Page 32 of Heart Taker

“It means three days a week,” I insisted. “It means a lot of time, commitment, and hard work.”

His deep brown eyes never wavered.

“I can handle it.”

I didn’t know if I could.

Silas

“I’ve got to prepare for my speech,” Damien announced with a clipped voice. “Enjoy your dinner.”

I watched him stalk off into the crowd, his back rigid, his hands fisted, while I stood there like an idiot staring at him. Something was up. He seemed nervous, which wasn’t like him. Was it due to the event? Giving speeches was part of Damien’s job, but with all the press tonight there was added pressure.

I was feeling the pressure too, but mainly in my pants.

Jesus, I’d nearly swallowed my tongue when he’d tumbled forward and grabbed my arm. The guy was intense, in more ways than one, and I wasn’t immune. That tux he had on was cut perfectly for his form, but I still preferred him in that three-piece suit, soaking wet, over anything else.

Go back to your table and cool off.

Right.

Stop thinking about your smoking hot coach.

The sooner this dinner was done, the better. I’d been here since four and wearing a suit for hours was killing me. Not literally, of course, but still, how long was this event going to last? I was already itching to rip this jacket off and the button down too.

When I made it back to our table, Ethan was halfway through telling one of his ridiculous frat stories and everyone was hanging on his words. I didn’t know if he was bullshitting or telling the truth, but knowing Ethan, it was probably a mix of both. I wasn’t paying attention at that point because I was too busy replaying Damien’s words in my head and wondering why I was so hung up on them.

On them, and him.

I needed more than a drink to get me through this night.

“Who wants to hit a bar once the auction’s done?” I asked. “All those twenty-one and over raise your hands.”

Four of my teammates put up their hands, plus one of the Sutton U rowing team.

“You’re gonna get laid tonight, right?” Ethan smile was as cocky as ever. “Pick up a hot girl that’ll blow your mind and your?—”

I shook my head.

“Not exactly.”

I don’t know if it was the fact that I’d come out to my brother recently, the alcohol in my veins, or the excitement over summer training camp, but suddenly, I was done hiding.

“I want to tell you guys something first,” I continued, glancing at Finn.

“Go on,” Finn replied with a smile.

“So, the thing is… I’m gay,” I blurted out.

No one at the table stopped talking. Or stared. Or did anything to suggest they were shocked by this news.

“Okay,” Finn replied and took a sip of his drink.

“Okay?” I repeated.

“Yeah. That’s cool.”

I looked around the table to find nothing but smiles.

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