Page 18 of Hidden Plays (Desert Football #1)

Sensation tightened my balls, and my eyes fluttered shut for a beat, my entire body shuddering.

“Fuck yeah,” I croaked. Who would have thought that a guy’s touch would have such a powerful effect on me?

Or was it only JJ? Had this been the reason I’d stayed away from him in high school? Had I been afraid of him?

He shifted, putting his back to me, and shucked his sweats down and off. “There, now we’re even.” With a coy grin, he grabbed the pillow from under my knee and pulled it out. “This okay? We’ll ice it again later.”

“Y-yeah.” I watched his solid cock bob inside his briefs. How the thing hadn’t poked out, I hadn’t a clue.

He straddled me, his knees on either side of my hips, and then fell onto his elbows. “Is this okay?” He flicked his tongue over my lips and bit the lower one, scraping his teeth over it before releasing it.

My breath came in deep draws. “Yes, it’s okay. What did you have in mind though?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything you’re not ready for and only things that’ll make you feel great.” He lowered his hips, his hot cock pressing against mine.

I gasped as my dick pulsed against his, leaking precum into the thin fabric of my underwear.

The last time our dicks touched like this had been on the dance floor, and I’d almost lost my mind.

I slapped my hands onto his ass and thrust into him, the friction and pressure flooding my senses and sparking every nerve ending.

I didn’t know what I was doing, but, fuck if I could stop.

“That’s it, baby, dry hump me.” He brushed my long bangs off my forehead, slanting his mouth over mine and coming in for hungry kisses, his tongue darting into my mouth and lips devouring me.

As he rocked his hips in time with mine, a husky groan escaped his throat.

“Oh, fuck. Fuck yeah.” He nibbled along my chin and licked the shell of my earlobe.

Shivers pebbled my neck and shoulder, and I quickened my pace, chasing the pleasure building in my cock. With sharp gasps, I squeezed the globes of his ass, digging my fingers into his flesh.

“Yeah, I like it a little rough.” He groaned, and his body trembled over me. “Keep going and I’m gonna come.”

Sensation surged over me, and I gripped his ass muscles tighter, increasing the pressure on my cock. I was almost there. I rutted harder, faster into him, my body shaking, harsh gasps escaping me.

“Are you close?” He pressed quick kisses on my mouth and moaned.

“Yeah, I’m close. Fuck.” My entire body tensed as pleasure engulfed me, my cock pulsing hot cum into my briefs, my toes curling and skin tingling.

Burying his face in my neck, he whimpered and shuddered, thrusting hard against me, stopping for a moment, and thrusting once more, the wetness in his underwear mixing with mine. “Jesus fuck, Holden.” He sighed and relaxed over me.

Through quick breaths, I said, “Yeah, same.” My brain wasn’t working. I had nothing. I didn’t know what we did, but he was right. It felt fantastic.

“Is your knee okay?” He lifted onto his elbows, his brows wrinkling.

“I think so. I couldn’t feel it when we were, uh, dry humping?” That’s what he’d called it. I gazed into his eyes. I wish I’d watched him come like I had earlier. But I had a feeling there’d be much more of it.

He rolled off me and sat up. “I’ll put the ice on it.” He reached for it.

“No, you don’t have to.” I placed my hand on his back. After what we’d done, I didn’t want him rushing off on me. “Come here.” I patted my chest.

With a soft grin, he rolled to his side and lay down, his head on my pecs, my arm curling around his shoulders. “You know I want to lick your nipple again if I’m this close to it.” He brushed his fingers in a circle around it .

“Do that and we’re going again.” I chuckled, the warmth of his body stirring my heart. Apparently, I was a nipple guy. Who knew?

He teased the nipple, rolling it in his fingers. “You have nice nipples.”

I squirmed, my dick attempting to rally, even as it waned. “Thanks?” Hadn’t I told chicks that? It sounded a little weird coming from a guy, but it was JJ.

He swept his fingers down my abs, leaving a tickle in his wake, and palmed my cock. “Do you mind? I want to touch you.” He pressed his softening dick against my hip, the wetness sticking to my skin.

It was…comfortable, being touched by him. “No, I don’t mind, but how long will you stay?” I kissed his head. “If you keep it up, we are definitely going again.” We were like kids at Christmas with new toys.

