Page 28 of Hidden Plays (Desert Football #1)

THIRTEEN

JORDAN (JJ)

F ucking Holden Cox had stolen my heart.

How had I fallen so hard and so fast? I sat on the sectional at home after classes with my laptop open, attempting to study.

But my brain was stuck on Holden. We’d kept things professional at the gym and on the practice field today, and thankfully the guys had kept their mouths shut.

But they knew how important it was to both of us.

There were a few secret touches, though. We couldn’t help ourselves.

My phone rang on the coffee table with a techno tune. I bent to grab it. Was it Holden? I held it to my face. “Nope, Uncle Brian.” Why was he calling me? I started the call. “Hey, man, what’s up?” He was always so cool to talk to.

“Hey, JJ. I just got off the phone with your parents,” he said. “I have a proposal for you.”

“Yeah? What’s that?” If he’d spoken to Mom and Dad, it must be something football-related. Dad especially wanted to be informed of any developments regarding my NFL career.

“I’ve been hunting around for a good agent for you. It’s about time you got one, since you’ll be going into the draft in the spring.”

“Did Dad put you up to this?” My chest swelled. How many interested agents had he found? Surely more than one with the stats I’d had at ASU.

“No, actually, your mother asked for my help.” He chuckled. “She’s a football mom through and through. You know she watched all my games too.”

I knew that. But Dad should have reached out too. Oh well. “Okay, so who’ve we got?” I closed my laptop. Studying could come later.

“A guy named Henry Cowden. He’s worked with some of the top players in the NFL. He likes what he sees, JJ. I’m sure he’ll help you get a great contract.”

“Any idea of where he sees me playing?” Fuck, I’d probably be leaving Arizona. How should I approach this with Holden? I clutched my T-shirt over my chest. It was too soon to think about. A lot could happen in six months.

“It all depends on how the NFL season goes, you know that.” He chuckled. “I wouldn’t be disappointed if the Niners gave you a contract, though.”

That wouldn’t be so bad. “Or what about the Cardinals?” They were building a powerhouse after some poor seasons. I glanced at my laptop and set it on the coffee table. I was useless today for studying.

“They’ve never been to a Super Bowl. Wouldn’t you prefer to be on a team that’s been there?” he asked.

“True, but it’s been a long time since the Niners were there too. I don’t care where I go, as long as the team understands my uh, you know.”

“Your sexuality? Of course. The Niners would. The Cardinals would too.” His breath snagged. “Henry knows all about it, so you don’t have to tell him.”

“Good.” I pursed my lips. “I want to be out when I play. No hiding.” I’d made this decision back when I’d come out in high school. I’d never hide again.

“Henry understands.” He paused. “He’s uh, he’s got a gay son, so when I say he understands, I mean it. ”

Shit, was that the reason he picked this guy? “Okay. Good.” With a nod, I exhaled. “When should I expect a meeting?”

“He’ll call you in the next day or so and set something up. I’ll send you his contact information, so you don’t think it’s a spam call.” He freed a quick chuckle.

“Okay, thanks, Uncle Brian. I really appreciate it.” He was such a good guy. Warmth pumped through my heart. Everyone in Mom’s family was good people.

“You’re welcome. Now go enjoy a great season.”

“I will. Talk to you soon. Bye.” I chewed my lower lip. I should inform Holden after I settled this.

“Bye.” He ended the call.

The door to the garage opened, and Casey strolled into the kitchen.

“Hey, JJ, who are you talking to?” A wide smile played on his lips.

“Your new boyfriend?” Throwing his backpack onto the kitchen island, he bounded into the room and fell in beside me, his lashes fluttering.

“I saw you two making lovey-dovey eyes at practice today.”

I bumped my shoulder into his. “No, we weren’t. We were strictly professional on the field.” Warmth rose in my cheeks. “Besides, even if we were, only you and the guys would notice because you’re aware of it.”

“Yeah, maybe.” He straightened. “Now that it’s just you and me, tell me the real scoop.”

“What real scoop?” I peeked at him. He was my best friend in the house. I could confide in him, right?

“You know, like how the hell did you transition from hating the guy to falling in love with him?” He lifted his brows. “Come on, Matthews, and how did you get a guy like that to switch teams?”

With a sputtering laugh, I shrugged a shoulder. “I don’t know. He grew on me.” I glanced at my phone resting on the table. “And I’m not…” Should I lie about this? No. “Yeah, I’m in love with him.” I’d said it out loud, holy shit. It was real now .

