In the following days, I was grateful that Mitch was a good texter. Mindless back and forth conversations about our classes and friends helped ease the awkwardness I feared would set in after our impromptu blowjob-against-the-door. But it wasn’t enough. I needed to see him and yeah, I wanted to touch him again. I didn’t want to wait a week to film a video I had zero interest in.

I thought about asking him out, but I didn’t know if that was overstepping an imaginary boundary. Even if it was okay, I didn’t know how to do it. A simple “Do you want to go to dinner?” seemed like a very hard question to ask. The problem was…doing nothing was driving me insane. After three days, I gave in and texted him before my second practice.

Hi. Do you want to

I pushed Send before I finished my sentence and stared at my screen in a panic. Now what?

Mitch immediately replied.

Do I want to…what?

The instant shortness of breath alarmed me. Oh no. I couldn’t think that fast. I had to call him.

“Hi.”

“Hi. What’s up, Ev? Are you—”

“What are you doing tonight?” I blurted, nodding at one of my teammates before stepping away from the door to the locker room.

“Um…laundry, homework. Oh yeah, and I have to go to Target.”

“Hmm. Busy guy. Want company? I should be home around seven. If you’re free or just doing laundry, maybe we could hang out.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, wincing at the flood of lameness spouting from my mouth. I sounded desperate and a tad obsessive. Not cool at all.

“Just hang out,” he repeated. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the other night or—”

“No! Well, yeah, but not in a creepy way.” I licked my lips nervously and paced a few yards away before continuing. “I’m not looking for a booty call. I just want…”

“What do you want, Evan?” he prodded gently.

“To be with you. That’s all.”

I held my breath and waited for his version of a gentle rejection. I couldn’t believe how nervous I felt. My hands were slick, and my knees felt rubbery. This couldn’t be good for me.

“Okay,” he said after what felt like ten minutes but was probably two seconds. “What time?”

“I can pick you up at seven,” I said in a rush.

“It’s a date.”

“Great. So, just to clarify…is this a Target date, or can I take you to dinner?”

“You want to take me to dinner?”

“Well, yeah. They have a concession stand there. We can grab pizza, slushies…”

Mitch’s laughter floated between us. The joyful sound chased the butterflies in my stomach away and left me feeling calm…and happy.

“We can play it by ear, big spender. I’ll see you tonight.”

A few hours later, I was in a mini version of hell. Not that I had a thing against Target or any place where you could simultaneously buy bananas and bicycles. But it was busier than I anticipated, and following the guy I had a crush on down congested aisles stacked high with consumer goods was frustrating. I stared at his ass as I pushed the cart a few paces behind him. He looked hot tonight, I mused. His snug designer jeans hugged his ass in all the right places and went well with his unicorn “Sounds gay, count me in” T-shirt. He’d fixed me with a challenging look as though daring me to comment when I’d picked him up. I’d wisely complimented him and asked for directions instead.

“How much more do you have to get?” I grumbled, setting a proprietary hand on our red cart when a fellow shopper bumped into it.

Mitch checked his list. And maybe it was wishful thinking, but he seemed to lean in a little closer than the average guy hangin’ out with a buddy would. He brushed his fingers against my forearm, sending a shiver along my spine.

“Three more things. Toilet paper, detergent, and toothpaste.”

“And candy. I’m in the mood for a jumbo pack of peanut M&Ms,” I declared.

“That’s not good for you.”

“I had an intense workout this afternoon. I gotta treat myself. What kind do you want? I’m buyin’.”

“Thanks, but I don’t want candy.”

“Do you want flowers?” I asked.

He glanced up at me in surprise and chuckled. “Well, not right this second, but I like flowers. Who doesn’t?”

“What’s your favorite kind?”

“Hmm. Tough question. Peonies. I like hydrangeas too.”

“Any particular color?”

“Pink.”

“Why pink?” I asked, moving our cart to make room for a passing shopper.

“I don’t know. I just like it. Light or dark. When I was a kid, my first-grade teacher went around the classroom asking everyone what their favorite color was. At first I couldn’t wait to answer. I held my hand up like everyone else, but she went by row and gave everyone a chance. There were all kinds of answers…red, blue, purple. But only the girls said they liked pink. When it was finally my turn, I lost my nerve.”

“What’d you say?”

“Blue, I think. Not a total lie but…it wasn’t my favorite. And I have no idea why I just told you that story,” he said with a laugh.

“ ’Cause you want me to buy you pink flowers.”

“No, I don’t,” he protested as he studied the stack of toilet paper.

“You know, I thought about buying you flowers tonight,” I admitted. “I should have.”

“Why?” he asked with a laugh. His eyes crinkled at the sides, and his cheeks turned red.

“We’re on a date. You’re supposed to bring flowers or candy or something, aren’t you? But flowers and Target…” I made a face and shrugged. “It’s a weird combo.”

