30. Rhys

30

RHYS

T he sun glared down on us mercilessly as Fin and I fanned ourselves with crumpled test notes that he had shoved in his bag, both of us anxious for the game to end so we could climb off the blazing metal bleachers. Texas didn’t subscribe to spring as a season, so summer started somewhere back in March and we were already up to the high 90’s a couple days away from May. Not for the first time today, I idly wondered why my stupid hot boyfriend had to play a stupid outdoor sport that couldn’t be played in the stupid A/C. It was just stupid.

And now I’m wondering if temper tantrums are a symptom of heatstroke…I should probably Google it. WebMD knows everything. Maybe I’ll also look up if boredom can truly kill brain cells or is that, like, not a thing?

As much as I enjoyed watching Cal run around on the field looking confident and sexy as he played, I had hit my limit of Lacrosse games for the year. Five was more than enough for me. Unfortunately, it was the semifinal and I couldn’t miss it, but I’d finally dragged Fin with me so he could keep me awake. He whined and moaned about it until he got a good look at the players all sweaty and muscle-y, then his outlook quickly improved. When Griffin caught sight of us as he warmed up on the sidelines, he shot a wink at Fin who stiffened and turned bright pink. He then pretended to uncap his middle finger and use it like chapstick while holding Griffin’s amused stare before he jogged onto the field. He looked rather pleased with himself, but apparently his enjoyment had evaporated because he’d been a moody sucker for the last half hour.

UT was tied with Texas A&M ten to ten and they had less than a minute left on the clock. It didn’t seem like a lot of time to me, but what the heck did I know? I was lucky I remembered the few things Cal had taught me so I wasn’t completely lost watching his games. On the field, Kenji squared off with the other team’s player to get the ball, and Kenji quickly scooped it up before I could blink. It was hard for me to keep an eye on what was happening, but finally Griffin snagged the ball and took off. I noticed Fin’s energy kick up substantially as he watched Griffin dash across the field, which was interesting considering their interaction earlier. Oy, these two…I can’t even with them…

Griffin’s stick raised and he catapulted the ball toward the goal, but the goalie caught it in his crosse and chucked the ball toward his teammate who dropped it. Several of our players and the A&M guys dove for it, and the field was a blur of sticks and bodies. I lost track of the action until one of our guys broke from the pack, ball secured in his net. I recognized Cal’s toned, strong form as he sped across the field, the power in his legs propelling him forward. Fin grabbed my hand painfully tight as the tension in our bodies kicked up incrementally with each yard that Cal ate up on the field.

I could almost hear the ticking of the clock counting down as Cal dodged around an opposing player and hurled the ball toward Griffin, but he was too crowded to get a shot at the goal. Tick, tick, tick. Griffin feinted right before cutting left around the A&M player, flinging the ball back to Cal who caught it effortlessly. Tick, tick. He ran straight for the goal, launching the ball with brutal force and it sailed straight into the net… tick. The clock ran out.

The stands erupted around us, all of us leaping to our feet and screaming as Cal’s teammates swarmed the field to tackle him, smacking his helmet in excitement over his game-winning goal. A smile split my face, cheeks on fire from how wide it was as I watched Griffin, Kenji and Cal rush each other in a bear hug that looked borderline painful. They looked so happy and I was ecstatic for Cal. I knew how much this sport meant to him, and I was thankful I got to experience him in his element like this. Right as the thought hit me, Cal whipped off his helmet and scanned the stands. Violet crashed with blue and green as our gazes connected, and tears pricked my eyes at the joy and pride that were splayed across his features.

Fin and I exited the bleachers and made our way down to the field, but out of the corner of my eye I thought I recognized someone filing down from the stands. I didn’t have long to think about it before strong arms crushed me around the waist, lifting me off the ground with a small yelp. The smell of sweat, grass, and spicy bergamot reached my nose, and I inhaled it like a hit of cocaine. Or rather, Calcaine…hehehe. Oh Jesus, this is definitely heatstroke. This is how I go out, I know it.

“Sweetness, did you see that??” Cal shouted excitedly, twirling me around as I laughed at the pure happiness he emanated. “We’re in the championship final!”

