Page 5 of Man to Man Coverage (Rangers Football: Hard-Hitting #6)
What’s weird is that even though I don’t crave sex, when I’m having it, I have a great time. I enjoy every touch and taste, but I particularly like the sounds. I don’t know what it is about the moans, gasps, and guttural groans that get me going, but they do.
I can go to the strip club with Jepson to watch the dancers and enjoy their aesthetic beauty, but it doesn’t turn me on. Watch porn on mute, nothing, but hear the symphony that is sex—instant hard-on.
Like I said, I know I’m different from most guys and on the asexual spectrum.
That doesn’t bother me. The question is, how will I have a fulfilling relationship if I don’t think about initiating sex?
How can I admit my sexual idiosyncrasies to a new partner without driving them away?
I don’t want to fake it in the beginning, only to have it come out later—as I know it will.
Perhaps I’m destined to be the third wheel for the rest of my life?
O ur last Monday off for god knows how long and I’m checking out the third gaming store within a ten-mile radius of my house.
It’s amazing how fast the games change and yet basically stay the same.
Expansion packs with new characters, new levels, and new quests—I’m going to have to learn new keystrokes before I can level up my characters.
After talking to a couple of guys at the first two stores, I’m checking out this shop more for the fun of it.
They have comics, games, and a coffee bar that sells sandwiches and baked goods.
In the back, there are private gaming rooms where people hold weekend-long tournaments.
The books, posters, card packs, dice, and overarching vibe of the shop fill me with nostalgia.
Yes, I was a jock in high school, but I was also a WoW-playing geek—not that I thought me or my online friends were geeks.
It’s just what they called us and we embraced the title without qualms.
Life was simpler back then.
“Rex?” Someone says my name, causing me to spin around with the fanfic book in my hands.
Smiling at me from across the room is one of the best-looking men I’ve ever met. I wonder if my feelings for Devlin are fan-based or true attraction. He’s perfect in so many ways. Beautiful, kind, talented, smart…and a game-playing geek?
“What are you doing here?” I fumble with the book in my hand before setting it back on the rack.
His smile morphs into a knowing smirk. “I play with a Monday group when I can in the back. Are you a gamer?”
“I, uh…” I glance down and back up again. He makes me nervous, which I both love and hate. “I was when I was a kid. It’s been a few years, but I was thinking about getting back into it. What got you into gaming?”
“My older brother when I was in elementary school.”
“Ah.” I fidget, unsure what to do with my hands. “So, are you playing a game right now?”
“We just wrapped up. I was on my way to grab a sandwich. Have you had lunch yet?” Devlin flashes that thousand-watt smile, and I swear my knees get weak.
“Not yet.”
“Want to?”
“Sure,” my voice squeaks, and I quickly hide it by coughing into my hand. “What did you have in mind?”
“There’s a great NY-style deli a few blocks from here. The owner makes a fantastic cheesesteak.” He uses his fingers and offers a chef’s kiss to the universe.
“Great. I’ll follow you,” I offer.
“Let me grab my stuff and I’ll drive. You can leave your car here,” Devlin chucks me on the arm and then dashes out of sight into the back room.
Butterflies, the likes of which I’ve never felt before, rumble in my tummy.
I’m going to lunch with Devlin Frank. I’ve been fantasizing about this moment—spending time with him, finding some common ground with which to build a friendship, or more—for almost a year.
He jogs out from the back with a backpack slung over his shoulder. “You ready?”
“Yeah.” I follow him outside to a dark green, almost black convertible Mini Cooper. Chuckling, I shake my head. “When and where did you get this?”
He laughs. “I’m test-driving it for a week. It’s like their top-of-the-line everything, and the dealership wants to give it to me if I’m willing to do a few promotional pictures in it.”
“Aren’t we too tall for it?”
“Nah. It’s roomier than it looks.” He hops into the driver’s seat and gives the passenger’s seat a challenging pat. “Come on, Rex. Don’t be scared.”
I slide in and he’s right—my six-foot-two frame melts into the seat like butter. I’m not one for convertibles, so I’m curious about what a hard top would feel like. “This isn’t so bad.”