“This isn’t a date, Evan. It’s a necessary shopping trip.” He corrected me before reaching for a jumbo package of toilet paper on the top shelf.

I pulled it down for him and held it above my head.

“What about candy? What’s your favorite kind? Come on,” I coaxed. “First one that pops into your head.”

“This may shock you, but I really don’t know,” he replied stubbornly.

“Then let’s go candy shopping.” I slipped my left hand into his and pushed the cart with my right one.

Mitch tugged at my fingers but gave in and let me lead the way, shaking his head in mock dismay when we reached our destination. “Really?”

“Oh yeah. What’s it gonna be, baby? King Size Reese’s, Junior Mints, Hershey’s Kisses…your wish is my command.”

His sweet grin grew to epic proportions until it covered his face in a megawatt smile that felt like sunshine and moonbeams. I wanted to offer so much more than a measly bag of candy in that moment, but I wasn’t sure where to begin.

“Do you have a suggestion?” he asked, biting his bottom lip.

“When in doubt, M&Ms. They never let you down,” I assured him in a serious tone as I picked up a packet of peanut ones.

“Okay. But I’ll get plain. Then we’ll have one of each.” He grabbed a small bag and tossed it into the cart.

“Good thinking, except…we go big.” I returned his bag to the shelf and replaced it with one four times the size.

Mitch chuckled indulgently and kissed my cheek. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Oh hey!” I spied a display of Good & Plentys and hurried over to grab a box before presenting it to him like a rare and special prize. “Ta da! They’re pink.”

I didn’t think it was possible, but his smile widened. He giggled like a kid and nodded, tapping the box of licorice candies. “Yes, they’re very pink. And white.”

“We’re all about the pink ones today.” I shook the contents then ripped open the top.

“Evan! What are you doing? They’re going to kick us out!”

“Don’t worry. I’m buying these. Just…put your hands out,” I instructed.

Mitch gave me a quizzical look but obeyed. I dropped a few candies onto his palms and picked out the white ones, leaving the pink for him.

“Now what?”

“Eat ’em.”

He popped the pink candy-coated licorice in his mouth and grinned. “Thank you. Pink is definitely the best.”

I chomped on a white Good & Plenty and made a face. “These things suck.”

Mitch snickered. “You know, we can do a taste test on our next video. Plain or peanut M&Ms or—”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“ ’Cause this is just for us. I know this isn’t anything special but—”

“Yes, it is. It’s very special. No one’s ever bought me pink candy before. Thank you.”

I scanned the aisle. A lady decked in executive office wear shot an inquisitive glance our way. It wasn’t judgmental. Just curious. I’d never been in a position where a stranger might openly wonder about my sexual orientation. Ever. Maybe a couple of patrons at The Grill gave us a second look when I kissed him, but that was for the project. I’d practically been auditioning that day. This was just…us. Two guys milling the aisles on a quest for basic crap everyone needs. No agenda. No plan.

There was a time the very notion of anyone suspecting I was different would have freaked me out. Football players weren’t gay. Football players were tough and strong. And they went out with hot babes. Not effeminate guys who wore unicorn shirts and made them push the cart at a crowded store.

Yet here I was. And I liked it. No, I loved it. He made my heart skip a beat, but in a good way.

“I think you should kiss me. A pound of chocolate and a box of licorice candy is worth at least one kiss.”

“Here?” he asked.

“Right here. Right now.”

Mitch smiled and fuck, he looked pretty. He stepped closer and pressed his lips against mine. I snaked my arm around his waist and deepened the connection. It wasn’t an overly passionate kiss, but it felt significant. Kissing for no particular reason was something lovers did all the time; however, I didn’t see many guys locking lips in public. It seemed to take an act of bravery for gay couples to be seen holding hands or showing any affection toward each other. I’d always thought of myself as being tougher than the norm, but I was beginning to realize I had nothing on this guy.

We stepped back and stared at each other for a long moment. I sensed a change in us. A beginning. And yeah, it scared me a little. I felt like I was running onto a field without a helmet and had no idea what I was up against. But damn, it felt good.

Most people described me as a mild-mannered goofball. That was only partially true. My parents were brainiacs, and they had big expectations for my brother and me. I might not be an astrophysicist in the making, but I’d be okay once I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. I’d always been that way. Once something caught my attention, I was all in. That was how football was for me. My game-day mindset was about focus. I tried to keep social interaction to a minimum. I didn’t like to talk too much or overexert myself. Light cardio in the morning, a healthy breakfast, and a day spent watching football highlights and listening to upbeat jams helped me mentally prepare for the game. Usually.

I checked my cell for the umpteenth time before our quarterback revved up for his pre-game rah-rah speech. I spotted Christian pacing next to the lockers, bopping his head manically as he picked up steam. I had a message from my mom letting me know they were in the stands, and one from Nicole, reminding me about another post-game party she was hosting. Damn, that girl had a lot of parties, I mused. How did she get my number? Oh, yeah. I cast an irritated glance at Jonesie stretching his hamstrings a few feet away and was about to put my phone in my bag when a new message lit up my screen.