“I knew it.” He slapped my thigh, and his face went slack. “Do you plan on telling Cooper about Holden?”

I stared at his hand, still on my thigh. “No, why does it matter? He’s all wrapped up in Myles.”

“Like it or not, JJ, he’s still one of us. Just because he lives with a bunch of weird hockey players doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to him.” Lines formed between his brows. “Don’t you think he’d be happy for you?”

“Yeah…” Did I care though? I tilted my head, pinching my lips together. “It’s up to Holden. He’s not ready to come out to everyone on the team.”

“I guess I get that.” Grabbing my chin, he turned my face to his. “I just wish you and Cooper could reconcile and be friends again, like you were before this nonsense with Myles.” His grin returned. “Then we could all go to the gay bar together.”

I scoffed, freeing from his hold. “I’m not going to the gay bar.” Not this again. Getting them to leave me alone about that was the reason I’d gotten together with Holden in the first place, though.

“Okay. To each his own.” He released a long sigh and focused on me. Jabbing a finger into my thigh, he said, “You have to tell me what the hell happened at the gay bar though. He kissed you?”

With a sharp laugh, I said, “He did. Right after the shot-boy kissed him.” The night had been so surreal, but all the strange things that happened made sense now. He had been questioning himself, but not accepting it, while I had been doing the same, but differently.

“You should watch out for the shot boys. They can be so flirtatious.” He raked his teeth over his lower lip. “But make for a good hookup if luck is on your side.”

“Casey.” I mock-glared at him. Of course he’d hooked up with the shot boys at the club. “Is there anyone you wouldn’t hook up with? ”

Tapping his finger on his chin, he looked toward the ceiling for a beat. “Nope. Don’t think so.”

The next morning at practice, I walked onto the field behind Casey and Cooper, all suited up and ready for drills. The next evening, we were playing Stanford, and the coaches were all fired up about it. They were a hard team to beat this year, so we had new plays to run through.

Holden stood on the sideline by himself, frowning at his phone.

I stepped to him, leaving the surrounding guys, my discussion with Casey echoing in my head. I could talk to Holden without the team seeing our feelings for each other, couldn’t I? I bumped Holden’s side. “Hey, what’s up?” I glanced at his phone. There were text messages from Noel. His brother?

“Oh, my brother’s decided tonight would be a good night to meet for drinks.

But I kinda wanted to have dinner with you.

” He scowled. “He wants to meet at the Yucca Tap Room.” With a peek at me, he said, “He wants to stay and watch some metal band, but I can’t stay out that late. We have a game tomorrow.”

My brow hooked. “Do you like metal bands?” If he did, it was something I didn’t know about him.

“They’re all right. This one does Scorpions’ covers.” He shifted his weight, glancing at the field. “If he doesn’t show, I’ll end up sitting alone while I could have been with you.”

“I have an idea.” I shifted my helmet from my right hand to my left.

“If he doesn’t show, call me and I’ll meet you there.

I owe you for making you go to the gay bar and Postino’s with me.

” I flashed him my best smile. “We can leave early and be home in my bed by eleven.” How could he turn it down? And it might be a fun evening.

He studied me. “If he shows, I’m still leaving early and going home to your bed. How’s that?” His gaze fell on my lips, and he blinked. “Shit, I almost kissed you.”

“Don’t do that. Not here.” My chest expanded with warmth. He was so deep in, he couldn’t stay away from me.

“Okay, you’ve got a deal.”

Coach Barlow waved at me. “Matthews, quit lollygagging and get your ass down here.”

“Coming, Coach.” Placing my helmet over my head, I jogged to him and the other offensive line players.

That afternoon, while others were gone, my phone rang during my study session at the dinette. I peered at it, the screen reading Henry Cowden. “Fuck.” This was it. The agent my uncle had told me about. Leaning back in my chair, I tapped the screen. “Hello?”

“Jordan Matthews?” he asked.

“Yes, this is him.” A smile tugged at my lips. Things were happening.

“This is Henry Cowden, an agent for the NFL. I’ve been in contact with your uncle, Brian?” He drew in a breath.

“Yeah, he told me.” I planted my elbows on the table. “He thinks you’re one of the best.” I winced. Should I have said that?

“Thank you. I’ve been following your career at ASU, and I think you’ll be one of the best wide receivers in the draft this year.” He chuckled. “I guess it’s no surprise that I’d like to sign you.”

“Nope, no surprise. My uncle filled me in. You understand my situation, right?” My pulse sped up, and my throat went dry. Brian had said he had a gay son. Were they close, unlike Dad and me?