Prologue

PROLOGUE

Baylor

Three Months Earlier

“ B ro, what a play! That was fucking phenomenal.”

Ryeson practically barrels me over from behind, and I catch myself against the lockers, laughing as he gives me a noogie.

It feels fucking good. Of all the nights for me to get the winning touchdown, it was the night the scouts were sitting up in the stands, making decisions on their college recruits. Nine seconds left in overtime, and I intercepted the ball, running it straight to the end zone. Fuck, it was perfect. No one saw me coming. I jumped up, snagged the ball right out of thin air, and came down on a twist, making a beeline toward our goal. By the time our opponents even realized what had happened, I was crossing the line and scoring the touchdown.

“You really are the best tight end.” Rye’s whisper is right at my ear, sending a shiver through my shoulders. My system is running on overdrive. Adrenaline is pumping through my veins. Even my cock is feeling the high of the win. A benign compliment from my buddy and I’m leaking in my jockstrap. And when a spank lands on my ass, my balls start to throb.

I need to get myself in the shower and work the excitement from my system. The pride everyone has for me is amping me up. Now, I understand why professional players are always talking about needing to fuck after a game. My body is raring to go. But since I’m currently single, my tight soapy fist will have to do.

I grab my stuff from my locker and head to the showers. The guys all high-five me as I pass, chanting “MVP” throughout the locker room. Man, that would be sick. I’d give anything to graduate having that trophy up on my shelf. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. That and an invitation to play for Florida. Ever since I was a little tyke playing flag, I’ve wanted to play in the swamp. And after tonight, I’m hoping I’ll get my chance.

Damn, it’s a night to remember. This will definitely go down as one of the best nights of my life. Even the girls were excited for me. Taya came running up and jumped into my arms. She grabbed my head and pulled me in for a kiss, catching me completely off guard. I didn’t know what was happening until her tongue was in my mouth, so I went with it. Letting her have her fun. When I put her down, she slipped me her digits and told me to call her this weekend. Not sure I will since she’s not really my type, but it’s definitely a boost to my ego.

The front stalls are all occupied, so I head to the back, waiting for Ryeson to finish up so I can have a turn. Usually, I’d be cool with the communal shower, but the last thing I need is for my teammates to rag on me about my raging hard-on. I could blame it on Taya since they all saw the kiss, but it’s not like I can jerk myself off in front of them. And I don’t want this high to go to waste.

“Dude, you want to grab some food and come back to my place?” I ask, talking to Rye’s shower curtain. The thing is partially cracked, and I can see his broad back. His wide frame nearly takes up the entire stall. And his head is about to bump into the nozzle. These showers weren’t made for us tall guys. The person who designed them must not have thought a high schooler would ever hit over six feet.

“You don’t want to go hang out with the team? They were all talking about grabbing some food then going back to Chase’s house and inviting some girls over.”

Usually, I’d be all in on that. But for some reason I’m just not feeling it tonight. It’s like my nerves are too overstimulated for the crowd. Like I’m too amped up to socialize.

“Not really feeling the booze or the babes. I feel like I could go run a fucking mile.”

His chuckle rumbles over me. “Yeah, I get it. You’ve got the adrenaline itch. We can head back to my place, and I’ll wrestle it out of you.”

Now, that sounds more like it. I could definitely hit the mat and work out this energy.

“Two hundred says I’ll have you pinned in sixty seconds flat,” I tell him. He usually gives me a run for my money, but I think I can take him tonight. I have strength to burn right now.

His head shakes under the shower spray. His shoulders are flexing as his hands go up to wipe the soap from his face. The guy is shredded— #shoulder goals. I need to start doing more flies and pushups, see if I can’t get that same cut. His V is much more defined than mine, a wide, rippled span leading right to his narrowed waist. And damn… look at that ass. Talk about a tight end. It’s round and firm with glutes for fucking days. Shit. My dick is tightening again.

I quickly look away, trying to brush off the feeling. There’s no need to panic. I’m just so fucking horny my dick isn’t deciphering female versus male at the moment. There’s nothing to read into.

“I’ll take your bet,” he finally answers. The sound of his deep voice gives me a good jolt and my senses are now on high alert. “I can definitely hold you off for sixty seconds. But I gather you’ll fight to get my ass pinned under you and will fuck me in the first round.”

His choice of words is messing with my head. The image of him pinned down on all fours comes right to the forefront of my thoughts. Me pistoning into that seriously tight end with my hard cock. Shit. What the hell is wrong with me? My dick’s practically throbbing now.

“Second round though, I’ll have you begging for mercy as I get your head locked between my thighs.”

Another image appears, and I shake my head. “You know what…” The words come out raspier as my nerves constrict my throat. “Maybe we should go to the party. If the guys want to vote me as MVP, I should probably go celebrate with them.”

It’s just a fucking whack moment. Too much adrenaline. Too much of a high running through my system. I’ve hung out with Ryeson since the first grade and never once have I ever looked at him with interest, or thought of him as anything other than my best friend. It’s a fucking anomaly. And to prove I’m straight, I’m going to text Taya and invite her to Chase’s.

“Dude, way to turn course. But yeah, I think you should celebrate the win and absorb your moment.” Ryeson sounds confused by my sudden one-eighty, but I think it’s a good idea to be surrounded by all the testosterone, hanging out with some pretty girls, and hopefully getting myself some action. By the end of the night, I’m sure everything will be back to normal. These whack thoughts will disappear, and I’ll be shaking my head at how ridiculous I was being.

“We’ll take a raincheck on that bet,” he adds. “It will be the easiest two hundred I’ve ever made. All I have to do is get your dick in my hand and you’ll cry mercy.”

“A shower just opened up,” I practically shout. “I’m going to go grab it.”

Kyler comes out of a stall with his towel wrapped around his waist. He’s the best-looking guy in school according to all the girls, but there isn’t an ounce of attraction. He’s tall. Stacked. The perfect specimen, but there isn’t a single stirring in my gut. Thank fuck. See? It was just a whack moment. Nothing more. Nothing to get my ass worked up over. I’m straight.