Page 49 of Scoring Zone
His eyes cut to mine, and he leans over the console so our shoulders touch. His body heat is comforting, and we don’t need any more words to express our affection.
The ramifications of what we’re doing hit me. I’ve loved him as my best friend, and now I’m fallingin lovewith him.
We’re rarely apart, and if we don’t work out as a couple, our friendship will suffer. It doesn’t matter that we have decades of history—heartbreak changes everything.
With every fiber of my being, I know I could never purposely hurt Gray. It’s the unintentional that scares me to death. Surviving without him doesn’t seem possible.
He makes it a habit of asking me if I’m sure. And I’m sure of him but not sure of myself. I lost the thread of what is at stake if I can’t be someone he loves.
I’ll do everything in my power to be worthy of him. Much better than a broken best friend who can’t admit he’s bi.
Once we’re in the practice facility, I seek out the one person who will give me solid advice and won’t worry about offending me. Patrik Liska.
My pulse races as I figure out how to approach him, but he does it for me in the equipment room.
“Trevor says you and Grayson are all set for the gala. Thank you for vearing his designs.” His Czech accent is strongest in words starting with aW.
“No need for thanks. He makes us look good.” I take a deep breath. “Can I get your advice?”
Liska sets aside his stick, which he was taping up, and gives me his full attention without saying a word.
I rub my neck. “I feel like a fraud because I recently realized I’m not straight, and I haven’t told the team.”
Grayson’s words echo in my mind, but he’s biased and puts me first. Liska won’t do that.
Liska’s brown eyes bore into me. “You are not a fraud for taking care of yourself and protecting your sexuality. I vould not have come out if I didn’t fall in love with Trevor.”
“I shouldn’t have to protect myself.” That’s cowardly.
“Understanding yourself and how that impacts your life takes time. And it’s private. You should protect that until you’re ready. Your life vill be picked apart, and your family vill be in the spotlight. All your friends and teammates vill be questioned.” He claps my shoulder. “I’m not saying it’s not vorth it to live your life authentically, but for your peace of mind, you must decide how to do it.”
“I’m not letting everyone down?” I clarify.
“You are always here for us, and ve know you have our backs even vhen we do stupid shit. Ve have your back, and you cannot let us down.” Liska smacks my ass. “Velcome to the club, brother.”
“Do we have a secret handshake?” I say lamely.
“Once you’ve had your first scandal, you learn the handshake.” He exits the room with no indication he’s kidding.
That’s a lot to process. My parents’ reaction never registered in this equation. It’s not that they don’t love me, it’s that they won’t want to be associated with any sort of scandal. My sexuality being broadcast in the press, even if the coverage is positive, would be a scandal in their eyes. Deep down, I fear they’ll choose their church’s ideals over me.
My mind makes a connection I’m not sure how to handle. My parents taught me that sex is dirty and shameful. No wonder I never enjoyed it until Gray.
I don’t understand why people can’t love who they love and everyone else minds their own damn business.
Chapter 22
Grayson
Camera lights flash outside our sleek Lincoln Town Car. “How do you do this?” I swallow hard, regretting my agreement to walk the red carpet at the Enforcers Gala. Even though Austin has a face the camera loves, he doesn’t like the attention.
“If it were up to me, I’d sneak in like you.” He rests a sure hand on my thigh. “But I wouldn’t expect the guys to do something I won’t. I’ll make it up to you when we get home.” His last words are breathy, and his hand slides along my leg.
“Are you sure you’ll want company after this?” In the past, after public events, Austin retreated to his room to recover in solitude.
Austin’s head rears back. “Company? We are way past that.” His smile falls, and he stiffens. “Unless you have other plans.”
I bump his shoulder. “What plans could I possibly have? You need your alone time, and I respect that.”
