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quinn

I t doesn’t take long before I have JT exactly where I want him, pressed back on my bed with my hand up his shirt and my tongue down his throat. He moans against my mouth and the sound just goes straight to where lust and desire are taking over my rational mind.

JT is feeling a little braver today too. His hand has taken a little wander underneath my shirt and it’s the first time I’ve had his hands on my flesh. I like it a lot. A whole hell of a lot.

I slide my hand higher, feeling out the contours of his pecs and tweaking his nipples between my fingers. He whimpers into my mouth and I feel myself smiling.

“You like that?”

“Yeah. Yes,” he breathes as I continue to tease his nipple. His breathy sounds have me almost out of my mind. I let my hand slide back down along the ridges of his abs and down over the contour of his hips. I don’t stop myself as I slide my hand onto his ass cheek, feeling his intake of breath as I feel him up. I am throbbing against my zipper and I know it’s only a matter of time before I combust.

I break the kiss from JT’s lips and let my mouth graze down his jawline. He’s all hard angles here and I love the feel of his soft afternoon stubble. He doesn’t have a lot of hair on him, and I like that about him but then again, I’m pretty sure I’d like him just as much in the reverse. It’s just him.

I bite and suck my way down to his neck, finding that little soft spot by his ear and clamping down on it. JT’s breathing is hard and erratic, and I love having him like this underneath me as I suck on his neck. I’m sure I’m going to leave a mark that might be hard for him to explain but I can’t stop myself. I also can’t stop my curious little hand from sliding back over his hip and along the edge of his waistband.

JT’s breaths are shallow as I let my hand dip just a little, then edge down, down, down over the swell in his grey school pants. JT pulls in a sharp breath but he doesn’t stop me as I palm him there, giving in to what we both need.

“Is this okay?” I ask, a little too late but it’s the thought.

“Yes,” he rasps. “Very okay.”

See? I knew he wanted this. I knew he wanted my hands on him and I know I’m not going to stop at this innocent little touch. I want more of him. I edge my way slowly to the top of his button and pause, letting him know my intentions as I hold his eye. I can’t see any green anymore, his eyes completely blown to lust.

I very carefully pop the button. I don’t think either of us are quite breathing as time seems to narrow down to my cheeky little fingers and where they are playing. I pick up the clasp on the zipper and am about to slide it down its tracks when the sound of the front door opening has me freezing.

“Fuck,” I curse.

“Fuck,” he repeats. “Is that your mum?”

“Yeah, that’s my mum.” A woman I actually love to bits but damn I could curse her right now.

“What’s the chances she’s going to be up here?”

“I’d say they’re at about a hundred percent,” I reply just as the sound of her footsteps meet the stairs. We both bolt from the bed, slamming down onto the desk chairs and grabbing a random maths textbook just as the door opens.

“Oh hello, JT,” Mum enthuses. She really likes my boy and she doesn’t try to hide it either.

“Hi, Amy,” JT replies, trying to mask his breathlessness and flushed cheeks with enthusiasm.

“I was hoping you might be here. I’ve got fish and chips for dinner. There’s enough for you too if you’d like to stay,” Mum continues.

“Oh, um,” JT mulls. He flicks a glance at me, and I must give him enough encouragement because he looks back at my mum and tells her he’d love to stay.

“Excellent. It’s ready downstairs whenever you are,” Mum continues.

“We’ll be there in five minutes,” I cut in. “Just got to finish this section off.”

“No problem,” Mum replies with a big smile as she leaves the door wide open behind her and sets off downstairs.

JT lets out an exaggerated breath as he reaches down to re-button his pants. “Life is so unfair,” he groans, voice dipped low.

I smirk at him, looking so cute and flushed. I don’t miss the flare of heat in his eyes when I lean closer.

“How about next time you’re here we do something about that,” I suggest. JT’s gaze darkens again but he says nothing. I think he likes my suggestion.

“That’s not helping my current situation,” he eventually replies.

“Me neither, JT. Why do you think I asked for five minutes.” He just grins at that. I leave him be while I head into the bathroom and take an uncomfortable leak, returning to find him tapping out a message on his phone. He sends the message and his phone starts ringing almost immediately. He silences the call before pocketing it and looks up at me expectantly.

