Page 25 of Hidden Plays (Desert Football #1)

“Bye.” With his face beaming, he waved and sauntered through the doors and into the sunshine.

Later, I drove home, entering the kitchen via the garage. When could I bring all these guys together? Especially Malik and Tex? Those two were always off doing shit.

Eli sat at the dinette and looked up from his laptop. “JJ, good to see you, man.” A knowing grin teased his lips.

It was time to give thanks where thanks was due. “Eli, you are one hell of a good friend.” I stepped toward him, my hand outstretched.

As he stood, he clapped his hand on mine and covered it with his other hand. “Anytime, buddy.” He shook our hands and let go. “Holden is a great guy. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks.” I fell into a chair next to his, sliding my backpack onto the floor from my shoulder. “I can’t believe I’m with him.” It was great to be out in the open with someone. “It’s crazy, right?”

“Yeah, but you deserve this, JJ. I’ve watched guy after guy come into your life and leave you brokenhearted. I doubt that’s going to happen this time.” He shut his laptop and tented his fingers over it.

Eli sensed when people needed to talk. But then, it was sort of his job. “Tell me what he said. I want to know it all.”

“He wanted to know what coming out was like. He had the same concerns we’ve all had.” His brows knitted. “He’s worried most about his dad. He’s unsure how he’s going to take it, so I told him to confide in his mother first and get her help.”

“Okay.” I nodded, chewing the inside of my cheek. Holden planned to come out to his parents last. That was typical, I supposed. “I need to be there for him.”

“You do. And don’t pressure him. This is all new.

He’ll need some time.” He sat back in his chair with a heavy sigh.

“When do you plan to inform the guys?” A smirk crept over his face.

“Because they’re going to shit themselves.

” He let out a soft snort and shook his head. “I almost did. Damn, dude.”

With a smile, I nodded. “Yeah, I know. I hope they aren’t angry with me for lying.” But maybe they’d learn a lesson not to badger people like they usually did.

“Naw, they’ll be cool with it. They’re your friends.” Eli squeezed my forearm, lying across the table. “When will you tell them? ”

“I’ll call a house meeting.” Leaning to the side, I slipped my phone from my backpack. “In fact, I’ll do that now.”

I’d set up a meeting with everyone, including Holden, for tomorrow night and had retired to my room for some reading. If I’d stayed in the main room, there’d be endless questions, and I didn’t want to spill anything without Holden here.

As I read a book for my finance class, my phone buzzed beside me on the bed.

I snatched it and peered at the screen. “Mom.” Was she making the call with Dad? Tightness crawled through my chest. I tapped the screen. “Hello?”

“Hi, Jordan. I’ve got your father here and you’re on speaker,” she said.

Yep, this was exactly what I thought it was. “Hi, Mom and hi, Dad.” I sank into the pillow at my headboard, setting my book on the bed. “How are you?”

“Great, son. Your mother tells me things are going well at school?” Dad asked.

“They are. I’ve been having some IT band pain, but my trainer has me doing a new physical therapy routine.” Talking medical shit was always easiest with him. I rubbed a finger against my duvet.

“IT band, huh?” He huffed a breath. “That can be stubborn. I have a skilled therapist who can work?—”

“No, no, I don’t need a different person. What I’m doing is helping.” And my trainer was my boyfriend. I took a deep, calming breath. What would they say if I told them about Holden?

“Oh, okay,” Dad said.

“Hey, Jordan, I wanted to be sure you could come home for Thanksgiving. Your sister will be here, and I know she’s dying to see you,” Mom said .

“Yeah, sure.” Shit, should I tell them about Holden? I bit the nail on my index finger. I’d like him to come and meet them. “Mom?”

“Yes, honey,” she said.

“Can I bring someone?” My pulse thrummed in my ears. It would have been simpler to ask if Dad weren’t on the phone, but to hell with it.

“Who?” Dad asked.

“A guy…a boyfriend.” I scraped my teeth over my lip.

“I have a boyfriend now. In fact, he’s a student trainer on the team.

” I didn’t know what plans Holden had, but maybe I could drag him from his family for the day.

Or as other couples did, we’d visit to two houses for Thanksgiving. I smiled. Would he be out by then?

“Of course you can. How long have you been dating this boy?” Mom asked.

“About a month and his name’s Holden.” It was hard to tell how long it had been, since the beginning had been fake. But I might include it anyway, because shit happened between us from the start.

“Focus on your studies and football, not on some trainer,” Dad huffed.

“Dan, don’t be like that. I told you about the last boy. Be happy for him.” Mom tsked.