Our last video turned out amazing. I pieced together fifteen minutes of awesomeness. I’ll send you the link when I get home. Check it out and give me a thumbs up if you’re okay with me posting as is.

I typed a quick response. I’ll come over after my game. We can watch it together.

Ok. I’ll be home after eleven. See you later.

I should have put my cell away then, but I stared at my phone with a stupid smile on my mug, hoping he’d add something more. Was a simple, “Yes, I like you too and I’ve been thinking about sucking your dick all day” too much to ask?

Maybe I should have been alarmed by how often I’d thought about him. Maybe we weren’t boyfriends, but we were something more than we intended. I followed his lead like I said I would, hoping it meant he’d want to continue where we left off. Thankfully, he did.

We used his project as an excuse to get to know each other on and off camera. I’d seen a private side of him he hadn’t intended to show me. He was genuine and sweet. There was something calming and kind in his mannerisms that fascinated me. And something about his body that made me horny twenty-four seven.

I couldn’t help it. I thought about sex constantly. I loved touching him and yeah, I loved his mouth on my dick, but I felt paralyzed by my inexperience sometimes. There were so many more things I wanted to do—like suck him…I just didn’t know how to ask. Every time I thought about it, I ended up jacking off. In fact, I’d jerked off more in the past couple of weeks than I had all summer. No joke. My usual guy-on-girl-on-guy porn didn’t do it for me, though. The thought of cupping Mitch’s ass and grinding my dick against his pelvis was enough to push me over the edge. But I had to keep my overactive libido in check. I had a game to play and a party to avoid before anything else happened.

“Hey, di Angelo, we’re huddling here! What the fuck are you looking at?” Jonesie swiped my phone from my hand and held it above his head.

And I reacted like anyone with possibly incriminating texts on their cell would.…I lunged for his throat and held him against the locker in a chokehold. Three guys were on me in a flash. Christian grabbed my phone from Jonesie and scowled.

“Jesus, Evan!” He took a peek at my cell before handing it back to me. “What’s the big deal? You like Nicole and she doesn’t seem to think you’re a total asshole. I shoulda known this was about a girl.”

The room broke into a round of obnoxious catcalls and wolf whistles that were more about restoring order than taunting. I glanced at the screen before tossing my phone into the bag in my locker. Yep, it was Nicole. I fussed with my shoulder pads when Jonesie sidled up next to me, extending his hand in a conciliatory fist bump while Christian called the team into a huddle.

“You have a fucking rotten temper,” he huffed.

“I do. So stay the fuck away from my cell, asswipe.” I pulled my helmet over my head and fastened the strap.

“Fine! Geez! But you should be thanking me for making things happen with Nicole. I expect an invitation to your wedding,” Jonesie said sarcastically as he dealt with his own helmet.

This was what I’d meant when I told Mitch people believed what they wanted. Even if I corrected Jonesie, he wouldn’t buy that I’d been mooning over a text from another guy.

I pulled Jonesie’s face mask and gave him a lazy grin. “Don’t dry clean your tux yet, buddy. It’s not about a girl, it’s about a guy.”

Jonesie’s frown morphed into a shit-eating grin. He busted up laughing, then slapped me on the back. “Right. Maybe I should tell Nicole you’re a ’mo.”

“Tell her what you want.”

He furrowed his brow and was about to speak when Christian called us over. “Kiss and make up already, you two. Let’s go!”

“We’re coming. Evan was just coming out to me.” He dodged sideways to avoid certain retaliation.

I ignored him and smiled as the room erupted in another round of laughter. They could think what they wanted. They always would. But it occurred to me that I’d done something I never had before. I’d said the words aloud. It didn’t matter if they believed me tonight. Someday they would. I’d make sure of it.

We won by a landslide. The final score was twenty-one to three. The Mavericks were up by three on a field goal kick at the half, but the tide changed in the third quarter. Christian handed me the ball on the second play and boom…I ran forty-five yards into the end zone for our first goal. The rest was a walk in the park.

Everyone was in a celebratory mood after the game. Someone turned on a JT song, and we danced and goofed off while we cleaned up before meeting with the family and friends who’d stayed to congratulate us. I greeted my parents with big hugs, and because they caught me in a weak moment, I agreed to come home the next night for dinner. As we chatted about the game, I found myself checking the stands, wishing I’d thought to invite Mitch.

“Hey, can I get a ride with you to that party?” Christian asked, yanking at my jersey as we headed off the field.

“I wasn’t planning on going.”

“Do me a huge favor and come with me for half an hour.”

“Why?”

“I promised I’d stop by, and I was specifically asked to bring you. We don’t have to stay long. Thirty minutes, an hour, tops. I’ll get a ride from there. What do you say?”