“Everything okay?”

“Perfect. How about that fish and chips?” he says. I take his hand, and we head downstairs, only dropping contact when we arrive at the table to have dinner with Mum.

***

I pull my coat tighter around myself as I head towards Mare Bello. The temperature has taken a sudden plummet, and I shiver as a cold blast of wind whips past, carrying the briny scent of South Wharf in the air. I wish JT was here so I could cuddle him, maybe steal some of his body heat.

I round the corner, and my eyes fall on Jace huddled out the front of the restaurant. He’s alone so I assume the other guys are running late as I make my way towards him. He’s done his hair in a half-up, half-down style and he’s wearing a nice blue coat over black pants.

“Hey,” I say as I step up beside him.

“Hi,” he replies. I glance around the street, hoping the others will get here soon. It’s freezing out here. “Want to head in?”

“Should we wait for the others?” I suggest.

“Nah, it’s freezing out here,” Jace replies, and I follow behind him as he pushes his way into the restaurant. There’s nothing overly fancy about Mare Bello but I love how authentic and unpretentious it is, trading on really good food alone. Jace speaks with the waitress who leads us to a booth, and I shuck my coat as I take a seat opposite Jace. He’s fidgeting nervously and I wonder what’s gotten him that way.

The waitress asks for our drinks and Jace orders a vodka tonic while I ask for a coke. Jace is definitely nervous and now he’s got me feeling suspicious as we make weird small talk with each other. Even after that time we made out in his bedroom wasn’t as awkward as this.

The waitress returns with our drinks and asks if we’re ready to order. Jace picks up his menu and starts to order before I chime in.

“We should wait for the others.”

“Let’s just order, Quinn,” Jace returns. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Okay,” I sigh, picking up the menu and selecting the calzone after Jace orders a penne carbonara. “Are you okay?” I ask when the waitress leaves us alone.

“Fine,” he replies, eyes darting around the room.

“Are you on something?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at him.

“No. I’m not on something and everything’s fine,” he huffs. I let it drop.

The waitress arrives back with our food. It’s only when we’re halfway through our meal and there’s still no sign of Benson and Eddie that the penny finally drops. I let out a deep breath.

“Jace?” My suspicions rise even further when he steadfastly avoids my eyes, focusing on his food. “Where are the others?”

“Others?” he shrugs, all innocence. “Who said the others were coming?”

“You did.”

“Nope, not me. If you made that assumption that’s on you,” he replies, taking a bite of carbonara.

“Jace,” I repeat. He continues avoiding my eye and I shift in my seat. “Is this meant to be a date?”

Jace sighs heavily before sitting back in his seat, finally looking at me. He doesn’t confirm my question but the defiant glint in his eye says enough.

“Jace, you can’t trick someone into going on a date with you. That’s not cool.”

“I know, Quinn,” he sighs, shoulders drooping. “But how else do I get your attention. You’re so obsessed with … Well, it doesn’t matter but you don’t even look at me anymore.”

“That’s because we’re just friends,” I reply calmly. I’m actually kind of pissed at him right now but I also don’t want to hurt him. The way he’s looking at me, though, makes me think that might be inevitable.

“I know. So you keep telling me. But I don’t want to be just friends with you, Quinn. I’ve never wanted to be just friends with you. You’re the one who made that call. While I still had my hand on your dick if you recall.”

I sigh and press my fingers to my temple, remembering that awkward post-make out conversation. I’ve secretly suspected Jace likes me but we’ve always been happy to skirt around that issue. And it’s not like he’s been pining over me. He’s slept with loads of guys, dated a few even.

“Jace,” I begin.

“Look, I know it’s not okay to trick you into a date,” he cuts back in. “I know you’re probably annoyed with me, but I’ve waited for you for years and I feel like … I feel like I’m about to lose you for good and I needed to do something before it’s too late. I’m not saying I want to be boyfriends or anything. It can be whatever you want it to be.”

