Bentley stared out the window as his uncle pulled to a stop in front of the Edwards’ household. Matthew’s truck wasn’t in the driveway. Bentley didn’t know if he wanted to be all alone in the big house right now. 

His uncle cleared his throat as he turned the engine off. “You’re staying at Matthew Edwards’ place?”

Bentley took a deep breath and nodded, still staring up at the two-story home. “He’s Kit’s dad. Kit asked him if I could stay here until I find a place, and Matthew agreed.”

Donald hummed acknowledgment. “I hadn’t realized you knew Kit.”

“He’s Noah’s roommate.”

“He works at my shop, you know.”

“That’s where I first met him,” Bentley admitted. He undid his seatbelt and turned to his uncle. “Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate this. And everything, really.”

Donald smiled at him. “Let’s not change the topic. You came into the shop? That’s where you got your gear?” When Bentley didn’t answer, he continued. “You really felt the need to sneak around like this?”

“You wouldn’t have been okay with this, Unc. Let’s not play pretend.”

Donald sighed. “Ben, you know you don’t have to do this. You don’t have to look for places to stay. You can stay with Pam and I. Mikey would love to have you… you know how much your little cousin looks up to you. And I’d feel better knowing you’re okay, than worrying about you house hopping –”

“I’m good here,” Bentley interrupted. “When your sister finds out that you’re helping me pursue this, she’s not going to be happy. Imagine if you were providing room and board as well…”

His uncle didn’t have a response, simply fidgeting with his glasses and turning to look out at the quiet block. Bentley was grateful for him. Sure, he knew the man was upset, and maybe slightly afraid, but he was still willing to help. Donald knew a lot about the business. He’d rode for years. He’d won competitions. If Bentley couldn’t talk to his dad, he was grateful he could talk to his uncle.

“Thanks again for everything today. I really mean it.”

Donald turned to him and let out a long breath. “I’m proud of you, Ben. You were a little too cocky out there for my liking – there was zero need to show off in the second round like that – but, you killed it. The crowd was eating out the palm of your hand with each movement. It was like watching Brian all over again.”

Bentley smiled.

“I’m not sure what Brian would want me to tell you, but since you’re going to do this, I’m here for you.”

“And I appreciate that.” Bentley reached into the back seat of the Range Rover for his backpack. He wanted to go inside and sleep until Mr. Edwards’ showed up. Okay. What he really wanted was to talk to Kit and hear all about his day, but Kit had class. And a life. So, sleep would have to do.

Bentley said goodbye and promised to call him before carrying his bike up the steps. He then pulled out his key and entered the home.

??

Bentley got out the shower and went to his makeshift bedroom. When he plopped down on his air mattress, he realized he had a text from Kit. Bentley tried to ignore the way the realization made him excited. He didn’t know if he had time to crush on anyone right now – man or woman. There was a lot on his plate.

Kit’s message was a picture of him holding up a sheet of paper with ‘Congratulations, Benny!’ written on it. In the back of the photo was Noah, and it looked like they were both in one of their lecture halls. Bentley found himself smiling at their silly grins before his eyes focused on Kit. Kit’s platinum hair was swooped over his eyes, and he wore this green jumper over a plain white t-shirt. His lips looked wet, like he’d just slowly licked them.

Bentley sighed. It would be really, really easy to touch himself right now, and even easier to think of those lips while he did so, but he was not about to disrespect the Edwards’ home to naughty thoughts of the person who was kind enough to find him somewhere to rest his head. He decided to respond instead.

[B] u two are adorbs. Thank you. :) When are u calling me?

[K] as soon as I’m in my dorm tonight! I want to hear all about your day.

[B] ugh. U won’t be in ‘til tonight?

[K] promised Abel when I cancelled brunch that we could go grab a bite to eat together this evening. Is everything ok?

Fucking Abel. Bentley rolled his eyes and laid back.

[B] Peachy. Just had a lot on my mind and wanted to vent. I’ll take a nap in the meantime.

[B] just don’t forget about me, Kitten.

[K] Never… get some rest, big head.

He smiled at the screen before looking up at the ceiling. Fucking Abel. Bentley really need to get over his fascination with Kit. Kit was gorgeous. He was constantly going to be hit on by guys who were actually gay. They’d always be a step ahead of Bentley, and it made sense.