“Nah.” Devlin skirts in and out of traffic, driving more than the two blocks to show off the agility of the smaller ride. “If you like it, I could probably get you a deal with the dealership. The owner is champing at the bit to get the Rangers endorsement.”
“Can we do that?” I have to admit, it’s a smooth ride. Pretty sure Jepson would clown me if I suggested checking one out, though.
“Maybe not on behalf of the Rangers, but as a professional footballer, sure.” He zips into a small parking lot and finds rockstar parking in front of the deli. “Hope you’re hungry. Gideon loves me, so we’ll be well-fed.”
It’s a little after one on a workday, so most of the lunch crowd is gone, and the deli is relatively empty. We grab a booth in the corner as a tall guy with dark hair approaches us with a big smile. “Devlin. How are you doing?”
“Doing good, Gideon. How’s the wife and cats?”
“Claws of Fury is doing good.” He laughs and looks at me. “That’s the cat, not the wife.”
“Oh,” I chuckle.
“What can I get you guys?” Gideon asks.
I motion to Devlin. “I trust your judgment.”
“Two ten-inch cheesesteaks—put the works on mine. Do you like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers?” Devlin asks me.
“Yeah.”
“Okay, put the works on both of them. Basket of fried things, and I’ll take an iced tea.” He raises his brow at me.
“Iced tea works for me as well.”
“Sweet or regular?” Gideon asks.
“Half and half?” I prompt and Devlin nods to say, “Same.”
As Gideon walks away, Devlin leans back in his chair and throws an arm up over the top of the padded backrest. “So, Rex, which games do you play?”
“Uh, in high school, I played World of WarCraft mostly and dabbled in Final Fantasy, Fortnite, and Minecraft. I thought with the lockdown, maybe getting online and lying low was best for my future. I’m not an amazing player like you, so even the smallest infraction could get me kicked off the team. You know?”
Gideon walks up with a plate of fried everything—mushrooms, zucchini, onion rings, pickles and fries—as well as two iced teas. “Be right back with your sandwiches.”
“Thanks.” Devlin grabs napkins out of the dispenser and hands me a couple.
“You may not get a lot of opportunity to show off your skills on game day, but I think you’ve impressed a few people during practice.
Who knows? Keep kicking ass and showing up our second-string running back and they might move you up. ”
I pop a fry in my mouth. “I’m just thankful to be here.”
“You got to want more than that, Rex. The coaches want to know you are hungry for that next level. Show them in practice and when the opportunity comes, they’ll know you are ready.” Devlin nods at Gideon as he sets our sandwiches down. The aroma makes my mouth water and my stomach growl. “Thanks.”
“Damn, these look good,” I say, slightly embarrassed by his mild scolding, or should I think of it as mentoring?
“They are.” Devlin takes a big bite, digging into his food with enthusiasm. I follow suit and for a few minutes, we eat in silence.
“What game were you playing today?” I ask, hoping to veer us away from football for the moment.
“Pathfinder. That group has been playing together since they were kids. They let me jump in when I’m around, knowing my schedule is unpredictable.” He shrugs. “It’s fun, although I’d love to get a game going at my house.”
“That’d be cool. I never got into tabletop games—I didn’t have anyone to play with—even though I’ve always been curious.”
Devlin stares at me for a moment, as if he’s trying to figure out a mystery. “Well, if I get a game going, I’ll invite you over.”
“Does Aggie play?”
“He doesn’t, although I’m sure he would try if I asked him to.”
“He’s your roommate, right?” I ask, divulging that I know more about him than he might think.
“He is, for the moment. I’m sure you’ve heard a rumor or two about his wife.”
I shrug. “Not much, but what I’ve heard sounds horrible.”
“Yeah,” Devlin looks away. “Aggie’s a good guy and deserves better. He’s one of my best friends and has been living with me while waiting for his divorce to finalize.”
“You’re a good friend. He’s lucky to have you,” I say with a hint of jealousy, which is baffling. I don’t begrudge Aggie any kindness he has in his life, especially considering the shit he’s gone through, but I wish I could get as close to Devlin.
Is it friendship I desire, or more?