I didn’t bother asking who requested my presence. I sighed heavily and checked the time on the giant stadium clock. Nine forty-five. Mitch wouldn’t even be home for an hour.

“Okay.”

Christian slapped my back and grinned. “Cool. I owe you one.”

Athletes seemed to roll into parties with an entourage and a lot of fanfare. Especially when they were in season. Some of the guys on my team acted like every post-win event was a personal congratulations and an occasion to celebrate to excess. Not everyone, of course. Christian might have one drink, but he’d manage to nurse it for an hour or more. Jonesie, on the other hand, would waltz into Nicole’s house with his arms in the air, then make a beeline to the keg. He’d guzzle three beers before making his rounds, flirting and goofing around with friends and teammates. By the end of the night, he’d be leaning against a wall for support with his arm over an adoring girl’s shoulder.

I was somewhere in between. I liked a good time as much as the next guy, but I didn’t like being hungover. I knew my limits and I stuck to them. But when I was twenty minutes away from home by car, I’d have to crash on someone’s couch. Not tonight. I sipped soda water from a red cup and fake smiled as one of my teammates told a lame-ass story involving super human powers that would have seemed impressive if I was drunk. I wasn’t. And after forty minutes, I was ready to go.

Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be easy. Nicole had been glued to my side since I walked in the door. I couldn’t talk freely with anyone else, and I hadn’t been able to check my phone without her staring over my shoulder. And unfortunately, this wasn’t the time or place to tell her I wasn’t interested. She was tipsy and there were far too many people around. It would have to wait. If I couldn’t fade gracefully, I’d have to make an excuse and get the fuck out.

I chuckled on cue and dropped my arm, gently dislodging Nicole’s hand from my bicep. I set my cup on an end table and stepped aside to pull my cell from my pocket.

“ ’Scuse me. I have to return this call.”

I held up my phone as though it was proof of my sincerity. Then I slipped through the crowded living room into the hallway near the front door. I thought about just leaving, but there were too many people lingering in the area to make a clean getaway. This worked, I mused as I pushed Call.

Mitch answered on the first ring. “Why are you calling me?”

“You’re supposed to say hello,” I chided.

“Hello. Why are you calling?”

I let out my first honest-to-God laugh of the night and stepped farther into the shadows. “I missed you. Why else?”

“Yeah, right,” he snarked. “Are you drunk?”

“No, but everyone else here is. I’m sipping soda water at a college party, wishing I was at home watching Sports Center in my underwear. When did I get so old? Everyone here looks so peppy and pretty and…it’s kinda creepy, ya know?”

“Wow. You really do miss me,” he teased.

“I’m one of those painfully honest guys, Mitch. Ask Derek.”

“Hmm. I saw him at Chelsea’s party tonight with some water polo hotties.”

“You’re at a party too?” I asked. “Seems quiet in the background.”

“I’m home. It’s almost eleven. Are you still coming over?”

“Yeah. I’m on my way.”

I smiled as I disconnected the call and moved into the light. And immediately ran into my hostess.

“Oh, there you are! I hoped I didn’t scare you away,” Nicole said in a sultry tone.

“No, I’m…here. But I have to go.” I sidestepped around her but didn’t get far.

She blocked my way and struck a pose against the doorjamb. “Don’t go.”

“Sorry, but someone’s waiting for me.”

“A girl?”

“No.”

“Good. I try to be very respectful of relationships. But I know you don’t have a girlfriend,” she said with a Cheshire cat grin. “Jonesie told me you were single but besides that, we have mutual friends in Long Beach. I went to high school with Amanda.”

“She mentioned that,” I replied blandly.

Nicole lowered her lashes then moved from the wall and placed her hand on my hip. She played with the collar of my shirt, stealthily undoing a button before I caught her wrist.

“I’ve never told you this, but I’ve had a crush on you for a while, Evan. You were in a few group pics Amanda had online back when she and Derek were together. I couldn’t believe we went to the same school. I was too nervous to introduce myself, but I watched your games and…I like you. That’s all.”

She gripped the back of my neck and kissed my throat, licking a path along my Adam’s apple as her hand drifted to my crotch.

Okay. Wow. Well, I could honestly say no one had ever pursued me quite so enthusiastically in a long time. Nicole was sweet and pretty, and I hadn’t been with a girl in forever. My epic libido alone should have steered me straight. Pun intended. And though I was flattered, I wasn’t interested, which was hard to explain without being painfully honest.

I grabbed her hand and shook my head. “Sorry. I can’t. I—I am seeing someone.”

“You are?” she asked in bewilderment.

“It’s new and I don’t want to mess anything up.”

“Oh. Do I know her?”

I squinted as though the gesture might help me understand the question. This was a “coming out” moment, but it wasn’t the one I wanted. There was no way I’d tell a girl I barely knew about the guy I liked before I told my family and my best friends. So I took the easy way out.