“I saw! You were incredible, baby! I’m so dang proud of you!” I gushed, wrapping my legs around his waist and cradling his face in my palms. His bright, perfect grin did dangerous things to my pulse and my chest felt heavy with emotion. Slowly, his eyes grew heated and I saw all the filthy ideas swirling in those mischievous depths. His smile grew wicked when my cock twitched against his abdomen.

“Hey, quit hanging off your man like some slutty panda and get over here!” Fin griped, standing several feet away with Griffin and Kenji. Instantly, our surroundings filtered back in and embarrassment tinted my cheeks as I tried to drop out of Cal’s arms. He was having none of it until he planted a blistering kiss on my lips, his tongue pushing through to dance with mine. I stiffened since our PDA wasn’t usually so blatant, but I was powerless against that magic mouth of his and I whimpered at the contact.

“Sorry, not sorry, but you owed me a victory kiss and I always collect on my debts,” Cal smirked, setting me back on my feet.

“Well, I think you just traumatized that young, sweet family over there by turning this into an HBO After Dark special. Solid choice,” I sassed. I turned toward our friends, but he yanked me back against his chest, his mouth brushing the curve of my ear.

“Trust me, sweet boy, that’s nothing compared to what I plan to do to you after dark. I’m going to be so far buried in your sexy, tight ass that you’ll never sit down again without feeling me there. They’re all lucky I have restraint or I’d already be bending you over and fucking you senseless, claiming your hole for all of them to see.” Cal’s husky voice raked over my body and sent a violent shiver down my spine. My breathing became heavier and I subtly adjusted myself before I gave everyone an eyeful of the hard-on Cal had inspired. He breathed a raspy chuckle against my neck before planting a quick kiss there and pushing me toward the group.

Fin and his keen gaze took in my flushed cheeks and stiff posture, and he bit back a smile. He leaned in close so the others wouldn’t hear. “Whatever Daddy Cal said must have been deliciously naughty because you look like you’re about to pass out. You have me jelly, Reese’s Pieces. Blegh, it’s been so long since I’ve gotten any, I’m practically a monk. Ten out of ten, do not recommend.”

I snickered at his complaint, but thinking of calling Cal “daddy” had me internally cringing. For all the exploring we’d done so far with my…adventurous side, that wasn’t a kink I was ready for. Maybe ever. We had enough daddy issues between us, there was no reason to explore them in bed.

“I thought you and your ex had gotten back together?” I asked curiously.

“Ugh, God no,” Fin rolled his eyes. “I caught Dan texting this chick from his class and it sure as hell wasn’t to borrow her notes on anything, unless it was for a human sexuality course. I hope he sits naked on a porcupine one day. So anyway, here I am single as a Pringle and ready to mingle.”

“Well, I’m sure Griffin wouldn’t mind curing you of your monkhood if you asked nicely,” I suggested slyly, smirking at the way his eyes blew wide.

“Okaaaay, so what are we all doing tonight? Anybody? Bueller?” Fin asked loudly, effectively cutting off my teasing. I rolled my lips between my teeth to keep from laughing at his evasion.

“We’re having a bonfire at my parents’ ranch with the team and a bunch of friends. You’re both coming, right? You’re welcome to stay the night if you drink,” Griffin said, smiling widely at us, his arm slung over the ever-chill Kenji. I didn’t think that dude operated on anything but pure zen, just hanging out in neutral unless he was on the Lacrosse field. I had also gotten used to being around Griffin and I understood his energy a lot better now. Whatever issues were between him and Cal seemed to have been forgotten because Griffin had been nothing but respectful since he apologized to me. Dare I say, he’d even become a bit of a…friend?

What even is my life right now? I fell for my bully, I’m friends with his ex-hookup, and I’m regularly attending Lacrosse games? Who is writing this story? ?

“Ooo, as long as there’s s’mores and hotties, you know I’m in,” Fin chimed with his signature cheeky grin.

“We’ll definitely have s’mores going and of course, I’ll be there,” Griffin winked at him playfully. Fin raised a brow, looking unimpressed.

“I guess one checkmark out of the two isn’t terrible,” he deadpanned. “Bonus for you is that it’ll be dark, so your face might even pass as halfway decent if someone’s desperate enough.” Cal failed to hide his snort of laughter behind his hand, clearly enjoying his friend being on the receiving end of Fin’s snark.

