“I’ll take your word for it. All I know is he can play ball,” Eddie said, appreciation in his tone.
“Damn straight he can.”
Eddie glanced around, and I followed his movements, realizing everyone was ready to go for the informal meeting. “Looks like we’re holding everyone up. I’ll catch up with you later.” He slapped me on the back and went and sat, and I headed directly to the comfy-looking sofa and the empty space next to Sutton.
I grinned at him when I sat. I didn’t put my hand on his knee or anything like that, which I really wanted to do, at least attempting to stay professional, considering the company. Instead, I sidled up close to him, my arm and thigh flush with his.
Harry, who’d been sitting patiently waiting for us, started us off. “It’s good to see you all here.” He sent a bright smile around the group. “I’ve already updated the staff who’ve been here for the past couple of weeks, letting them know to expect you. Our LGBTQ program has been up and running since the start of the summer academy, so everyone’s up to date with our mission statements. So this is a general meet, so you could at least know who the guest coaches are.”
“That’s right,” Coach Jenkins added. “As well as you guys, and the addition of Harry this year, we also have two other full-time coaching staff. They’re running drills with the students at the moment. We’ll head out soon so you can meet them and the college players who are spending the summer with us. There’s also our counselor who’s been with us the past few years.”
“He’s great,” Harry agreed. “He runs a weekly group session with the college kids and has a one-on-one session with each player and staff member. We were lucky the man’s already a specialist in LGBTQ+ and has worked with several queer-friendly projects.”
Hearing that, I pushed into Sutton a little, certain this was what he needed. In my peripheral vision, I saw the slight up kick of his mouth. It was so tempting to lean in and kiss the smile of acknowledgment he gave me. I refocused on Harry, not sure I’d be able to resist if I got staring at my… man?! At that thought, I pinched my lips together.Thatsounded weird as fuck. So different from the last time I’d used it when he’d just been my friend.
“—available for other appointments. The counselor has an open-door policy.” Harry finished, glancing around the space, appearing completely at ease. I was impressed. In the midst of six giants and Coach Jenkins, who could squash a player should they be fucking around, the man held his own, effortlessly so.
He was probably two or maybe even four inches shorter than six foot and had a rounded face that looked almost boyish, but I was sure he was about my age. His eyes were bright and kind, though, and it was kinda awesome how enthused he was.
“Since Eddie, Paul, and Milo are familiar faces here and know the drill, we’re going to pair the three of you up with one of them.” I perked up at this information from Coach. If he said I was with Milo, I would likely pee my pants. “Malcolm, you’re with Paul. Sutton with Milo, and Moore, you’re with Eddie.”
I narrowed my eyes and turned my head slowly toward the man at my side, whose shoulder vibrated ever so slightly. Sutton turned to me and grinned. “Fucker,” I mumbled, and he pressed his lips together, gaze alight with amusement.
“Eddie, Paul, and Milo all have at least two years’ experience of working with the academy, so they’ll show you the ropes. Questions?” He barely waited two seconds before saying, “Great. Let’s go meet the other coaches and the players you’re going to be working with. And a heads-up, they have no idea you’re joining them.” Humor buoyed his words, and I couldn’t help but grin.
Hell, when I was nineteen, and if I’d had the opportunity to meet more pro players, let alone be coached by them, my mind would have been blown.
We all stood and followed Coach.
Montview had an incredible reputation, and the grounds were impressive. Between a couple of gyms, a lap pool, and what looked to be high-standard communal spaces, I understood why summer attendance was so competitive. It was expensive as shit, too, but there was also a 40 percent scholarship intake.
I loved that the opportunities on offer weren’t limited to the wealthy. It made being here and having this opportunity even more fulfilling.
Angling to look at Sutton, who walked alongside Milo, deep in conversation, I smiled. Being here was the right move for him, for us. I hadn’t lied a few days ago when I’d told him my head spun just as much as his. The difference was, I believed everything happened for a reason. I also trusted my heart—and my dick’s reaction.
Both wanted the man. Both perked up whenever he was near, or I even thought about him.
Accepting that was as easy as shooting a hoop when I had all the time in the world.
“How’s your hand healing?” Eddie asked from beside me.
“Good.” I lifted the offending finger, still strapped. “I got another X-ray a couple of days ago, and the team’s doc is pleased with how it’s healing. If I wasn’t going to be on the court here, he said I could take the strap off, but he wants me to keep it on for at least two weeks. Just as a reminder, if anything, while I’m here and working on drills and such.” When the doc had told me, I’d been relieved as hell. A few basic physio tasks were also explained to me, which I could start working on next week.
“That’s great. Did I read you’ve got a concussion too?”
I snorted. “You been reading the dodgy press?”
Eddie laughed. “Well, between your car crash and you and Sutton, it’s been pretty hard to avoid it.”
“True that. I’ve been avoiding it all like the plague, but yeah, each day it’s getting better. Not sure how I’m going to go on the court, though. Sometimes a headache will hit out of nowhere, and occasionally it’ll make me dizzy. The doc wasn’t too worried. I just need not go all gung ho for a while, but I need to pick up my fitness. A few weeks in Australia and eating barbecue like it’s going out of fashion is going to catch up on me.”
“Ha. I hear you. Try being retired. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great not having to calorie count, but it’s hard not to just let myself go.”
I eyed him. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” The man was in shape. While he only had a few years on me, I wouldn't complain if I had his physique a few years after retirement.
His grin was broad. “Careful, not sure how much Sutton appreciates you eyeing me up.”
I snorted. As if Sutton would think that. I rolled my eyes, gaze landing on my… boyfriend’s. Nah, that still didn’t sound right. I startled at the intensity of the stare being sent my way. Of course I grinned. I was an asshole like that.