“No. I don’t think so. Um…I should go. I’ll see you at school.”

She reached for my wrist and sidled close again. “If it’s new, I’m going to assume I still have a chance. Call me if something changes.”

I kissed her cheek before I left, which in retrospect might have been a mistake. In my mind, I wasn’t sending mixed signals. I was just relieved I’d said what I needed to, and I thought I’d been fairly clear. Not bad, considering I was completely out of my depth. I didn’t know how to tell a girl I wanted a guy.

The alley behind Mitch’s garage was dark and narrow. I didn’t do well with dark and narrow. I paused to wipe my slick palms on my jeans and give myself a quick pep talk before slowly turning onto what felt like the initial part of a scary as fuck ride at an amusement park. Or a rotten trip down memory lane. My heart beat like a jackhammer and sweat beaded my forehead halfway in. I fully intended to circle around, park on the street and tiptoe through the side gate to get to his place. But then I spotted Mitch waiting for me and just like that, I could breathe again.

He gestured for me to pull up in front of the garage door. I obeyed, swiped my damp palms on my thighs one last time, and jumped out of my SUV.

“Hi! You made good ti—oomph!”

I pulled him against me and held on tight. I wasn’t in a hurry to move, but when he stepped backward and reached for my hand, I followed him along the unlit pathway to the stairs leading to his studio above the garage.

“You okay?” he asked when we stepped inside.

“I’m fine. Just…happy to be here.”

Mitch considered me for a moment, then filled a glass with water and set it on the island. He grabbed a blue sports drink from his mini refrigerator and held it up. “I have blue or orange. Which one?”

“Neither. Water is good.”

“You should replenish your electrolytes after a game,” he scolded lightly.

“Thanks, Doc, but I’ve had plenty of that stuff today. Besides, everyone knows red is the best.”

“Diva.”

That made me laugh. “Dude. I am no one’s idea of a diva. Look at me.”

I spread my arms wide and tried to keep a straight face when Mitch waltzed toward me, tapping his fingers against his chin thoughtfully as he fixed me with a thorough once-over.

“Hmm. Basic denim, scuffed Nikes, and a blue and white button-down with a lipstick stain on your collar. You’re right. Not diva material at all. You look like a regular guy on the prowl on a Saturday night. Which makes me wonder…what are you doing here with me?”

“I’m here to prowl on you. And I don’t have lipstick…” I undid the top few buttons on my shirt and pulled at my collar to get a glimpse of any possible lipstick marks. “Where is it?”

“Right there.” He stepped into my space and pointed at the pink smudge on my shirt. “What’s her name?”

“Nicole. She’s after me. Help,” I pleaded pathetically.

Mitch snickered. “Poor guy. First Amanda, now Nicole.”

I huffed humorlessly. “They’re friends.”

“Yeah, I remember. Chelsea’s party,” he added when I gave him a curious look.

“Right. I can’t decide if it’s a small world or a weird one.”

“It’s not that weird. Orange and Long Beach aren’t far apart. I know a lot of people at your school too. The first guy I ever blew goes there.”

“Good to know,” I snarked.

“Besides, you’re a hot football player. An awfully popular one too, so it seems.”

“Hmph. I don’t know about that.” I studied a knife mark on the island’s butcher block surface before meeting his gaze. “I told her I was seeing someone.”

“You did?”

“Yeah. I mean…we are seeing each other, right?” I furrowed my brow as I sat back, noting his light-pink T-shirt and matching striped pajama bottoms. The color looked good on him. It complemented his golden hair and skin. Damn, he was pretty.

He regarded me thoughtfully and nodded. “Yes.”

I grinned. One of those mega grins that actually hurts your face after a few seconds. Then I reached for his hand and laced my fingers with his.

“Cool,” I said lamely.

Mitch huffed a laugh then let go of my hand and skirted the island. He gave me a bashful smile as he perched on the barstool next to me. “So I’m guessing the lipstick came before your declaration?”

“Exactly. I fought her off like a ninja warrior.” I supplied a couple of ninja-style moves complete with sound effects before adding, “And then I told her about you.”

“Me specifically?” It was a rhetorical question; he knew the answer.

“No,” I admitted.

“Oh.”

Suddenly, I felt small next to him. Ordinary. I’d kicked ass on the football field and contributed to an important win tonight and then told a girl who liked me I was “seeing someone” as though that was another high achievement. My earlier feeling of accomplishment faded fast. I wasn’t so strong or brave after all. Nothing like him.

“I should have,” I said.

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. You’ll get there in your own time.”

I nodded absently. “I wish I was there now. I wish it was easy.”

“Nothing worthwhile is easy.”

“Trust me, my life is one hundred percent easier letting everyone think I’m just like them,” I scoffed.

