Page 37 of Scoring Zone
“What am I supposed to do?” He covers his dick.
“Stand behind the island or, if you’re afraid they’ll be too overwhelmed by your abs, duck down.” He flips me his middle finger.
I paid online with a generous tip, so it’s a quick exchange, and I never open the door all the way.
“What did you do?” Austin pops up from behind the counter.
“It’s a naked day with no rules.” I set the bag down and pull out the containers.
He instantly recognizes them and gets out silverware for us. “My fave. Have I told you lately that you’re the best?”
I’m on the verge of saying I’d do anything for my boyfriend, but I hold back for fear of moving too fast and scaring him.
“You can stroke my ego or whatever you want whenever you want.” I hand over his salmon and brown rice stir-fry.
“Island or couch since there are no rules?” He shakes his head when I hesitate. “Don’t move.”
Austin comes back with a sheet and covers the couch. “We can pretend that on no-rules day, you weren’t worried about being naked on the couch.”
I huff. That’s the thing about working in healthcare—the knowledge of germs everywhere. “You would obsess next time the guys come over about who’s sitting in the same spot as where our naked asses and balls were.”
“Good thing I found a solution.” His enthusiastic sounds as he eats, set off endorphins in my brain.
After we’ve eaten our fill, I put the leftovers in the fridge and lie down on the sofa with my head in Austin’s lap.
He picks up the remote. “Sports, movie, or TV show?”
“Whatever you want on in the background.” I smile up at him, and his cock hardens.
His watch beeps, and his expression is strange. He pets my head but stares unseeing at the TV, then clears his throat. “Last night, I had an appointment with the sports psychologist, Victoria, but she had to cancel and we rescheduled for today. In thirty minutes.”
“I’m proud of you for reaching out to someone. I’ll always back you up.” It’s tempting to ask more questions, but I’ll let him talk first.
Austin’s shoulders drop. “You don’t think it’s stupid?”
“Why would I think that? You know I went to therapy and am a big advocate for everyone getting mental health help whenthey need it.” If anything, I’m greatly relieved because I’m not qualified to really help him. I try when he’s in distress, but that’s not the same as working on the root cause of the problem.
“My game isn’t suffering.” He glances down, and I roll onto my back.
“No, but you are. And don’t put that out in the universe. I know several of your teammates who would condemn you, and one who would insist on a sage cleansing,” I tease, and put his hand back on my head because I love his fingers in my hair.
“I’ve only had one session, and I mostly talked about my fear of going after what I want and the ramifications. I didn’t mention the darkness within me.” His brow furrows, creating deep lines.
“Does she know about me?” I ask. We all know each other, and I won’t break any confidences.
He looks up at the TV again. “No.”
“Hey.” I take the hand resting on my chest and kiss his palm. “I’m not pressuring you. Telling her is coming out, and you get to decide that on your timeline.”
“But what about us?” His blue eyes cloud over.
“We’re best friends who live together, and we’re exploring sex. You don’t enjoy PDAs, and I don’t expect that to change. It’s not like you’re going to kiss me in the locker room or a bar. I’m not going to feel slighted if we’re not out in public. Half the guys probably have bets on how long we’ve been sleeping together. On the road, we’re in and out of each other’s rooms all the time.” I’m on a tangent and pause. “Unless you want things to change.”
He blows out a breath and leans down. I meet him halfway for a kiss, and he supports my head and neck. “Part of me is positive I’m being selfish.”
“It’s not in your nature.” I steel myself for him to reject my next words. “I’m here to help you talk things out if you want. But I highly suggest telling Victoria about your darkness. She’sbetter equipped than I am. And when you’re ready to trust her, tell her about adding another gender to your sexcapades.” My joke works and he chuckles.
“I don’t think she’ll understand.” He lets me go as I sit up to climb onto his lap.