“Are you honestly suggesting you think we can have casual sex and not have it affect our friendship?” I ask, unsure whether to laugh or not.

“Why not? We both like sex. I want to have it with you. Doesn’t need to be complicated.”

“Jace,” I sigh. “You know I’ll always be your friend, but you really could do with learning a little self-respect. You’re a really nice guy and you don’t need me to tell you you’re good looking. You don’t have to give away parts of yourself just to get attention.”

“I know that, Quinn. I have zero issues attracting attention from any guy. Any guy but you .”

“And is that the real issue here? The fact I’m the only guy who’s ever told you no?” He says nothing but I can see my question has hit the mark. “I am sorry, Jace. I just don’t see us that way.”

Jace is silent for a full minute before he finally drops the act. “JT is not going to suddenly turn gay for you, Quinn,” he says, getting to the real issue at hand. “He and Chanel are a thing. Everyone knows, man. It’s embarrassing the way you keep looking at him. He’s only going to hurt you.”

“Can we leave JT out of this?” I reply, getting defensive myself now.

“Why? You literally can’t take your eyes off him. Every time he walks in the room you don’t even hear a word anyone else says. He’s all you think about anymore. And don’t think I didn’t see you with your hands in his hair when we were at your house.”

“That sounds like my problem. Not yours.”

“I know but somebody needs to warn you. Don’t lose yourself just because you’re lusting after the straight jock every girl in school wants. He’s not going to choose you.”

“Noted,” I say, needing to put an end to this conversation. “And I don’t want to be rude but I’m going to go now, Jace. Thank you for the dinner but maybe next time a heads up would be good.”

I pull the phone case off my phone and dig out the emergency fifty dollar note I keep there and place it on the table.

“That’s not necessary. I got it,” Jace replies.

“I insist,” I say. Then I turn and leave my friend at the table along with my half-eaten dinner and a full glass of coke and a whole hell of a lot of confusion.

I’m equally annoyed and frustrated as I make my way to my car on the back streets of South Wharf. I sit in the front seat for a few minutes as the air cools around me before I switch on the ignition. I know Jace was just lashing out about JT but a lot of what he said is kind of getting to me. Because in a way he is right. The girls do all want JT. That’s not an issue in itself because I know he’s not looking back at them — not when his attention is on me. But they don’t know that.

Nobody knows that except him and me.

I know I should be okay with that, that I shouldn’t let it bother me. But I’ve been here before with closeted guys, and it does bother me even though I know I have no right to expect JT to out himself.

Before I let my head catch up with my feelings, I realise I’ve driven towards school instead of back home and I know I’m going there because JT is playing basketball at the school stadium. I don’t know if I’m making the right decision here or whether he even wants me to show up to his game like this. But I can’t stop myself.

It's only just gone half past eight. I know his game started at eight o’clock, so I’ve likely missed half of it. I pull into the school carpark, surprised by the number of cars in the lot, and follow the bright lights and sounds of cheers to the stadium.

The game is paused for half time when I step into the stadium and glance up at the surprisingly full stands. There’s a clear divide between the away team and the local supporters so I navigate my way through the crowd, settling into an empty spot near the navy and silver Dukes supporters.

I find JT in the huddle around the coach, cheeks flushed and dirty blonde hair tussled. There’s a light sheen of sweat covering his skin which I don’t mind at all as my eyes drop to the nice set of biceps on display in that basketball top. He hasn’t noticed me yet, but I think that’s for the best. I don’t want to get in his head or make him fumble the ball like he still sometimes does when I watch him play. The team do a quick hands-in and then they are rushing back out to the play.

Trey is out there beside JT, and they do a cute little fist bump that has me smiling as they set up around Vince for the centre tip off. The siren sounds, the referee throws the ball up and Vince taps it straight to JT. He is off down the court, easily weaving around two tall defensive players before sending a neat bounce pass to his cousin who puts in an easy layup. The whole play took around six seconds to execute, and I am duly impressed as JT and Trey do another interesting hand celebration and the local supporters cheer.