“Evan, you’re the same guy who said sex is sex and love is love. It’s no one’s business who you sleep with, so why do you care what they think?”

“I don’t.” I took a deep breath and looked away for a moment. “I’ll get there, Mitch. Just give me some time.”

“There’s no pressure. I mean it. I’m okay with this for now. I like having you around. You’re silly and sweet and you make me laugh. This is good.”

I wanted to take exception with the “for now” disclaimer but I was sure I wouldn’t like what he had to say, so I switched gears. I rubbed the inside of his thigh and gave him a curious look.

“You know, technically we’re sleeping together minus the sleepover part. We should have one of those.”

“We should.”

“Yes, we should. And just to be clear, “sleepover” is code, right?”

Mitch threw his head back and laughed. “What kind of code?”

“Sex code,” I said in a raspier than normal voice.

Mitch’s hungry stare chased away the last of my demons. I ached to touch him…his hair, his lips, his throat. But I needed him to lead. I held my breath and waited for him to say something or do something.

He inclined his head and moved to his bed. He slipped his shoes off, fluffed his pillow, lay back, and patted the space next to him.

“What are you waiting for?”

“Uh…okay. Do you want me to take something off?” I asked, fumbling with my belt buckle.

“Start with your shoes.”

“Right.”

I kicked off my sneakers, then sank back on the pillow and stealthily leaned against him, so we were shoulder to shoulder. A new jolt of electricity sent a shockwave down my arm, through my chest, and landed squarely on my crotch. My dick swelled in my jeans.

I sucked in a deep breath and tried to relax. His hair and skin smelled delicious, like springtime rain and maybe strawberries. No, that was weird. Guys didn’t smell like strawberries. Maybe it was lotion. He must have just gotten out of the shower. I bent my head slightly and sniffed his T-shirt. I liked the contrast of his lean, toned muscles next to my bigger biceps. We looked good next to each other. Hot, even. When the corner of his mouth lifted in a slow, wicked grin, I met his gaze and gulped.

“You’re staring at me,” he said softly.

“I know. I want you so bad, but…I don’t want to make you uncomfortable if I roll on top of you and kiss the fuck out of you.”

“I’d be okay with that. You look kind of intense right now. What if things go further than you wanted? Are you sure you—”

I grabbed his wrist and molded his palm over my throbbing cock. “I feel pretty sure. But maybe you should get on top and show me what to do.”

“I can do that. What do you want first? Should I suck you?”

I smiled at the challenge in his voice. He was testing me. And though I understood, I wanted to assure him there was no need for caution. I wasn’t going anywhere. My mind was open, and my body was more than willing.

“Do it,” I said in a low raspy voice as he unbuckled my belt. “And if you feel like riding my cock, I’m okay with that too, baby.”

Mitch stilled his hand and sat up suddenly. He scooted between my legs and motioned for me to unbutton my shirt. I obeyed, holding his gaze while he unzipped my jeans. He pushed the denim aside, revealing my impressive bulge in my precum-soaked black boxer briefs. He hummed his approval as he leaned back to stroke his shaft through his Pjs.

“You want to fuck me?” he purred.

My mouth instantly went dry. I licked my lips and nodded profusely. “Yeah, I do.”

He shivered in response and then pushed his pajama bottoms and briefs down and yanked his tee over his head. He motioned for me to get naked too, scooting sideways to give me room to maneuver. I sat up and shrugged my shirt off then lay back again to shuck my jeans down my legs. Mitch knelt in the middle of the bed to help me. I drank in the sight of his toned muscular body as he moved above me. And when he straddled my thighs, settling his bare ass over my painfully erect dick, I bit my lip and tried not to whimper.

I glanced up to meet his gaze and reached for his cock. He let out a sweet-sounding groan when I tightened my grip and stroked. Then I reached behind him and traced his crack. He wiggled at the featherlight contact and shifted so I could grab myself with my left hand while I worked him over with my right.

Mitch let me explore at my own pace for a while. His soft moans of approval gave me the confidence to squeeze harder and pick up the tempo. I brushed the precum from his slit down his length to use for lube. When that didn’t seem like enough, I let go of him and spit on my hand, then gripped him again and stroked a little harder.

“Is that okay? Or do you want me to use the real thing?”

He chuckled. “By ‘real thing,’ do you mean, use your mouth?”

I smacked his ass and gestured for him to slide up my chest. “Closer. Put your dick in my mouth.”

His eyes widened in surprise, but he didn’t ask questions. He scrambled close and set the tip of his cock on my bottom lip. I licked at the precum on his slit, then propped my head higher on the pillow and bent to suck him.

“Oh, my God.”

My vision blurred, and my body tingled all over. This had to be the sexiest thing I’d ever done. And if Mitch’s purr of pleasure and the tilt of his hips was any indication, I wasn’t doing a bad job. I held him at the base and licked one side, then the other, before trying to suck a little more. I bobbed my head experimentally as I upped the tempo, jacking my cock in rhythmic unison. He chanted my name and yanked my hair as he writhed over me wantonly. But then he pushed at my forehead until I released him and slid down my chest, panting for air.