Because he was “straight.”

[Ariel] so, mom came home furious. Asked me if I knew anything about it. I played dumb as hard as I could, but she broke me. Now I’m grounded. So thanks.

Bentley rubbed tiredly at his temple.

[B] Sorry, little sis. At least you have your phone?

[Ariel] she did let me keep my phone, but that’s pretty much it. The woman even took my makeup. Don’t worry, I had a few lip glosses stashed, and hid my mascara in my bra.

[Ariel] But, I heard that you qualified for Juno, and I wanted to tell you that’s badass. Marie’s hot stepbrother told me. Super proud of you, Benny.

[B] I guess so.

[Ariel] u know she still loves you. She’s scared.

[Ariel] She’ll calm down. You know she will.

Bentley wasn’t too sure about that.

[B] I’ll come see you both soon, ok? I miss u.

[Ariel] please stop being sweet. You’re creeping me out. *cough* love you *cough*

Bentley smiled before tossing the phone away and closing his eyes.

??

Bentley slept like shit. He kept tossing and turning. He dreamt about losing Juno terribly, and his mom refusing to ever speak to him again, and the entire BMX world telling him he was a disappointment to the Williams’ name. Bentley turned over and buried his face in the pillow. It seemed like the one thing that was supposed to make him feel like his best self was slowly driving him crazy.

He slid his phone into his pocket and put on a shirt before going downstairs. Words couldn’t describe how happy he was to hear the sounds of ESPN coming from the living room, and to see that Matthew was comfortably seated on the couch with a beer in his hand. Bentley walked over to the man with a smile.

“Hey.”

Matthew glanced at him and smiled back. “You’re alive? Went up to your room when I got in and it wasn’t easy to get you up.”

Bentley stepped past him and sat on the love chair. “Wish you could’ve gotten me up. Had nothing but bad dream after bad dream.”

“Oh? Everything ok, son?”

Bentley shrugged. “It’ll be okay.” He turned his attention to the TV and saw a Thursday Night football game playing. “The Packers are on? I’ll go get a beer and join you.”

He heard Matt laughing as he headed back to the kitchen. “The apple juice boxes are at the bottom of the fridge.”

Bentley smirked, grabbing a bottle of water instead, and rejoining Matthew in the living room. He sat back and tried his best to relax. No thinking of competitions, no thinking of family drama, just football and hanging with a pretty cool guy.

“So, superstar. Celebratory Wing Stop?”

Bentley smiled. “That sounds great, but Kit wouldn’t like that too much. He tells me you’re supposed to watch what you eat.”

“He doesn’t have to know…”

Bentley laughed. “Eh. It’s for a good cause, right? I’m going to be in the first competition my father ever won next weekend.”

Matthew seemed impressed. “Exactly. I’d love to come. Nothing wrong with celebrating. Besides, it’ll help take your mind off whatever was causing all those bad dreams.”

That was true, and Kit didn’t have to know. “Let’s do it. I want the garlic parmesan and mango habanero.”

Matthew was dialing the number before Bentley even finished his sentence. Bentley laughed and pulled out his cell phone. There were a few texts from his old football teammates asking why he’d missed the first practice of the year, a text from Jonah asking Bentley’s opinion on Double Ecstasy Trojan condoms, and a text from a girl from high school he’d messed around with saying she heard he was going to be in the Juno Games. Bentley didn’t feel up to replying to anyone right now. He felt mentally drained.

A couple minutes later, Matthew hung up the phone. “And, order placed. They’ll be here in about forty minutes.”

“Great. Thanks!”

“Our secret.”

Bentley chuckled. “Question?”

“Shoot.”

“What time are you going to pick up Kit on Saturday?”

Matthew thought for a moment. “He has work in the morning, I think. So, maybe about three. You two have plans?”

Bentley nodded. “I want to take him to my favorite pizzeria. They serve the best Hawaiian pizza, and since your son is an imbecile and doesn’t think pineapples belong on pizza, I want to prove him wrong.”

Matthew scratched at his beard as he sat back on the sofa. “Hm. You mean to tell me that you put pineapples on your pizza and eat it? On purpose?”

