Page 16 of 12 Gays of Christmas

Jerk wad. But everyone laughs, and Steph points to himself. “Me. And it’s not right.”

I can take a little ribbing, so I don’t really mind. I should have caught that ball. How does Remi manage to get everyone on his side? Roxy giggles and gives Steph a kiss on the cheek. Her brother stares at Remi while the cheerleader tries to get his attention.

I give Remi a mock glare. “Who invited him again?”

“I invited myself,” Remi says with a smirk.

As the party goes on, I realize Colin has had several margaritas. I’ve never seen Colin drink. I don’t think he’s anti-drinking. I’ve just never witnessed it personally. I usually have a couple of beers, but I never get drunk. I’ve seen too many people over the years say or do things they wish they hadn’t. I have too many secrets. Weird that being gay isn’t one of them.

Colin giggles at something Roxy says. How many has he had? I’ve tried to keep count, but there are too many distractions. I go to the restroom, mostly because seeing Colin laughing carefree, even alcohol-induced, is breathtaking, and I need to get a grip. Not like that. I’m not going to jerk off in the men’s restroom. I just need a little cold water on my face to cool me down. I’m finishing taking a piss when the door opens and Wickett strolls in.

“Lauten.” He nods in greeting and stands next to me.

“Wickett.” I move to the sink to wash my hands.

“That was a killer game. You were awesome.”

“You weren’t so bad yourself. That last touchdown was brilliant—I don’t know how you broke all those tackles.”

Wickett stumbles on his way to the sink, a wide smile on his face. He has obviously had a few. “I’m good at that. Moving my body. Holding on to the ball.”

“Really?” I laugh and shake my head. This kid is normally a bit shy.

He leans closer, crowding me against the sink. “I can show you.”

This is part of my plan. Go out with a jock. Lose my virginity. It does break my no-teammate-hookup rule. But at this point, that rule feels more like a suggestion. This is my chance.

And yet, I’m not really feeling it. “Maybe some other time.”

“Come on, Lauten. I’ve seen the way you look at me. You’re interested.” He places his hands on the counter on either side of me and presses his body against mine. The bulge in his jeans rubs against mine, and I gasp at how good it feels. My dick jumps to attention, and he laughs.

I don’t want to do this, but I’m twenty-two, have never been touched by another guy, and my dick is a fucking traitor.

“See?” he says, the alcohol strong on his breath. “You like me.” He leans in to kiss me, but I turn my head and his lips are on my neck. It doesn’t slow him down one bit.

I put my hand on his chest to push him away, but that’s a mistake. Hard, muscled pecs. Jesus. “Wickett…”

“Gil,” he says, his voice low and sexy. Okay, that isn’t helpful.

The door slams open and my head jerks up. God, please don’t be Colin. It isn’t, but it might be just as bad. Remi.

He doesn’t look surprised as he crosses his arms, but his lip curls in disgust. I scramble to push Wickett away, but he hasn’t noticed and is still sucking on my neck. That’s going to leave a mark. I try to squirm out of his grasp.

Remi raises a brow. “Don’t rush on my account. I’m gonna take a piss while you use the pub’s restroom as your personal bathhouse.”

Wickett glances up, finally noticing Remi, and I manage to push him away. “No worries, Raven,” he says, his voice cocky. “You and the rest of theTeen Titanscan have the place. Gil and I can go elsewhere.”

“Whatever. You do you.” He does his business, and Wickett tugs on my arm. I brush him off. “Oh, and, Gil?” Remi says as he dries his hands. “Your roomie is trashed and wondering where you are. I’ll tell him you’re busy.”

“No, it’s fine. Sorry, Wickett.” I don’t say another time because there won’t be another time.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” He glares at me and knocks into Remi on his way out, muttering, “Cockblocker.”

“Was that really necessary?” Remi scowls at the door and turns to me.

“There was no reason to be an asshole.”

“Colin is worried about you. Asked me to come find you.” His eyes go to my neck, and I resist the urge to cover the marks with my hand. “You could have finished. A jock is on your list, right?”

---