“What’s wrong?”

“Everything is perfect, Ev. But I want to try something else.”

He leaned over to grab a condom and a bottle of lube from his nightstand drawer and dropped them next to me. Then he straddled my torso and licked my lips as he stared into my eyes.

“You’re trying to tell me something,” I whispered.

“Yeah. I’m going to suck your cock, and it’s going to drive you crazy.” He swayed his hips enticingly as he bent to flick his tongue over my right nipple and then my left before continuing south. “You’ll want to fuck me and—”

“That might not be possible. I’m gonna fuckin’ explode if you keep that up,” I groaned.

“Try to hang on. I’m worth it.” Mitch flashed a mischievous grin at me and then winked before swallowing me whole.

And damn, he knew what he was doing. Mitch hollowed his cheeks on one side to take as much of me as possible, then alternately sucked and licked while he played with my balls and traced my crack. When I put my hand over his head to keep him in place, he hummed and that was almost the end for me. But he pulled away and reached for the lube and condom.

“What do you want to do now?”

“Do I get choices? ’Cause you gotta know I have no idea what to do,” I said in a huskier than normal tone.

“I don’t believe you.”

“Why not?” I wasn’t sure why I asked. I guess it seemed like something that should bug me.

“I can tell you know what you’re doing. At least a little bit.” He set the condom on my stomach and uncapped the lube. Then he poured the gel into his palm, slathered two fingers on his right hand, and reached back.

“Are you? Wh—where are your fingers?”

“In my ass,” he finished with a smirk.

“That’s what I want. Your ass.”

“Hurry up. Put the condom on.”

I fumbled with the wrapper but finally managed to open it and slide the latex over my impossibly hard cock while he stretched his hole. His lithe movement and unabashed confidence were a heady combination. I held my breath when he reached for a tissue from his nightstand to wipe the lube off. His precum trailed across my lower abdomen. I ran a finger through it and waited for him to look at me before licking it clean.

His eyes took on a sex-hazed expression that let me know he was as strung out as me. For some reason that was the reassurance I needed.

“C’mere. Kiss me,” I commanded.

Mitch propped his hands on either side of my head and sealed his mouth over mine. Our tongues twisted sensuously for a long moment. Then he broke for air and inched backward until my sheathed cock slid against his crack. He held eye contact as he positioned me at his entrance.

He bit his bottom lip as he braced one hand on my chest and then slowly lowered himself onto me. I wished there was a way to float above and watch what we were doing and still experience the sensation of slowly joining our bodies. It was…unreal. Amazing.

He was warm and tight and so unbelievably beautiful. The urge to buck my hips and plunge inside him in one fell swoop was strong, but I paid close attention to his expression and followed his lead. Mitch closed his eyes and winced, then pulled off and tried again. I massaged his thighs and held my breath. This time he didn’t stop until he’d taken every inch of me.

“You’re bigger than I thought,” he said with a laugh.

“Does it hurt?”

“A little. But it’s getting better. Just give me a second. How does it feel to you?”

I opened my mouth and closed it twice. I didn’t have words to describe this, but I had to find them. He should know how incredible he was.

“Perfect,” I whispered reverently. “You look so beautiful. Your hair, your eyes, and you feel tight but not too tight. Just really fucking perfect. I want to tell you I love you right now. Is it too soon?”

Mitch threw his head back and laughed. “You’re an idiot. You don’t love me, but”—he rolled his hips back and forth experimentally—“I’m gonna make you wish you did. Are you ready?”

“Fuck, yes. Tell me what to do.” My voice sounded strangled, like he had his hands around my throat.

He squeezed my tits as he continued a tentative rocking motion. “Grab my ass. Mmm. That’s good. Now tilt your hips and…oh, fuck. Yes. I’m gonna ride you.”

Those four words strung together in his husky, lust-filled tone were nearly my undoing. And we’d barely begun. I gritted my teeth and hoped like hell I could keep my cool and not embarrass myself by coming from a little dirty talk. No, I had to act like I knew what the hell I was doing here.

I gripped his ass cheeks and gave him a roguish smile. “Do it, cowboy.”

Mitch snickered appreciatively and began to move. He set a moderate pace at first, curling his toes around my knees for purchase as he rode my cock, lifting himself up and down like a pro. He stroked himself rhythmically and lowered his eyelids. His blissed-out expression was its own kind of aphrodisiac. I’d never been this turned-on from watching my lover. His obvious pleasure gave me confidence. I wanted to make him feel even better.

I flattened my feet on the mattress and bucked my hips. My balls slapped his ass obscenely and fuck, that was kinda hot. Mitch agreed.

“Oh, yes. That’s good. More,” he said.