Bentley laughed. “Oh my God. Not you, too…”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“I can’t blame Kit anymore. This is all your fault.”

Matthew shook his head, but the smile on his lips gave him away. “So you want to take him out as just friends, right? This is like a friendly thing you two are doing?”

Bentley laughed harder. “Mr. Edwards –”

“There’s nothing wrong with two guys going out as friends. That’s pretty cool.”

“Okay. What happens if he and I were to develop romantic feelings for each other?” Bentley questioned. “Don’t freak, because he’s not interested in me that way. But, let’s say if it were to happen…?”

Matthew hummed as he stroked his beard. “Can I ask you something?”

Another message came in from Jonah. Bentley ignored it to answer Matthew. “Sure.”

“Why do you keep saying he isn’t interested in you? You aren’t saying anything about not being into him…”

Bentley stared at Mr. Edwards for a moment before looking down at his phone. Matthew was right, and Bentley hadn’t even realized he’d been doing it. “I… I don’t know. We’re just friends, honestly.”

“Are you into him?”

Bentley sighed. It took him a bit, and even then, he didn’t really know how to formulate his thoughts. “I mean, I don’t know. I’ve never really had feelings for a guy before.” He licked his lips. “Kit’s… he’s great.”

Matthew nodded before looking away. After clearing his throat, he sat forward. “Get out of my house.”

Bentley’s jaw dropped. “Sir? I –”

“Ha. I’m joking.” Matthew laughed. “Jesus, kid. Relax.”

Bentley stared at him.

“I wasn’t entirely sure, but I did have my suspicions.” He stopped to take a long swig of his beer. “I like you, Bentley. For whatever reason.”

“…Thanks.”

“You know I love my boy, right Bentley?”

Bentley sat up straighter. “I know you do.”

“And I’m not entirely stupid. I see you wearing his bracelet. I see how bright your eyes get when I even mention him. But, just because I like you, it doesn’t mean I’m not going to kick your ass if you end up playing him for a fool.”

“I understand. Like I said, he’s not even into me.”

Matthew nodded. “Yeah. Okay.”

“And I want you to know he’s my friend. I’m looking out for him just like you are. Guys are already circling him like vultures at UCLA. I’ve got an eye on things.”

Matthew picked up his beer and held it up. “You’re a good man, Williams.”

Bentley smiled. “Thank you.”

“So, this pizzeria thing this weekend. Are you going to tell him how you feel?”

That was the question.

“I’m nervous about being rejected. The last time I dropped a few hints, he full-on shot the idea down.”

Matthew smiled. “That’s my boy.”

Bentley smirked. “Yeah. But it’s hard accepting that for an answer. I think he’s at least a little into me. I mean, look at me.”

Matthew rolled his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself, kid. The athletic, Abercrombie-esque type comes a dime a dozen around here.”

Bentley chuckled. “Maybe. But I’d never treat him the way Pedro treated him. And you know where I live, so there’s that.”

Matthew smirked. “Pedro?”

“Pedro. From Ohio.”

Matthew simply shook his head. “Okay. Now that we’ve had this talk, I need you to know that when he comes home on weekends, you are to sleep in your room, and he is to sleep in his room. I sleep very lightly and I’d be able to hear either of you sneaking to the other’s room.”

Bentley began to blush as he laughed. “Mr. Edwards, Sir, none of that will be going on –”

“Oh, now I’m ‘Mr. Edwards, Sir’?”

Bentley tried to stop laughing, but he couldn’t.

“I’m keeping my eyes and ears open.”

“Yes, Sir.” Bentley shifted his focus to the football game. It was good to know that Matthew had a sense of humor when it came to this, and that he didn’t want him dead, but he wasn’t about to think about messing around with Kit. Especially not here. He just wanted to tell the guy how he felt.

And he wasn’t even sure about that.

[K] Hey there ;)

Bentley couldn’t believe how happy he was to see his name. He wasted no time replying.

[B] just want u to know that it’s a law in California that if u send the wink emoji, you gotta send the recipient nudes.

[K] …has that ever worked for u? girls don’t really fall for that, right?

[B] u gotta. It’s law.

[K] fine ;) here

Bentley opened the pic and saw Kit’s foot. He raised an eyebrow.