“You know I love it when your claws come out, cutie. It’s just another form of foreplay,” Griffin countered, his grin never faltering.

“Gross. Can we please head in to shower and get our asses to your place? A few of the guys are already there setting everything up. Hawk, make sure Fin has the address, would you?” Kenji complained, spinning on his heel to leave. Griffin just shot Fin another wink and followed suit.

“I swear, people like that walking Abercrombie ad are the reason Advil was invented,” Fin muttered, his face twisted into an adorable pout. “I’m gonna head home and get ready for the party. Can y’all text me the address?” We nodded our assent and Fin blew us a kiss before leaving.

Cal looped his arm around my waist, drawing me close. “How about I skip the shower here and we go take one together back at my place?”

“You’re assuming I don’t suffocate from the smell of being trapped in a car with you before getting there. But sure, why not risk it? I’ve lived a good life.”

“You little shit,” Cal chortled, gripping me behind the head and reeling me in for a fast kiss. My eyes caught on movement over his shoulder, widening when I realized I had recognized the man from the stands. Cal noticed and turned to look, and I felt the tension creep into his body.

“Uncle Jack? What are you doing here?” he asked, his tone baffled and cautious.

Jack flashed us both a small, but warm smile. “I didn’t want to interrupt, but I just had to come tell you congratulations and how proud of you I am. You played a hell of a game tonight. You seem to get better with each game. ”

Cal pulled away from me, but gripped my hand firmly. “What do you mean? How would you know that?”

Jack’s expression grew somewhat nervous as he cleared his throat. “Because I’ve been to several of your home games this year. I’ve always been impressed with your raw talent, but you have really honed it this season.”

“So all of a sudden, you want to be interested in my games and how I’m doing?” I squeezed Cal’s hand, hoping to calm him as his hurt bubbled to the surface.

“It’s not sudden,” Jack admitted softly. “I’ve kept up with all of your seasons at UT. I used to watch them online when I was on business trips, and I’ve been to a few home games over the years. I just didn’t think you wanted me there, so I always left before you saw me. I told you, I’ve always loved you and cared, Callum.”

His face didn’t give any hint that he was lying, but I wondered if Cal believed him. I saw his breath catch, his chest quivering from his lungs holding in the emotion I knew he was fighting to contain. Cal had responded a couple times to Jack’s texts over the last month and a half, but he was still struggling with letting him back in and accepting him as his father. Maybe hearing how Jack had loved him from afar would work to chip away some of the wall between them.

“Thank you,” Cal croaked. “So, uh…was that all you came to say?”

“No, actually,” Jack started, blowing out a deep breath. “There were some things I wanted to tell you in person. Good things.”

“Like what?”

“I’m divorcing Blair. Actually, I filed the day after you came to the house and I heard you both fighting. I just didn’t know when to tell you. We sold the house, and I’m in the process of signing for a smaller one about twenty minutes from here. There’s even a room for you. Well, for you and Rhys, if you ever want to visit,” Jack told us with a hopeful smile.

I was taken aback by his news, so I couldn’t imagine what Cal thought. He was a statue beside me, frozen as he processed what he heard. I worried that he wasn’t ready to hear any of this and it’d put him in a bad mood, but I’d gladly pick up the pieces if necessary. I’d always put him back together like he continually did for me.

“You…you’re leaving her? And you actually sold the house? Why didn’t you want to keep it, or did she want it? And you…have a room for us? Why?” Cal sputtered out question after question, but he didn’t seem upset. He tightened his grasp on my hand painfully, but I recognized it as him using me to stay grounded.

“To be frank, I should have left her years ago,” Jack grunted. “But even after all the piss poor decisions I made, I couldn’t stay with her after knowing how she abused you. Also yes, she did want the house, but she won’t be needing it. Not for what I have planned. That’s another matter we need to talk about, but I’m waiting for a few more pieces to fall into place first.” Cal and I both looked at him in confusion, but he waved a hand as though to clear the air of any questions we could ask.

