Page 5 of Hidden Plays
“I suppose a guy has to shower before you blow him.” Eli barked out a laugh, stirring the food in the pot.
“It would be a kind gesture.” I lifted my chin. Shit, was I OCD or something? No, I just liked good hygiene. Was it too much to ask? Except for Myles…I liked the way he smelled, even if he’d just come from the gym. Fuck me.
“Let me get this straight. You don’t like the gay bar because you think all the guys are sweaty and gross and you wouldn’t reciprocate a blow job from a guy in there unless he washes his dick first?” Tex sniggered. “Bro, maybe you could ask the guy to wash it in the sink before you blow him.”
“What the fuck?” Malik belly-laughed and swiped at his eyes. “JJ, you’ve got some odd hang-ups. Maybe you’re too much of a rich boy. You’re used to everything being pristine.”
“No, it was not always pristine.” Except it was. I’d grown up in a North Scottsdale mansion with a maid that came three times a week, and yeah, I liked nice things. Shaking my head, I snickered and said, “You fuckers love teasing me about this.”
“We do, but you know we love you, man.” Leaning over, Casey kissed my cheek and then pointed at me. “Do not wipe that off.”
I glared at him, my hand itching to swipe my cheek. Fuck, did I have hang-ups? Is that why Myles couldn’t connect with me? “I won’t. See?” Lifting my brows, I smiled at him.
“I’ve met men at the gay bar who were awesome guys. Younever know unless you go.” Malik’s grin faded. “I’m serious, man. Meeting people in person is way better than those fucking apps. Might as well see what they really look like right away.”
“Fuck, okay. I’ll think about it.” I hung my head, teasing a fold in my athletic shorts. They’d never let me out of this unless I agreed to it.
“We could go this weekend after the game?” Wrinkling his forehead, Casey scanned the guys. “What do you all say?”
“Naw, I’m swamped with studying on Sunday, and when I go there, the temptation to drink and stay out late is too much.” Tex frowned.
“Yeah, me too. If I didn’t have this test in genetics coming up, I’d do it though.” Malik pursed his lips. “Maybe in a few weeks after our away game?”
“Yeah, fine.” Casey huffed and folded his arms across his chest. “Maybe Cooper would want to go—” His breath caught, and his gaze snapped to me. “Sorry.”
“Yeah, I won’t go to the gay bar with Myles and Cooper. Fuck that.” I stood and stomped into the kitchen. “I’ll set the table.” The conversation needed to end.
After Eli’s amazing dinner,I sat on my bed with my book in my lap. I was sick of reading. I’d looked over the stretches Holden sent. They didn’t look any better than the ones Stacey had me doing. Fuck it. I glanced at my phone, resting on the bed next to me. I hadn’t called Mom in a few weeks. Shit. I snatched my phone and called her number.
The line rang a few times.
“Hello? Jordan?” Mom asked.
“Hey, Mom. Just checking in.” I shifted on the bed, resting my back against the pillows on the headboard. Her voice always soothed me. Was I a mama’s boy? Yeah…I smiled.
“About time.” She freed a soft giggle. “How are your grades?”
“Good as always.” I glanced at my book. I’d been reading about profit-and-loss statements. Boring. “I was just studying for my finance class.”
“That’ll come in handy when you get your NFL contract.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course, Mom.” She and Dad were always afraid I’d blow all my money. I might, but it’d be mine to blow. I lifted a corner of my lips. “How is Dad doing?”
“Oh, he’s at work. He got called into the hospital for an emergency surgery.”
“Typical.” Dad, being one of the best anesthesiologists, meant he was in high demand when the hospitals had complicated cases. I toyed with a fold in my comforter.
“I can have him call you when he’s home. Maybe tomorrow?” She sucked in a breath.
An ache wound through my chest. What the hell would we talk about? “I don’t think it’s necessary. I’ll talk to him soon enough.” Like maybe in a month when I was home for Thanksgiving.
“You two should talk more.” Her voice became softer. “He loves you, Jordan. He might have a hard time showing it, but he does.”
Except Dad had no problem showing his love to my straight sister. I tensed my mouth. My relationship with my dad had changed after I came out. “Yeah, I know.” Nothing I did ever made it better.
“How’s Nicole?” I breathed in deeply. She was following in Dad’s footsteps, pursuing pre-med. Okay, maybe that explained their closeness. ButIwas playing the game Dad loved.
“She’s doing well. I hear there’s a boy she’s interested in. Of course, your father doesn’t approve. He keeps reminding her that if her grades fall, she won’t get into med school.”