[B] what kinda kinky shit are you in to?

[K] I’m naked. I’m just not all in the frame.

Bentley rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help but smile. Freaking tease.

[K] now that that’s out of the way, can I call you?

[B] u better.

??

“So…” Jonah smiled up at Bentley.

Bentley slid the fake ID Jonah made for Kit into his wallet. He then put the wallet into his back pocket and looked around the college campus. “Thanks for this. I’ll pay you as soon I get a little money coming in. Uncle Don fronted me some cash, but I’m using that for tonight.”

Jonah yawned obnoxiously, stretching his limbs like a child. “Don’t worry about it, bro. You know you’re always good with me.”

Noah took a seat next to him on the building’s steps. “What’s tonight?”

Bentley took a deep breath before his answer. “I’m hanging out with Kit. We’re going to Gino’s and then maybe hitting a bar. I haven’t gotten that far –”

“A bar?” Jonah shook his head. “Dude. No.”

Noah agreed. “Maybe you two should go somewhere a little more quiet. Where you can be alone…”

Bentley could feel his eyebrows shoot up on his head. “Do you two know something I don’t?”

Jonah gave him the same look in return. “What do you mean, bro?”

“Did Kit tell you he wants to be alone with me or something?”

“No,” Jonah replied. “But, we have reason to believe he’s into you.”

“And that you’re into him…” Noah added.

“But he doesn’t want to act on it because he’s been through a thing with a guy in the past.”

“Pastry,” Bentley supplied. “I know a little bit about it. So…” he licked his lips and looked between both Jonah and Noah. “Kit told you he’s into me, or are you two just assuming this?”

Jonah gave a head nod to one of his baseball buddies that went past. “He said that he thinks you’re great, attractive, all of that cute shit.”

“We probably shouldn’t even be telling you this,” Noah said. “He told us in confidence…”

“Everyone knows you can’t keep a secret.” Bentley answered.

Noah folded his arms. “That’s not true.”

“Kinda is,” Jonah told him.

Bentley stuffed his hands into his pockets. That was pretty much all he needed to know. He felt a little more confident now. He was going to make a move tonight, tell Kit how he felt, ask him if he maybe wanted to see where this went. While Bentley had no idea how a relationship with a guy worked, he knew he wanted to learn with Kit. Kit deserved better, and Bentley knew he could give it to him. That had to count for something.

“I know you’re a good dude, Bentley. And I told Kit that, not that he needed to be told.” Noah stood to his feet and pulled his hair into a ponytail. “So, whatever you do, make sure that this is what you want. Don’t play with his heart.”

Bentley shook his head. “I wouldn’t do that to anyone. You know that.”

“But Kit doesn’t,” Jonah added. “Show him.”

“I will.” Bentley nodded now. “You… you guys don’t think it’s weird that I want to be with this guy?”

Noah smiled. “Maybe a little. I’m just used to you being this super popular playboy my whole life –”

“Hi, Bentley! We miss you on campus!”

The three boys turned to see a group of cheerleaders walking by, waving in unison as they giggled. Bentley smiled as he saluted to them.

“Hey, ladies.”

When Jonah and Noah simply stared at him knowingly, Bentley looked at them and cleared his throat.

“Point taken,” he said.

“Mm hm.”

“But,” Noah continued. “I remember when you came back from vacation with your folks when we were kids, and you wouldn’t stop talking about that boy you met.”

Jonah laughed. “Oh, yes. The kid from the theme park.”

“Exactly. And I’ve heard Kit on the phone with you, and I’ve seen you two together. It’s a little weird, but only because we’re not used to it.”

Bentley thought about that for a moment. That sounded vaguely familiar. “Well, I can’t explain it, but I like him. And maybe nothing comes of this, because I don’t want to fuck up my friendship with him, or your friendship with him. But I can’t stop thinking about him, so I’m going to go for it.”

Noah nodded. Jonah did, too.

Bentley rubbed tiredly at his neck before checking the time. “You two enjoy your weekend. I’m going to get out of here.”

“Enjoy your date!”

Bentley smiled. “Whatever, guys.”

??