“Nevermind that right now. I promise to tell you when I can, but the important thing now is this is a fresh start. I didn’t want that house tainted with everything you went through…everything I failed to protect you from. I made sure to buy one close to you so it could be your second home as well, somewhere you’d want to be. I know I fucked up giving you a safe, loving home before, but I promise you that’s all I want to give you now. Of course, there’s no pressure. But my home is also both of yours, no matter what.”

A choked noise caught in Cal’s throat and I released his hand to slip my arm around his waist, needing to be closer to him. His hand dug into my hip, anchoring me to him as stuttered breaths puffed from his nose. Jack just gave him a patient look, waiting for him to get his bearings and wrap his head around everything.

“What if I never forgive you? What if I move away and you feel like you bought that house for nothing?” Cal’s voice wasn’t angry, but an anxious whisper, like he was voicing his fears and needed the answers to quell them.

“I’d have no regrets,” Jack answered confidently. “Even if you didn’t forgive me, I wouldn’t stop trying. And if you move, then I sell the house and follow. If you didn’t want me there, then I’d give you your space but stay on the sidelines of your life because I’ll never stop being there for you. That’s what a father does and it’s what I should have done from the beginning. I won’t make that mistake again. You don’t have to love me for me to love you back. I want you to know that.”

My own eyes watered at Jack’s assertions, his tone nothing but genuine and warm. I tried not to judge him for what he did when Cal was young because it wasn’t my place and I only knew a fraction of the story. Though I had been angry and hurt on Cal’s behalf, I secretly prayed that Jack would find a way to mend their relationship. Cal deserved to have a dad who fought for him and loved him unconditionally. He deserved the world, but there were things even I couldn’t give him and this was one of them.

Cal’s chin dropped down, and I could almost hear the wheels in his head turning as he mulled over everything. After a few beats of silence, he looked over at me and I saw his resolve through the sheen of tears. I smiled in encouragement and his lips curled up on one side in response.

“Maybe Rhys and I can come see the new house soon. Maybe stay for dinner?” he asked, and Jack’s smile bloomed from the suggestion.

“Absolutely! Whenever you’re ready.” Cal smiled back tightly, but I could tell this had crumbled some of that wall he was scared to let fall.

“Well, I’ll let you two go enjoy your evening. I’m sure you have a celebration to get to. I’ll see you at the championship game.” He turned to leave, but spun back and dug in his pants pocket. “Oh shit, I almost forgot. I had something for you. Here.” He held out a long white envelope to Cal who took it gingerly.

“What is it?” Cal wondered aloud, opening it and pulling out a check. When he saw the amount on it, his eyes popped open wide and his jaw dropped. “What the fuck? What is this for?”

“That’s a portion of the money from the sale of the house. I’m still going to take care of your living expenses until you graduate, so don’t use it for that. Summer break is coming up, use it for something fun.”

Cal was speechless, but something Jack said must have triggered a thought because his brow scrunched inward. “I never asked you, but how exactly did you pay for the rest of my tuition? I know you didn’t exactly have that kind of money lying around.”

Jack worried his bottom lip, twirling his car keys absently before answering. “Ahh, I dipped into my retirement fund. It was the only thing I could do on short notice, but it was worth every penny. Plus, I was able to replenish it from the house money, and your portion was leftover after I bought my new place.”

“What about her? Didn’t she get alimony or some shit?”

“No. But that’s part of what I will explain another time. You don’t have to worry about her anymore, Callum. That I can guarantee you.” Jack’s face looked serious, so Cal just nodded, clutching the check in his hand. “Go have fun tonight, but be safe both of you. We’ll talk soon. I love you, kiddo. ”

I noticed Cal stiffened at the sentiment and didn’t return it, but that was another level he wasn’t ready for yet. Baby steps and all that. This was a lot of progress for them for one day, even if it didn’t seem like it to an outsider. When we were alone again, Cal blew out a harsh breath and shook his head.

“That was…” he started, but couldn’t finish.

“Yep. How do you feel?” I checked, cupping his face and swooning when he turned to press a kiss to my palm.

“I don’t entirely know. It was a lot to take in, and right now I just want to shower, go get blasted with our friends, and fuck you until I can’t see straight.”

I grinned and pecked him on the lips. “Do your worst, Mr. Hawkins.”