Page 14 of 12 Gays of Christmas

DECEMBER 16

GIL

“Dude,where are you at today? I’ve been trying to get your attention for the last ten minutes.” Steph slams his locker closed. He’s taller than most quarterbacks, which gives him an edge because he can see over the opposing players and down the field. But he’s still fast. He has an easy smile and blond hair. Basically, your boy next door but with a sexy glint in his eyes. Not that I think of him like that. Steph is my best friend. He’s also straight and engaged to be married. Roxy is one of my favorite people in the world. Mostly because she doesn’t take his crap.

“I’ve been thinking about Nebraska’s defense and catching those wobbly balls you’ve been throwing.”

“Well, stop thinking about my balls and focus on the upcoming game.”

“You wish.”

“Not me, but I think Wickett might be up for it.” He nods at our second-string running back. He’s cute with dirty-blond hair, a wide mouth, and a smoking hot body.

Wickett takes his time getting ready. Is Steph right?

“I’m not hooking up with a guy on the team.” I put my things in my locker and follow Steph. It’s a full morning of pregame stretches and the coaches telling us all the ways not to fuck up.

Once we’re on the field and running laps, Steph asks, “So, how’s your to-do list going?”

I shouldn’t have told him, but Steph and I have been friends since our first practice when we bonded over our dislike for lunges and our offensive line coach. “No winners yet.”

“Just losers?” Steph drops back and lets the other guys lead the way. “You realize you don’t have to marry this person, right?”

“Says the man engaged to his soulmate. Are you saying I shouldn’t want that?” I focus on the track and not on my best friend.

“No. But I’ve been dating for a while. And you…”

“Haven’t. I know.”

“Roxy thinks you should go for your roommate.”

I stop running and stare at him. My adrenaline spikes, and it’s not from the laps.

“Keep going, Lauten.”

I race to catch up with Steph. “Why would you say that?”

“Not me, Roxy.”

“Why would Roxy say that? She’s only met him once or twice.”

He shook his head. “That’s all she needs.” The offensive coach glares at us, so we run faster.

“Well, this time she’s wrong.”

“So, who’s on the list for today?”

I hesitate. “A jock.”

He laughs, and I accidentally run into him. But that just makes him laugh harder. “It’s a good plan. There are always after-parties, and if we win, you can have your pick. But even if we lose, there’ll still be a line of people waiting to console you. You don’t even need the last eight days. You just need this one.”

I know he’s right. But I can’t explain my hesitation. Anyone wanting to hook up with me today will want the football player. The person they think I am. And the moment I show them who I really am, the fantasy will be over. So, accomplishing my goal of not being a virgin at twenty-three is doable, but I’ll lose something in the process. I don’t say all that. I just nod.

“It’s probably best you stay away from any of the starters. That won’t go over well if coach finds out.”

Wickett runs past us and gives me a once-over and a grin. He’s definitely cute and a freshman, so not a starter. Maybe I need to give him a chance.

“Pick up the pace, you two. Less chatting. Talk about your sorority later.”

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