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

Kit stared up at the clock as his co-worker Steven chatted up a customer. There were only 15 minutes left in his shift, yet time was moving much too slowly. Kit couldn’t stop thinking about what the day had in store for him. Earlier, he promised himself he wouldn’t do this. He’d told himself to stop and instead focus on other things, like his shift, for instance. It worked for a while. Customers helped keep him distracted, and so did Olivia, as she kept finding things for him to do when the store got quiet. But with 15 minutes left and Kit’s father on the way to pick him up, it was becoming difficult to focus on anything other than the fact that he’d be seeing Bentley in a matter of minutes. 

He was looking forward to seeing Bentley.

Kit watched the last customer leave as he rubbed at his temple. This wasn’t a big deal. He kept telling himself it wasn’t a big deal. Sure, Bentley constantly reminded him that he’d been looking forward to seeing him, and may’ve mentioned something about wanting to hug him again, but they were friends. Friends liked seeing one another, and occasionally hugging. Kit promised himself that he’d remember that. His friendship with Bentley would remain just that – a friendship.

[Tawny] Are you ready for your date?

It was hard to stay reminded of that when he had people like Tawny calling it a ‘date.’ It wasn’t a date. Kit picked up his phone and chewed on his bottom lip.

[K] It’s not a date, Tawny. I’m just hanging out with Bentley.

[Tawny] Going out alone with Bentley to a pizzeria. ALONE. Then sneaking into a Gay Bar together. Just the two of you. No Noah. No Noah’s brother. It’s a date, honey.

[K] The gay bar isn’t even certain. I told him I’d think about it. And this isn’t a date. Stop calling it that.

[K] It’s not a big deal. You know I do NOT want to mess up any of my friendships with these guys. They’re normal and they like me for me. I’m not making this a bigger deal than it is.

[Tawny] Even though you like him?

Kit stared down at the iPhone screen. He did like Bentley. He was sweet, and fuck was he sexy, and he could listen to the boy talk for hours, but no. This wasn’t about to happen. Not again.

There was also Abel, and Abel was sweet, too. More importantly, Abel was gay. Kit may not have felt the same way about Abel that he felt about Bentley, but who was to say he wouldn’t get there one day? At least he knew that Abel was into him.

And that Abel was actually gay.

[Tawny] I know what you went through with Paulie. I feel at fault somewhat because I encouraged you to keep going through it even though you knew he was a cowardly bitch. But I’m not getting those vibes from Bentley, Kit. I don’t think you are, either. You like him, and he likes you.

[K] I think this is just his personality. He’s a flirt. Doesn’t mean he likes me.

[Tawny] But you like him?

Kit sighed. If he admitted this to someone other than himself – especially to Tawny – he’d never be able to live it down.

He needed someone to talk to about this. Noah would tell Jonah. His dad would kill Bentley. Tawny was his only choice.

[K] I cannot stop thinking about him.

[Tawny] I KNEW IT. You should tell him.

[K] Are you insane??

[Tawny] He’s into you! I know these things. Remember when you posted that photo of your Outfit of the Day to Facebook on Wednesday, and I commented and said you were a ‘Hot piece of ass?’ He liked that comment. He liked your picture and my comment.

[Tawny] What dude who’s completely disinterested would behave that way?

Kit shook his head. This wasn’t like that.

“You can clock out,” Steve said. “Larry is parking his car so he’ll be in soon.”

Great. Kit nodded to Steven and clocked out as instructed, all before rushing to the back of the store. He had a few minutes to spare before his dad would get there, so he sat down by his locker and thought about this conversation with Tawny.

“You should tell him.” No. No fucking way. Kit was perfectly fine with never telling Bentley anything, and keeping their friendship strictly platonic. He could get over this crush, no problem. It wasn’t even that big a deal.

[K] You don’t know him. Like I said, the guy is a flirt. And he’s super down to earth. Him liking a picture or a comment doesn’t mean he’s into me.

As Kit pressed send, he got the call from Matthew that he was outside. Kit hurried to grab his overnight bag from his locker and leave the store. Though he had an anxious feeling in the pit of his stomach, he was certain the butterflies would go away once he was in Bentley’s presence.

??

The small talk on the way back to Carson wasn’t as bad as Kit expected it to be. After a week of living with Bentley, Kit thought his father would have something more to say other than “He’s a good kid.” He didn’t know what he was expecting, but that wasn’t it.

