Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CARTER

I'm grinning like a damn fool as I pull up to the restaurant Sasha wanted to meet at. I know that there are still a lot of things up in the air at the moment, but that doesn't stop me from being happier than I have been in maybe forever.

"Holy shit," Sasha gasps out when he sees me and I freeze, looking around to see what's going on. "Hurry up and sit down and tell me who you're in love with."

I laugh as I realize why he was gasping before I did as I was told and sat at his table.

"Why do you think I'm in love?" I question with a lifted brow, trying not to smirk.

"Because I've never seen you smile like that before. And people only get that goofy look on their face when they're in love. So who is it? I assume this person has something to do with why you want me to check over your contract."

"How did you hit the nail on the head?" I question, and Sasha throws back his hair.

"It's a gift," he replies, and I chuckle.

"It's Brendon," I tell him, and his brows shoot up at a comical speed.

"Your best friend? But I thought both of you were straight?"

I nod. "So did we. Over the summer, I met a guy who taught me a lot about sexuality, and I realized I've never been straight, but it was the only label I knew well enough to claim. When I got home, I told Brendon about it, and I guess he came to the same conclusion: maybe we had both been crushing on each other without really knowing it."

"So you're telling me I had a chance with you all along?" he asks, and I bark out a laugh.

"You know I could never handle a man like you," I tell him, and he sighs but nods.

"You're right, and Rio is my soulmate anyway so I would have only ended up breaking your heart," he replies in a dramatic fashion.

"See, everything happens for a reason. But I need you to promise you won't tell anyone until we find out if we're actually allowed to date. Neither of us can risk losing our sponsors."

Sasha mimes locking his lips and dips his chin. "Your secret is safe with me. I would never out you. Even if you just told me you weren't ready to come out, I would keep that secret until the day I die. No one should ever be forced to do something they aren't ready for. It's a personal decision and everyone chooses the path that they think is right for them. Who am I to take that choice away from them?"

I smile at my friend and thank him. "Now tell me how your summer has been."

Sasha's entire face lights up and I know I'm going to get a long ass story, but I don't care. I've missed my friend and will listen to whatever he has to tell me.

The waitress comes to get our order before Sasha starts, and thankfully I've been here a hundred times before, so I don't need time to look at the menu.

"This summer was the absolute best of my life," Sasha tells me with a dreamy voice once the waitress walks away. "It was beyond busy and normally would have stressed me the fuck out, but I had Rio by my side, and it made everything better. We moved into that cute little house that I told you about, and both worked our asses off so that we could afford the rent and put a little away in savings. Rio's parents offered to help but we wanted to do this on our own. Eventually, we'll both be making a lot more money, so it really is just for a couple of months that we need to give it our all."

I nod. "You guys really lucked out on that place. Not many people are offering rent to own agreements these days."

"Tell me about it," Sasha responds with big eyes. "It was like the universe was really looking out for us. Now just keep your fingers crossed that I pass the bar exam."

"When do you get your results?" I check even though I know he's told me before. I just can't seem to remember.

"Hopefully, any fucking day, but it differs a little every year. Once the results are in, I'll be able to move up from law clerk to actual lawyer. It's all a long-drawn-out process, but I'm beyond excited," he says with the biggest grin.

"I can tell," I reply with my own smile. "And how is Rio enjoying being a teacher?"

Sasha's face lights up even more and I love that he's that excited for his boyfriend. "He's loving it. Obviously, he's only had students for a week, but it's everything he could have wished for. We honestly weren't expecting him to get the first job he applied for, but they said that his resume was beyond impressive, and now he's a gym teacher at a high school that is only two blocks from our house."

"I'm so happy for you guys," I tell him with a soft smile. "You both deserve to be this happy, but especially you."

Sasha presses his lips together and his eyes turn a little glassy, but he blinks quickly to stop any tears from breaking free. To say his life has been crazy would be a complete understatement. But thankfully he didn't let his history break him or his bubbling personality. He really does deserve all the happiness in the world and I'm really glad he's finally getting it. He's one of the best people I've ever met.

"Okay stop being sappy," Sasha murmurs, waving me off. "You know I don't like to cry in public."

I chuckle. "Sorry. Now tell me more about the law firm you've been working for."

He sits up a little straighter before telling me everything .

The rest of our dinner is filled with easy conversation and amazing food, and I'm almost a little sad to say goodbye when we're finished.

"We can't go this long without hanging out again," Sasha says after we pay our bills.

"My thoughts exactly."

"I'll spend tonight and tomorrow going over your contracts and will hopefully have an answer for you by Monday morning about what is and isn't allowed," he assures me before wrapping his arms around me for a big hug. "And if something happens to be in the contracts that prevent you from coming out, know that you two can come over and hang out at my place whenever you want. Your secret will be safe with us, I promise."

"I appreciate that," I whisper, squeezing him back.

We say our goodbyes before going our separate ways, and I feel nervous but excited as I make my way to my apartment.