Yeah, I wouldn’t have mentioned Holden around Dad except he was on the phone now. “He’s not just any trainer, Dad. He’s a good one, and he…I knew him in high school. He used to play football too, so he understands. He got the MVP award his senior year, when I was a junior.”

“The year you were supposed to get it? Is it Holden Cox?” Dad asked. “Why isn’t he playing now?”

Shit, here we go. I didn’t want to get into what happened in high school with Dad.

I’d leave that part of the question alone.

I had to prove to Dad that Holden was worth it and wouldn’t impede my NFL career.

Would he ask these questions if I were dating a woman?

Drawing a deep inhale, I said, “Yes, it’s him.

He injured his knee that year in the championships, ACL tear and broken bone, I don’t know which one.

It was a critical hit, and he never recovered enough to play again.

” It was an explanation Dad would understand at least.

“Oh…” Dad sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, Jordan, I’m so happy you found someone. I remember watching him play in your high school games. He was a great quarterback. I can’t wait to meet him. I’m sorry his injury was so bad. Of course you can bring him to Thanksgiving,” Mom gushed.

“Thanks, Mom. I have to discuss it with him first, but I hope he can make it.” We had a few weeks to plan. I wrinkled my brows. I should show some interest in my father. “Uh, Dad, how’s work?”

“It’s the same. I’ve been in surgery at all hours this week. There were a lot of car accidents. I can’t explain why, but either these things happen all at once or not at all.” He sighed. “Please be safe driving out there. The snowbirds are back and?—”

“I know, Dad. They don’t know how to drive in Phoenix.” I chuckled. It was a running joke among those of us who lived here full time. Once the cooler months hit, tourists and part-time residents flooded the valley. Traffic almost doubled from the summer months.

“Well, just be careful,” he said.

This was his way of showing he cared. “Yes, Dad, I promise.” I glanced at my book. I should get back to it. “Speaking of school, I have some reading to do.”

“Oh, we’ll let you go then,” Mom said. “Confirm Holden’s holiday plan, okay?”

“I will.” I pursed my lips. So much could happen between now and then. Would he come out to his parents so soon, or would he wait? “Love you both. Bye.”

“Bye,” they said in unison.

Ending the call, I slunk further into my pillows, my gaze resting on my ceiling fan. I’d never brought a guy home for a family holiday. I hoped it all worked out and didn’t implode.

It was time for the house meeting, and my stomach somersaulted. The guys waited on the sectional expecting…something. It was Holden, but I needed to keep quiet until he was here. I stood in the kitchen, pretending to look for something in the refrigerator.

“Dude, when are you going to talk? I’ve got shit to do.” Malik scoffed an exhale.

“Just a minute. I’m waiting for someone to get here.” After grabbing a Gatorade, I shut the door of the refrigerator and turned to the guys, all watching me. Tex sat beside Malik on the couch, while Casey and Eli sat opposite.

Eli already knew, but you’d never guess by looking at him. The guy had a great poker face when he needed it. I unscrewed the cap of my bottle and sipped the drink.

“Who are we waiting for? Cooper? Is this about him and Myles, maybe?” Casey furrowed his brows. “You didn’t start shit with him, did you?”

“No, of course not.” I clicked my tongue and strode to the window overlooking the front yard. Where the hell was Holden?

A Honda Civic stopped at the curb, and Holden climbed out, combing his fingers through his blond bangs.

Was he as nervous as I was? He didn’t know these guys as well as I did, so of course he was. “He’s here.” I padded to the front door and swung it open.

“Hey.” A broad smile broke over Holden’s face. “How are you?” He squeezed my hand and leaned in, then stopped, his gaze roaming all the guys, who stared back at us. “Uh, hi.” He waved, and his smile faltered.

“Hi?” Casey’s brows drew together. “What’s going on, JJ? Why is Holden here? ”

Malik stood from the couch and up-nodded Holden. “What’s up, man?”

“I…I mean, we have something to tell you.” My gaze floated to Eli, a smirk breaking his earlier poker face.

“Let me start, JJ.” Holding his head high, Holden strode into the room and stopped in front of the television, facing everyone. “Guys, over the past few weeks, I learned something about myself. And it started when I pretended to be JJ’s boyfriend, uh, Harry.”

Casey’s eyes grew wide, and he pointed at Holden. “Wait, you’re Harry?”

Holden nodded, his chest swelling with a deep breath. “Yep, I’m Harry. I sent those text messages you’ve all been drooling over.” He snickered. “And I took JJ to the gay bar.” He flashed his gaze at me. “That’s where I kissed JJ for the first time.” The edge of his lips curled.