“Yeah, I should return before Casey gets up to piss or something.” He swirled his fingers over my cockhead. “You have such a nice dick. I can’t wait to taste it.”

“How often does Casey get up to piss?” I pursed my lips. What excuse could JJ give for being here? He could only use the knee problem for so long.

“At least once, but I stuffed my pillows under my sheets to make it look like I was in bed.” He snickered and sucked my nipple into his mouth, then popped it out.

I jumped as pleasure jolted through me. “JJ, be nice.” I should have known he’d be a little on the wicked side.

“Can’t help it.” As he lifted his head, he pouted. “I have to go, but I want to do so many dirty things to you.” His pupils flared. “We’ll have time when we get home, though.”

Home. We had to go back to reality. “Yeah, sure.” How would it work though? There wasn’t time to talk through it tonight. “Maybe we could go on a proper date when I get back?”

“Hell yes.” He kissed the tip of my nose and climbed off the bed. “I’m going to clean up and then I have to go.” He strolled toward the bathroom, his tight ass swaying in his briefs.

“Okay.” Shit, I had a mess to deal with myself. But it could wait until he left. With a sigh, I bent my bad leg, and my knee protested, but it was feeling better. Leaning over my duffel, I pulled a pair of pajama bottoms out and stood.

He ambled out of the bathroom. “Okay, clean enough.” Looking around him, he grabbed his shirt and sweats and then put them on. “I’ll see you in the morning.” He kissed my cheek and left the room.

The next day, JJ and I were back to pretending there wasn’t anything between us, except for fake boyfriend text messages, which were turning into real boyfriend texts.

The long bus ride home had been a little longer with weekend traffic through the Palm Springs area, and when I’d gotten home, I’d unpacked and fallen into bed.

After Monday’s practice, my phone buzzed in my backpack. I fished it out.

Mom

I’d like to have a family dinner at our house tomorrow night. Can you make it?

That was odd. It wasn’t someone’s birthday or a holiday. I tapped my screen.

Holden

Sure, what time?

Mom

Six, I’m making your favorite lasagna.

Holden

That sounds great. I’ll be there.

Hot breath brushed my shoulder, and I turned, JJ’s stunning face coming into view.

“Who’s that?” He rubbed a towel through his damp hair.

“My mom. She wants to have a family dinner tomorrow night.” I gnawed my lower lip. Maybe she just wanted to see me.

“Oh, sounds fun.” Leaning in, he whispered. “When can we get together?” His brows rose.

I thought through my schedule. With a shrug, I said, “Wednesday?”

“Okay.” A wide smile swept his lips. “Looking forward to it, Harry.” He ticked his brows.

With a tsk, I grabbed my backpack and shook my head. The Harry Cox thing had to stop.

I drove to the curb in front of my parents’ conservative, single-story ranch-style home, the place where I’d grown up. As I shut off the car and stepped out, I scanned the driveway. Noel’s car wasn’t here. She would have invited my brother, wouldn’t she?

The bushes under the front windows were freshly trimmed, and there wasn’t a weed in sight in the clay-colored landscaping rocks.

Dad must have spent the weekend gardening.

As I walked along the driveway and over the path to the front door with a small, covered porch, I stuffed my hands in the pockets of my jeans.

The door opened, and Dad stood there, a thin-lipped smile on his face, his black glasses hanging off the end of his nose. His polo shirt hid most of his belly, and he wore jeans for once. “Hey, Holden. Come on in. Your mother’s busy cooking.”

“Sure.” As I stepped inside, Dad patted my back, and the aroma of tomato sauce, cheese and garlic filled my nose. “Smells good.” I stepped further into the main room. A new dark-wood coffee table complemented the old leather couch and chair from my childhood. “You got some new furniture? ”

He followed me toward the kitchen. “I let your mother pick a few things. It’s not like we needed anything new, but?—”

“I know, Dad. Happy wife, happy life.” I chuckled. Mom didn’t make the money Dad did. So, in his way of thinking, he let her buy things with his money. I wouldn’t be like him when I got married. It would be our money.