He upped the tempo and so did I. We moved in perfect unison. When he lost his stride, I held his hips firmly and pistoned upward over and over. He groaned and chanted my name as he stroked himself so fast I could hardly see his fingers. I couldn’t tell for sure, but he seemed close and I didn’t want him to come yet.

“Stop.”

I gestured for him to bend toward me. He obeyed immediately. I bucked my hips as I traced his Adam’s apple. Then I cupped his neck and sealed my mouth over his. The passionate fusion of tongues and bodies were a perfect complement to the sound of heavy breathing and squeaky bedsprings. I wrapped my arms around him and shifted sideways before rolling on top of him, never breaking the kiss.

Mitch hiked his legs and rested them on my lower back, then wiggled his ass meaningfully. He didn’t have to say a word. I knew exactly what he wanted.

I bit his lower lip and rose above him, setting one hand on the headboard and the other on his shoulder. We stared at each other in silent communication. He was giving me the reins and permission to take over and do whatever the fuck I wanted. I grinned down at him and quickened my pace. I pistoned my hips and fucked him relentlessly. Mitch slipped one hand between us to jack his cock, alternately tracing my crack and gripping my ass cheek with the other. Every sigh and gasp of desire spurred me on. Wave upon wave of pleasure built steadily. I couldn’t hold on much longer. And when he froze in my arms and cried my name as his release spurted between us, I was right there with him.

Here’s the thing about orgasms…I’d never had a bad one. I loved sex. I preferred the partner variety over masturbation, but I hadn’t been kidding when I told Mitch it was easier not to get emotionally tangled just to get laid. My right hand worked wonders. But I’d never…I repeat, never…had an orgasm like this one. It gripped me from the inside and pulled me under, holding me in a seemingly endless sea of pure pleasure. Maybe that sounded corny, but it was true as fuck.

I gasped for breath and rode out the inevitable shockwaves before collapsing over my lover. I rolled sideways when Mitch let out an “Oomph,” wrapping one arm around him so we lay face-to-face. We grinned at each other and then laughed.

“That was fucking amazing. I think I really do love you now,” I said.

Mitch snorted in amusement. “I told you so,” he singsonged. “The bathroom is around the corner if you want to take that off your junk.”

I propped myself on my elbow and looked down at the spent condom on my half-hard dick. “Just give me a coupla tissues. I don’t wanna move.”

I kneaded his ass gently when he reached for the Kleenex. Then I impulsively molded my chest to his back and pushed my cock against his hole. I didn’t intend to enter him, but the tip grazed his entrance and fuck, I wanted to do it all over again. He nudged me away and tossed a few tissues at me.

“Not so fast,” he purred.

I slid the condom off, twisting the top as I clandestinely watched him clean up. He finished up and threw the used tissue and latex into a trash can near the bed before rolling over to face me. I scooted closer and kissed his forehead affectionately.

“That was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. And I do mean my entire life,” I assured him. I spread my hand over his hip and caressed his ass. “I could do this all night, every night.”

He pushed his leg in between mine and smiled. “Me too. Can I ask you something?”

“The answer is yes.”

“You don’t know what I was going to ask.”

I gave him a weak, lopsided smile and shrugged. “Yeah, I do. I did it once before when I was a senior in high school.”

“Were you drunk or something?”

“No. It happened naturally over a few months. But the sex—that was a one-time thing. Most of what we did was tame…kissing and grinding. I never saw his dick. He never saw mine. Except maybe in the locker room,” I conceded before continuing. “Every time we got together, it was almost like we were surprised by what we were doing. I didn’t mean to kiss him but somehow, we’d make out for half an hour in his car in the dark. We’d break apart and look at each other like ‘What the fuck?’ The next day we wouldn’t talk at school or make eye contact on the field, but then we’d do it all over again.”

“So he was on your team?”

“Yeah. Graham was our kicker. He transferred in his junior year. He was new in town, new on the team. He was kind of intense, especially about football. I guess I liked that about him. But we weren’t friends. We were just horny teenagers trying something new. I didn’t know what I was doing and neither did he. We did what felt good. And the one time we actually fucked…it felt really good.”

“If you liked it, why didn’t you do it again?”

“Because afterward…it was a mess. A total fucking awful mess. The last thing I wanted was to do any part of it over again. Ever. And then you came along.” I smoothed his hair back and kissed his forehead. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Reminding me how good this is.”

“It’s very very good.” He crawled closer still and nudged my shoulder, then laid his head on my chest and wrapped himself around me. “You can stay the night if you want.”

“Yeah. I want.”

He kissed my cheek and then closed his eyes. I listened to his breathing as I held him. I waited for regret, anxiety, or even claustrophobia to knock me off cloud nine and kill the joy and sense of rightness I felt. But this moment with Mitch was stronger than the past. I felt invincible and in sync with my place in the world in a way I never had before. Something told me he was the key.