Tex barked out a laugh. “You kissed JJ? At a gay bar?” His face went blank. “Are you telling us you’re gay?”

Malik dropped onto the couch, his jaw falling open.

“No, I’m telling you I’m bisexual, and JJ is my first guy and…well, I’m his actual boyfriend now.” He stretched a hand out to me.

With my heart fluttering, I stepped to his side, and he wrapped his arm around my waist. I wouldn’t say a word. This was his story to tell.

“Real?” Casey hooked a brow. “Wait a minute. Are you saying there was no Harry, or are you Harry, or who the fuck is Harry?” Casey threw his arms in the air and dropped them. “I’m so fucking confused.”

Eli tagged Casey on the shoulder. “Dude, he’s Harry, and he started liking JJ when they were fake dating to make you all get off JJ’s back about Myles.” He scoffed. “Sorry, but these guys need it spelled out to them in very direct terms.”

Casey’s gaze swung to Eli. “But…they’re real boyfriends now? ”

“Yep.” Holden faced me, cupped my cheek and planted a toe-curling kiss on my mouth. “This right here is real.”

My heart melted into a mound of goo, and as I turned to the guys, I rested my cheek on Holden’s shoulder and my hand flat against his stomach. “I’ve got myself a boyfriend, and now you’ve met him, so you can all lay off.”

With his mouth dropped open, Casey tapped his lower lip and said, “You know, JJ, if we hadn’t laid into you, this never would have happened.” He smirked.

“Yeah, whatever.” He was right, but I wouldn’t admit it. They’d somehow done me a favor.

“You tricked us, you dirty dog.” Shaking his head, Tex scoffed through a laugh. “Damn, and I wanted a Harry too.”

“You can’t have him.” I hooked an arm around Holden’s waist. For once, I’d been the lucky one. I eyed them. “You guys aren’t mad, are you?”

“Naw, how can we be mad when you found someone? However devious you had to be to do it.” Casey tsked and crossed his arms. “Damn, Holden, the first text you sent was a doozy.”

Dipping his head, Holden chuckled. “I get it, but JJ warned me not to message him the way I would a chick.”

“Yeah, well, that backfired.” I edged into his side, his body heat warming my insides.

“So who knows about you guys?” Tex narrowed his eyes. “Like, do the coaches know?”

“No, you’re the first we’re telling.” Holden breathed in deeply. “I, uh, had a conversation with Eli about it first. This is unfamiliar to me, so I wasn’t sure what to do.”

All eyes swung to Eli, and Casey said, “Damn, dude, you can keep a secret.”

“I trained for the helpline, remember?” Eli quirked the corner of his mouth.

“How do you want us to handle it?” Tex sprawled on the couch, resting his arm across the back of it and crossing his ankle on his knee.

“I’d like to keep it secret for now with the team. I don’t think I’m ready for everyone to know.” He bit the side of his lower lip. “I knew you guys would understand, but…”

“But not everyone would. We get it.” Malik nodded slowly, threading his fingers in his lap. “Your secret is safe with us. God knows we’ve all been there.”

Everyone nodded and grunted their agreement.

“If the coaching staff finds out, what do you think they’ll do?” I studied Holden’s face. They wouldn’t fire him, would they?

“I don’t know. I think if it weren’t affecting my job or the team, they’d leave it alone.

There’s nothing in the school policy about it.

There’s only policy around coaches and players.

” He glanced at me. “A few years back, there was a rumor about a hockey coach and a player having a relationship. They moved to Canada together. The hockey player is on the Maple Leafs now. I think his name is Jonah Boehm?”

“Oh yeah, that’s one of Myles’s friends.” Peeking at me, Casey pursed his lips. “Sorry. I guess we shouldn’t bring Myles up in front of you guys.”

I searched my heart. Nothing. I felt no ache, not even a twinge of feeling for Myles. “No problem. Myles is in my past.” I tugged Holden to my side. “Holden’s my future. Right, babe?”

“Right.” As a smile swept his face, he grabbed my chin and kissed me.

“All right, that’s enough. Don’t need to rub it in.” Chuckling through a huff, Tex stood and strolled into the kitchen. “Is this meeting over? ‘Cause I’m getting hungry.”

“Yes, it’s over.” It was time for us to use my bed, and we had all night. With my dick waking, I snatched Holden’s hand and, in his ear, whispered, “Come with me.” I led him toward the hallway.

“Have fun, boys, and JJ? Don’t break him. We need him on the team.” Tex cackled.