Mom, dressed in yoga pants and a flowing black top, opened the oven door. “Hi, Holden.” She inspected the lasagna. “We still have a few minutes left.” She blew a blonde bang off her forehead, the rest of her long hair pulling into a ponytail.

“Okay.” Where Dad was more standoffish, Mom always required a hug. I stepped to her and gave her a side hug. “Where’s Noel? Did you invite him?” Maybe she figured it wasn’t worth the trouble.

“I did, but you know how he is. He’ll probably be late.” She turned to the kitchen island, still with the same speckled beige counter the house had always had, and tossed dressing into the salad in a large bowl. “You can sit down. I’m not waiting for him.”

“Okay.” They had set the farmhouse table with plates, silverware, and glasses. A pitcher of water rested at the center.

Dad sat at the table’s head. “Go on, sit down.” He gestured to the chair next to him.

Dropping into the offered chair, I poured water into my glass. My parents weren’t big on drinking, which always made me wonder how my brother had become such a heavy drinker.

Mom brought the salad to the table, followed by the dish of lasagna. After setting the dish on a pair of hot pads, we all dug in.

I plated a square of lasagna and a mound of salad. “Looks good, Mom.” When would they discuss what this dinner was about? There had to be a reason for it.

Dad ate a bite of lasagna in silence.

“How is school, Holden?” Mom sipped some water and then scooped salad onto a fork .

“Good.” I’m entering a relationship with a gay man… What would they think about it? I stuffed lasagna into my mouth, the garlic and beef mixing with the creamy cheese. I had to get her recipe at some point.

“Anything new happen with the team?” She glanced at me as she ate her lasagna.

“Not really. We won last weekend at UCLA. The player I’m training, JJ, is better after doing the routine I worked up for him.” I pursed my lips. I couldn’t stop talking about JJ. He was always on my mind in some fashion.

“Oh?” A smirk played on her lips. “So, I guess you don’t hate him as much anymore?”

“No, I don’t. We’re cool.” Warmth flowed through my veins. In fact, I really liked JJ now, but I wasn’t ready to spill my truth. I hadn’t even told my roommate. I glanced at Dad. Had he given Noel the money yet? He certainly was quiet.

Mom peered at the stove. “I wonder when Noel will show up?” She studied Dad, her brows furrowing. “You didn’t give him the money yet, did you?”

Dad stopped eating, setting his fork on his plate. “I did.” He lifted his gaze to her. “I suppose that’s why he’s not here. Maybe he’s not coming.”

“Oh, Keith, he’s probably out spending it on booze right now.” She scoffed and drank some water. “Thank God we have one son who’s responsible.”

And queer? Would they still find me responsible if they knew about me and JJ? I ate a bite of lasagna. “What’s um, any thoughts on what’s happening with Noel?” Had things gotten worse?

Mom threw Dad a death glare. “The only time he calls is when he’s drunk, or high, or both. I’m wondering if he’s having problems keeping a job.” She stabbed her food with her fork. “Maybe that’s why he’s running out of money.”

“Maybe.” Sagging his shoulders, Dad said, “I think he needs rehab. ”

“Rehab? Is it that serious?” I gulped some water down. I should call Noel and check on him. Maybe Mom and Dad were overboard here.

“He’s that serious.” Mom’s hardened gaze dragged to me. “If he were in my bar, I’d kick him out. I know his kind. I’ve seen it a million times.”

“He’s still our son, Leah.” Dad ate a bite of lasagna.

“What prompted tonight’s family dinner?” I glanced at Dad and then focused on Mom, my gut tensing. Had they wanted me to talk to Noel?

“I hoped that together, we could talk some sense into your brother. But I see he dodged us…again.” Mom huffed and ate some salad.

“I’ll call him sometime this week.” I had to help. He was my brother. I chewed my lower lip as my chest squeezed. But what would I say to him? We weren’t close anymore.

“Thanks, honey. Would you?” Mom patted my forearm, resting next to my plate. “Then let me know how he’s doing.”

“I will.” I pushed at my food with my fork.

Funny how the conversation always centered on him.

It was like Noel’s fucked-up life dominated everyone’s thoughts with concern.

I glanced at Mom. She never worried about me, never had to.

But it would be nice if, for once, my brother’s shit didn’t dominate the dinner conversation.