Page 1 of Slam Dunk
Chapter One
Anelbowtotheribs was always a fun time. Jathan got it, though. It was the playoffs, and the other team was losing. That always made for dirty plays. Still, Jathan felt an odd mixture of relief and sadness when the buzzer sounded. Soon, this would be over. No matter how far they went this year, it always ended. People hugged and pulled elaborate handshakes. They were just games away from going to the conference finals. It was surreal. Even though it wasn’t his first time making it this far, he still felt crazy proud of this team. It was definitely a brotherhood… on the court. As soon as the handshakes passed, everyone returned to their worlds, where they would celebrate with their group. He knew why he wasn’t truly part of any clique. No one said it, though. He was too talented to slur. As soon as that ended, though, Jathan already knew what the headlines would look like.
Jathan turned in a circle, eyeing the building he had called home for the last nine years. He had lasted longer than at least seventy-five percent of players in the league. The Fireballs had picked him up at eighteen and he had worked his ass off for them in every sense. The pay matched, though. Still, in his heart of hearts, he knew he was only a few short years away from the end.
A familiar form in a cowboy hat moved through the floor seats toward the end of the aisle. Happiness soared through Jathan.
He let out a loud whistle. “Quince!” Nothing. Jathan panicked a little. He couldn’t let him get away. A ball boy was nearby, working. Jathan caught his eye and waved for a ball. The guy tossed it his way.
Thankfully, Jathan was known for his accuracy. He chucked the ball into the crowd, hitting Quince square in the back. Quince turned, looking confused as hell.
Jathan bit back a laugh as he threw his hands up. “Are you really going to leave without even saying hi?” Jathan shouted the question, ensuring he was heard.
Quince looked around, obviously irritated by the slow-moving crowd. Giving up, he started climbing over chairs and making his way toward the court. A security guard tried to stop him.
Jathan let out another sharp whistle. The security guard turned. “He’s with me.”
With a nod, he stepped aside and let Quince dip into the crowd on the court. Jathan never lost sight of him. Not only was Quince almost as tall as Jathan, but his cowboy hat also stood out. Finally, sexy steel-colored eyes were on him. Quince’s too-gorgeous smile was there. “Hey. I didn’t really think I’d get to say hi. I just figured I’d let you know next time you’re out at the ranch that I saw the game.”
Jathan shook his head. “Let me see your phone.”
Quince pulled it from his pocket without question. He unlocked it before passing it along.
Jathan pulled up his contacts and added his information. “I’m adding my number. Next time, text me before the game.” He passed it back.
Their fingers brushed. Their gazes held. It was always like this. Quince was the foreman at Jathan’s best friend’s ranch. Since Jathan spent a lot of time with Artem, he ran across Quince just as often. Truthfully, he deliberately stepped into his path every chance he got. The guy was solid muscle. Wide chest and cut jaw. He should be on the cover of those rugged cowboy romance books. Jathan was all the way into him, but he honestly had no clue if the guy had any interest in men. He fit the straight stereotype.
“What are you doing for the rest of the night?”
Quince toyed with his phone, shifting it from one hand to the other. “Nothing, really.”
“I’m parked on the players’ level in the garage. Section D. Meet me at my car. Let’s go do something.”
Quince gave him a nod. “Sounds good.”
He turned, as if trying to figure out how to get there.
Jathan touched his bicep to get his attention. The hard muscle beneath his hand nearly took him out. He pointed toward a nearby door. “Go through there. That’s the players’ tunnel. There’s an elevator to the right. It’ll take you straight to the garage. It only goes to one floor.”
Quince’s beautiful eyes focused on him again. “Thanks. See you in a few.”
Jathan nodded while trying to hold on to his pride. “See you.”
He watched the perfect ass in form-fitting jeans every step he took to the door. Damn. He was breathtaking. Jathan had no idea where they would go. He still couldn’t get there fast enough.
Since Jathan was often at the ranch, Quince spotted Jathan’s Hummer immediately. Even if Jathan hadn’t told him this was the players’ garage, Quince would have known it. The multimillion-dollar cars lining the garage were the first giveaway. The second was when various players began pouring from the elevator. Quince leaned against the passenger side door of Jathan’s car and tried to look as if he belonged. That also meant he couldn’t show his ass, asking for selfies and autographs. He simply nodded as some of the most famous names in modern-day basketball walked past him.
Finally, the third wave of players included Jathan. Quince automatically smiled at the sight of him. He always caught himself wearing a huge grin when Jathan was around.
Jathan stumbled over nothing as he switched his bag from one hand to the other. He glanced behind him as if trying to figure out what had grabbed his foot. Quince couldn’t stop smiling. It was just his big-ass feet and lanky body. He was like a giraffe. When he looked up, he caught Quince staring.
Quince dipped his chin in greeting—like they hadn’t seen each other already tonight.
“Sorry it took so long. There’re always after game interviews and whatnot. I didn’t think about that when I asked you to wait, but I’m glad I did.”
The doors of his SUV unlocked.
Jathan motioned toward it. “Get in.”
