With a twitch of his lips, Sutton sighed. “Have at it then. Just remember we’re here for weeks yet.”
Taking my time to head on over, not wanting to appear too eager, I eyed the spare seats, planning my move. The chair opposite Milo was empty, plus the one next to him. I hesitated before settling on the chair opposite. That way I could listen intently to everything the man had to say.
“You made it,” Mark greeted.
“Sure did. Everyone doing okay tonight?” I asked to the table as a whole, my gaze drifting to Milo.
After a round of smiles and yeses, Mark said, “I was just explaining how we know each other.”
I grinned. “Got it. Badge of honor awarded for that kiss.”
Pearce spat out his drink, Milo’s brows rose, Sutton shook his head, while Mark stared at me wide-eyed. “I meant college. We took a couple of classes together.”
“Oh.” I bobbed my head, not quite sure why he hadn’t shared the kiss too.
“You guys made out in college?” Pearce asked after clearing his throat.
“Sure did,” I said smugly. “The kiss that changed Mark’s life.” I shot him a wink, a little perplexed at Mark’s gaping-fish expression “Shit, shouldn’t I have said that? Fuck, are you not out here?” Panicked, I shot a look at Sutton, hoping for some sort of assist. “You did say you were gay in the group session, right? I didn’t imagine that?”
He stared at me, and just when I thought he would let me open my mouth and carry on digging, he saved me with another small sigh and a wink.
“Maybe while we’re here, part of the time needs to be conversations about privacy, oversharing, and ensuring respectful conversations are had, ones that could impact on someone’s life before talking.”
“Yes.” I pointed at Sutton. “Totally what my significant other”—Pearce spat out another mouthful of water at that gem—“said.” Focusing on Mark after seeing Sutton glare at me, I scrunched my face in apology. “If I know someone’s secret, I absolutely do not share any of that. But other stuff, I just assume. Sorry.” I made sure not to look in Pearce’s direction.
Mark’s smile did a lot to ease my shoulders. I swore I wasn’t usually such an idiot. I didn’t even glance at Milo, figuring my overenthusiasm and my mouth running away with me was me being hyperaware of my idol. “Relax, Jayden. You heard right. I’m absolutely still out, and I think anyone who knows you trusts that you’d keep their confidence.”
Relieved, I nodded. “Scout’s honor.” I shot Sutton a pointed look before he could throw his usual argument at me.
“Honestly, I’ve never told anyone about what happened in college. It’s one of those sorts of rules, if you like, about not making assumptions or oversharing. Not when it comes to sexuality.”
“These rules… please tell me they’re written down in a handbook. I could totally do with one of those. Speaking of—”
“Jayden.” Sutton cut me off, eyeing me with the sexy stern look he was a master of.
I grinned at him, only half planning to carry on and be ridiculous in my questioning and topic of conversation. He winked, knowing I enjoyed razzing people just like I enjoyed being the entertainer. It was also a great distraction from my potential faux pas earlier.
“So, anyone else starving?”
Nods around the table followed.
“Excellent. Let’s get food, and then Milo can tell us all about how he plans to talk to Coach about letting him forget these kids, and he should have one-on-one sessions with the sexiest and most talented player in the League for the remainder of the course.” I rubbed my hands together, ridiculously so.
Milo looked startled for maybe a fraction of a second before he nodded. “Absolutely. I’m up for that. Sutton”—he glanced at my bae—“I’d love to offer you extra sessions. Just let me know when.”
The table erupted in laughter as they stood, Sutton patting Milo on the shoulder.
“Laugh it up, wise guys.” I followed them toward the serving area. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about the glutes contest. No chance anyone else will be winning that one but me.”
CHAPTER18
SUTTON
The followingtwo weeks raced by. Between working with the trainees, getting in some gym time, and making sure Jayden wasn’t overdoing it, it had been both full-on and just what I needed.
Being so busy and being surrounded by a decent group of guys was exactly what I needed to help clear my head. I was also spending more time with Pearce, who I hadn’t really made an effort to get to know so much before now.
He was a good guy and was easy to talk to openly and honestly. Except for the white lie of me and Jayden being a thing since last year, and that he was my fiancé.