They walked up the steps to the home and Kit smiled at the smell of brownies when he walked inside. As turned to face his father, he raised an eyebrow.

“Did you make my favorite?”

Matthew locked the door behind them. “It’s my only kid’s first weekend home from college. M&M brownies were the least I could do.”

“You’re the best, Dad!”

“They don’t taste anything like your mom’s, but I tried.”

Kit wanted to tease him for secretly being a big softie, but he knew if he did that, his father would end up ruffling his hair. He wasn’t in the mood to have to fix his hair again before seeing Bentley. “I’m going to run upstairs and put my things down.”

His father gave a knowing nod. “I already told Bentley that the doors stay open. I assume you know.”

Kit felt his skin flash scarlet red. “Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means just what I said, Kit. If you two are in the room together, I need the door to stay open.” Matthew walked over to the sofa and sat down. “Also, remind Bentley that I can hear everything.”

Kit closed his mouth and shook his head. “You’re real funny, Dad. I’ll be back.”

“Not joking.”

Kit ignored him and went upstairs. The door to the room where Bentley was staying was cracked open, and Kit curiously stuck his head inside. Bentley was fast asleep on his queen air mattress; the bottom half of him buried under the cover while his face was pressed into his pillows. Kit couldn’t help but realize that Bentley was shirtless, and he couldn’t tell what he was wearing underneath the covers, if anything. The AC was on full-blast, and Kit could hear a documentary of sorts softly playing on the television. He dropped his bag outside the door and walked inside.

“Benny?”

The boy didn’t budge. Kit looked around the small room and shoved his hands in his pockets. It looked like most of the storage that was in here was either unpacked, finally, or moved somewhere else. Kit walked closer to the bed and looked down at Bentley’s back. His shoulders were broad and muscular, and kind of sexy. Kit didn’t stop himself from taking in the sight of him; all muscle and smooth skin, down to the dimples in his lower back. He licked his lips and took a deep breath before attempting to wake him again.

“Benny?”

Nothing.

Kit sighed. “Get up. It’s four in the afternoon…”

So much for being reunited with the guy who claimed he missed him so much. Kit turned around, deciding that he’d go to his room and finish up a few assignments before Bentley woke up, but before he could take two steps, there were arms around his waist and he was being dragged backwards hard enough to make him yelp. Kit landed on top of the air mattress with a thud, awkwardly lying there as he tried to process what just happened, and Bentley only wrapped his arms tighter around him.

“Mm. Hey, Kitten.”

Kit tried to undo Bentley’s grip around his waist. “Really, Benny?”

“You’re really gullible.”

“You’re a dick.”

“Not letting you go. Stop trying.”

Kit smiled before slowly shaking his head. “I can’t believe you. Can I at least get comfortable?”

Bentley adjusted their bodies, allowing Kit to turn over and placing his head on his chest. Once Kit stopped moving, he closed his eyes again. “How was work?”

Kit looked down at the shirtless man cuddled up to him and had to relax his nerves. “Fine.”

“Nice. We can get going in like another hour if you want. I just want to lay here for a while.”

“Yeah?” Kit asked, tentatively moving his hands up to touch Bentley’s dark hair. It had grown just a little bit, but he’d shaved his face completely. “What if I want to get up and do my assignments?”

“No.”

“What if I have to pee?”

Bentley peeked up at him. “Do you have to pee?”

“Not right now.”

“Then don’t worry about it.”

Kit stroked his hair. “What if Dad comes up here?”

“Then, and only then, will I move.”

Kit smirked, but otherwise relaxed into Bentley’s tight hold. “You’re lucky you’re actually good at this cuddling thing. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be entertaining this.”

Bentley was quiet for a minute as he simply moved closer into Kit; his fingers linking around Kit’s hips. “Sure. You smell good. Like the Tom Ford soap my father used to use.”

Kit pushed the hair away from Bentley’s face and tried to see what he could of his face. “That’s the soap I use. It’s my favorite.”

Bentley smiled. “I like it.”

Kit let his eyes close. “We can stay like this for 10 minutes, okay? Then I seriously need to get up and start at least one of my assignments this weekend.”

Bentley nodded his head against Kit’s chest. “Fine.”