JT is honestly amazing. He is a little dynamo, easily the best one out there even though he’s the shortest guy on court. He controls the tempo, dominates the play and handles the ball like he was born for it. He creates as many assists for his teammates as he puts up shots for himself and he always seems to be in the right position for a pass, like he can read the game.

I can’t keep my eyes off him, and I feel myself smiling when the crowd suddenly starts up a chant for the Double Trouble after JT and Trey set up another amazing double play. The Sterling cousins clearly possess that magical little talent of showmanship, that elusive x-factor that can’t be taught. It’s hard to look away from either of the Sterlings when they’re on court together.

JT scores again, forcing the opposition coach to call for a much-needed timeout. That’s when JT looks up at the stands, and his eyes collide with mine. His widen in surprise just as he trips over absolutely nothing, quickly righting himself. I stifle a laugh, but the enormous smile that spreads across his face confirms everything I needed to know. I made the right call in coming here.

He jogs to the team huddle, but his gaze keeps flicking back to me. I nod towards his coach, silently telling him to focus. He just grins before leaning in, and then the game is back on.

The Dukes cruise to an easy win, with my boy stealing the show as he and his cousin put on what I believe the sports people call a clinic. I’m relieved that my presence in the stands didn’t throw him off his game. Well, aside from that one little stumble.

JT is swarmed by his teammates, caught up in the aftermath of the game and I don’t want to impose. I don’t know how to be around him in his world, whether he wants my presence in the stands known. So I stay seated and wait for an opening.

The team huddle around the coach for his final words and then head towards the locker room, JT in the middle. A second later my phone buzzes in my pocket.

JT:

Do not leave! I’ll be 10 mins.

ME:

Take however long you need.

I’ll be here.

The crowd starts to dwindle as parents and friends and even some of the school staff head home. I notice Chanel and her group of friends in the front row but I don’t feel anything towards her. I’m the one who’ll be taking home the star player tonight, not her.

At least, that’s what I’m hoping.

Before long I’m the last one in the stands so I move to wait outside the locker room where Chanel and the team’s large group of friends have gathered. It seemed slightly less conspicuous but I’m now overly aware of the puzzled looks being sent my way. JT is the first one out of the locker room, his hair damp from his shower and curling against his head. His eyes are bright as he beelines straight for me where I wait propped up against the wall.

“You came to my basketball game,” he says, not even hiding how happy this has made him. I wish I’d come to all of them now.

“So I did.”

“And? Are you feeling alright after all that sport?” he grins.

“I’m feeling just fine, thank you.” He sucks on his smile and my heart melts into a puddle. Playing it cool is virtually impossible when he looks at me like this.

“Did you like it?”

“Well, there was this incredible point guard on the home team. Amazing ball handling skills, sweet ass, sexy as fuck,” I say, delighting at the way JT’s cheeks flush.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Actually, I was kind of hoping he might want to come home with me tonight,” I drop. JT’s gaze darkens before his attention falls to my mouth. Background noise falls away until there’s nobody else in the room but us. Our little moment breaks as soon as his ostentatious cousin comes out of the locker room.

“Dukes for the win,” Trey crows, Kye and Marco trailing behind him, pumped up from the game. Trey’s eyes immediately zero in on where I stand beside his cousin. He cocks his head as he steps towards us.

“You coming out with us, JT?” he asks. “After party at Kye’s.”

“Um, actually I kind of have plans,” JT says, obviously not used to saying no to his cousin.

“You do?” Trey asks, eyes pinging between me and JT.

“Yeah.” He stands a little taller.

“You sure?” Trey presses. I can feel the eyes of the others on us, no doubt wondering what I am doing here at the game, but I don’t really care what they think of me. I never have before and I’m not going to start now.

“I’m sure.”

“Okay then,” Trey says backing away from us. I hear the girls asking whether JT is coming but Trey fobs them off as they head for the carpark, leaving me alone with the boy I came here to see.

“Ready to go?” I ask.

“Yep,” he grins. I take his sports bag from him and drape it over my shoulder before gesturing for him to lead the way. I don’t miss his pleased smile and I lock that away for further note as we head towards my car, my Friday night suddenly looking a hell of a lot more interesting.