. Let me shower and brush my teeth. Got a toothbrush for me?”

“Under the sink.”

Hunter watched him go into the bathroom and sighed. He had wanted to kiss him right away just to see if the feelings would be there. He found Jesse attractive. That was for sure.

Jesse stood in the shower thinking about Hunter. He was already rising to the occasion and he sighed. This was not going to be easy. He had known he was gay from the beginning and Hunter was inexperienced; he didn’t want to take advantage of him.

He was about to get a wakeup call.

Hunter was waiting for him on the couch and Jesse sat down next to him. He wouldn’t lie — he wanted to kiss Hunter more than anything. Hunter leaned toward him and placed his hand on his shoulder before searching Jesse’s face and moving in closer.

It was a soft kiss, and Hunter pulled away slowly, looking into his eyes. They stayed that way for two seconds before Hunter pushed him back on the couch, and devoured his mouth. Jesse let out a loud gasp as Hunter plundered his mouth. His hand was on his ass, and he was gripping it as he kissed him. Jesse broke the kiss, breathing hard. He looked into Hunter’s eyes and saw lust.

“Holy shit!” Jesse gasped.

Hunter crushed their lips together again and they rolled off the couch with Jesse on top. Hunter pulled his shirt off and Jesse kissed him harder. They rolled around, and then Jesse picked him up and Hunter’s legs went around his waist. They walked to the bedroom and Jesse landed on top of him on the bed. He couldn’t get enough of him.

The kisses were absolutely explosive, and Hunter was trying to catch his breath. He gripped Jesse’s ass with one hand. His other hand was in his hair, keeping their mouths fused. He had never felt like this and he wanted more.

Their chests were pressed together and Hunter’s erection rubbed against Jesse’s hip. He couldn’t stop even if he wanted to. Kissing Hunter was different than anyone he had ever kissed; he had never been this turned on before. Hunter’s legs were around his hips and their bodies were rocking together. Hunter’s hand was firmly on his ass, pushing him into him. Their tongues tangled and Jesse kissed him deeper, his hand gripping the back of Hunter’s hair.

“Oh, God!” Hunter moaned. “I’m coming!”

Jesse was in shock — not from Hunter’s admission but for the simple fact he was going to lose it too. He moaned loudly into Hunter’s mouth and then he sensed Hunter let go. They stayed on the bed, slowly kissing as they both came down from their orgasms. Jesse caressed Hunter’s face as he kissed him softly, his tongue teasing his bottom lip.

“Wow.” Hunter locked eyes with Jesse.

“No shit! You are an excellent kisser.”

“Really?”

“Oh, God, yes! Who knew yesterday I’d be in bed with a football player from a rival school this morning? If someone had said that, I would have thought they were nuts.”

“You’re an awesome kisser.”

“You have nothing to compare it to.”

“I just came in my pants.”

“Oh. There is that.” Hunter pulled Jesse down and they were kissing again, slowly, sensually. Hunter rolled him over and settled between his legs. He rotated his hips and smiled when Jesse let out a soft moan in his mouth. His hand ran down to Jesse’s ass and he gripped it, thrusting his hips against him. He broke the kiss and trailed his lips to Jesse’s neck, softly kissing it and nibbling at his sensitive area.

“God, we need to stop.” Jesse moaned.

Hunter bit his lip. “Turned on?”

“And you’re not?”

“Oh, I am. I could kiss you all day.”

“Can I go home and change first?”

“Promise to come back?”

Jesse pulled him down and kissed him. He wrapped his arms around Hunter, deepening the kiss until he heard his soft whimper.

“How’s that for a promise?”

“That was good. I’ll walk you out.”

They walked out to Jesse’s car and he turned when he got to the door. Hunter leaned in and Jesse pulled back. “What’s wrong?”

“I didn’t know… I mean, I’m out. You’re not, so…”

Hunter leaned in and kissed him. “See you soon.” He watched him drive off with a huge smile plastered on his face. He heard clapping and turned to see Jack and some of his other teammates.

“You should get sick more often. The quarterback of Fairfield High? Niiiiice!” Jack teased.

“Oh, shut up.” Hunter started walking.

“He is quite the catch.”

Hunter turned and looked at them. “You’re not even freaked out, are you?”

“Nope. We’re your team, Hunter, and if you like this guy, then we back you up.”

“Thanks, guys.”

“He is hot.”

“Oh, God.” Hunter sighed. “Here we go.”

“Is he a good kisser?”

“ ’Bye guys!” Hunter ran.