Page 82 of Playing the Game

“That’s something I suppose. I have no desire to have the media crawling over everything again. I’m not sure Howard’s heart can take another onslaught.”

Adam frowned. “It’s not only that. I’m the captain. The lads are cool with Udo and Steven. They might not be with me.”

Javier stopped and considered that for a second. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have had such an outburst. Of course you’re within your rights to be together. I’ll keep it to myself. Steven suspects but I can put him off the scent.”

Adam shrugged. “Udo knows so it won’t be end of the world to let him in on it.”

“Who else is privy to this information?”

“My sister,” Jonas piped up. “And my best friend.”

Javier waved him away. “Trusted souls, I expect.”

Jonas nodded.

“Goran and Paloma know.”

“Anyone else? Bloody hell.”

“That’s it,” Adam replied.

“We’ll keep this under wraps from now on. If you change your minds about that, please work with me. I beg of you.”

“Absolutely,” Adam said. “This won’t be like Udo and Steven.”

A wry smile appeared on Javier’s face. “Next it will be Tito and Ewen.”

They all burst out laughing. The relief desperately needed.

“I won’t be telling Tito or Noah,” Jonas said. “On that you can be assured. Tito has a mouth as big as Goran’s hands.”

“Can we get changed now, Boss?” Adam asked. “The lads will think something’s up.”

“Fine,” Javier said. “Tell them you were giving Jonas some tips on facing the press.”

Adam exhaled. “Thank you, Boss. We really appreciate it.”

“Yes. Thank you, Boss,” Jonas added.

As a football manager and as a man, Javier Tosar was one of a kind. Adam was so glad he played for him. Never more so than at that moment.

“Bloody hell, Adam,” Javier said. “You had me fooled.”

“For your information, I’m bisexual,” Adam replied, rearing up. “I always have been. So I’ve been fooling no one.”

Javier nodded.

They left the office into a corridor heaving with reporters, officials and coaching staff. A lot of them patted Jonas on the back as he walked through to the area where they did television interviews.

“You’re on your own now,” Adam said.

“Am I?” Jonas replied.

“Not for long. We need to have some alone time.”

The relief in Jonas’ eyes gave Adam guilt pangs. He shouldn’t have shut down like that. It wasn’t fair.

Fighting every urge to kiss Jonas, he made his way into the locker room.