Page 23 of Stetson
Stetson shifted uneasily, eyes forward. “Do you think it’s weird that I let him?”
“Not at all. If it’s something that you enjoy and he’s happy to do it, who am I to judge?”
He scoffed. “His boyfriend.”
I decided not to address the attitude. It wasn’t my place. Besides, I could read between the lines: Stetson was worried about being singled out, that I would be the one to bring an end to things. I stayed quiet the rest of the drive, trying to find the best way to voice my emotions. Once the car was in park, I grabbed his arm to keep him in his seat.
“Stetson…” Blue eyes fell to the hand I had resting on his wrist. “When I told you we both wanted this, I meant it. If there was any doubt about us bringing you into our relationship, we would tell you.”
He sighed and let his head fall back. “I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s not even all the Daddy stuff. Managing a relationship on top of the game is hard enough. How am I supposed to do it with two people?”
I chuckled. “Your guess is as good as mine. You’re the first boy Levi’s been serious about.” My hand slid down until our fingers laced together, the feeling of his palm against mine sending me into overdrive. I’d been content to sit back and let Levi take charge that morning, but touching Stetson was electric. My heart raced with the promise of more. “We’ll figure it out together—allthreeof us. You can always talk to us about anything. And if you want a private conversation with one or the other, all you have to do is say so.”
Stetson stared at our fingers, giving my hand a slight squeeze and brushing his thumb over my skin. “I feel like you’re holding something back.”
I smiled, letting my head roll on the headrest so I was looking at him. “You’re perceptive.”
“What is it?”
“Doesn’t matter.” I made a move to get out of the car, but it was Stetson who stoppedmethis time.
“Barrett.” Damn it, even the way he said my name made my head spin. “This whole communication thing has to go both ways if it’s going to work. Well, three ways.”
Damn he was good. No wonder he was labeled as the MLB’s “One to Watch.” He was quick, he was bright.
I let the feeling of Stetson’s thumb brushing my skin soothe me as I readied myself for my confession. With a deep breath, I said, “I’m intimidated by you.”
“What?” Stetson spat in disbelief. “Me? Why? You’re one of the best players in the majors.”
“And I have yet to win a title. You breezed your way into the collegiate World Series without even thinking about it. You’re a natural on the field. That kind of skill can’t be taught, even with all the hours I’ve put in. Not to say that you haven’t worked hard, but I’ve had to fight my entire life, and I’ve got nothing to show for it.”
“You’ve got an impressive ten-year career behind you. Your stats are incredible. I spent my entire college experience killing myself to get numbers like yours.”
I let the silence linger between us, not ready to let him know that I was retiring. “Maybe having you on the field will be the inspiration I need.”
He shrugged, flashing me his signature grin. “I could probably teach you a thing or two.”
I tugged on his hand, bringing his mouth to mine. As if he knew what he’d discovered, those damn fingers twisted into my hair again. Our lips pressed together, slowly, gently, as if he were scared to break me. The boy was so damn submissive, even if he was a brat. A part of me wondered if I’d ever get to see him frantic, so desperate for a release that he’d ravage my mouth like an animal.
Stetson hummed, the sound buzzing against my lips as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss—and that was my cue to pull back, extracting a whine from him. “You’d better get that pretty little ass out of this car and in the gym before I throw you into the backseat and take you right here.”
“Is that supposed to be a threat?” he panted, trailing his tongue over his swollen, reddened lip.
“Yes.” I leaned across the center console, making him think I was moving in for another kiss, only to grab a fistful of that blond hair to hold him in place as I spoke against his mouth. “Because the first time I get ahold of you, I’m sure your Daddy will want to watch. Now get inside before you make me lose all control.”
I let go and Stetson collapsed into the seat, fumbling for the door handle. I sat back for a second, amused with the way his legs shook. He paused before entering the gym, glancing around and discreetly adjusting himself. I took advantage of the privacy of the car to do the same, making a mental note to do exactly as I said at the first opportunity that came my way.
12
LEVI
I couldn’t focuson a damn thing that day.
Barrett promised that he’d get Stetson lunch before seeing him off to practice, and I knew I’d see them both that night. I had so much work to do that I sadly had to decline invitations to both dinner and Stetson’s game. Though as I sat in front of my computer, one frustrating email away from smashing my head to the keyboard, I regretted that decision.
I abandoned endless emails in favor of watching footage of a college player from Memphis I was set to meet in a couple weeks, but even his impressive skills weren’t enough to keep my mind from wandering.
Waiting for the front door to open was painstaking. I glanced at the clock—barely nine-thirty. I knew not to expect Stetson until close to midnight. That was if he even chose to come to my house at all. Hedid havea place of his own, after all. Though I selfishly wanted him inmybed.