I still can't believe that Brendon has feelings for me and wants to move on from being just friends to something more.

When I get home, I'm greeted by Brendon and Artie, who are sitting on the couch playing video games.

"How was Sasha?" Brendon asks, while keeping his focus on the television.

"Same as usual, but even happier," I supply before dropping into the recliner chair to watch the game they are playing.

"I'm going to miss him as a mascot," Artie says before smashing a button on the controller. "Fuck that should have been a hit."

"Why are you going to miss him?" I ask with a tilt of my head. "He didn't even get to come to any of our games because the soccer team got all superstitious and stole him away from all the other sports."

"Exactly! I'm going to miss not ever getting him at our games. Maybe we would have brought home the championship last year if we had him," Artie grumbles.

Sasha was only a mascot for one year but earned himself a mighty fine reputation. I kind of feel bad for the other members of the mascot team because they have some large shoes to fill.

"Although Izzy was saying there is a new guy on the mascot team who might be able to give Sasha a run for his money," Artie informs us. "They just better not let one team monopolize all his time this year. I mean, unless it's our team, of course."

I chuckle and nod. "We need some good luck this year, especially with you most likely being out for the beginning of the season."

Our season doesn't start until November, but Artie is looking at another six to seven weeks in a cast, plus therapy afterward to get his strength back. The chances of him being back to peak ability by November is not probable. Thankfully though, the beginning of the season isn't as important as the end.

Last year, we lost two amazing players near the end of the season due to injuries. Even though our entire team is solid the loss fucked with our heads, and we ended up getting knocked out of the tournament fairly early on.

All of us are craving that championship win this year and are willing to do anything to make it happen.

"No one is allowed to do anything that will cost us the win this year," Brendon says as the game finishes. He looks at me with an almost sad expression, silently saying, even us.

I nod telling him I understand without using my words.

We both want to leave GSU at the top of our game, and even though we both want to be with each other, basketball has to come first. We've worked too hard to let anything take us down. We're also young and have our entire lives to be together. The same can't be said for basketball.

Artie's phone chimes on the table, and a goofy grin takes over his face, letting us know Izzy has sent him a message.

"As much as I love kicking your ass at video games, Izzy just accepted my invitation for a date tonight, and spending time with her is much more fun," he says before sticking his tongue out at Brendon.

Brendon flips him the bird before mumbling, "asshat," under his breath.

"Are you really going to let a girl come between our friendship?" I tease Artie who doesn't even miss a beat before nodding.

"Damn fucking right I am," he tells me, and I can't help but laugh. "Don't even try to lie and say you wouldn't do the same thing."

I shrug. "I dunno, I actually value our friendship," I reply nonchalantly. "But I also don't blame you for wanting to spend time with the person you're crazy about."

I cast a quick glance at Brendon who's smiling at me like he knows I'm talking about him.

"Did you need a ride?" Brendon asks, but Artie shakes his head.

"I'm good. She actually volunteered to drive us. I can't wait until this cast comes off, so I don't feel so useless," he grumbles.

"It's the cast's fault?" Brendon jokes, and Artie whirls a stuffed basketball at him, making us all laugh.

"Why am I friends with you?" Artie murmurs.

"Because he was kind of a package deal with me. I know I'm the real reason you stick around," I tease.

"Why is everyone ganging up against me?" Brendon complains with an adorable pout.

Artie's phone chimes again and he grabs his crutches before slowly standing up. "My ride's here, losers. I'll see you all tomorrow," he tells us as he hobbles to the front door.

"Make sure you don't show her your true colors just yet or she'll break up with you before the date's even over," Brendon calls out.

Artie shakes his head but doesn't waste his energy responding. Brendon has always been the most clever of the three of us, and it's pretty hard to beat him at his own game. That's why we usually resort to teaming up against him when we can.

Brendon might have a smart mouth, but it's always in good humor and he would actually feel bad if he truly hurt our feelings. He's only crossed the line a time or two and it gutted him. He likes to crack jokes, but he doesn't actually want to hurt us, which I really appreciate. He wouldn't be my best friend if he was actually an asshole.

"Ready to watch a movie in my room?" Brendon asks once Artie is gone.

My heart beats a little faster at the idea of cuddling in Brendon's bed. We've obviously watched a million movies together in the past, but tonight is different because things between us are different.

"What movie do you have in mind?" I check, not moving just yet.

"Whatever you want," he replies with a sexy grin. "I'll be honest. I probably won't be paying the movie much attention."

My cock takes note of his words and his sultry tone and starts to stiffen in my pants.

"Let's just watch something we've seen a bunch of times before then," I suggest and the smile that takes over Brendon's face damn near makes it hard to breathe.

"I love the way you think," he tells me as he stands then offers me his hand.

I take it and let him pull me to my feet which results in us standing chest to chest.

The air between us is thick and filled with lust and I find it hard to form any words.

"If we are alone, can I kiss you whenever I want?" he asks while staring intently at me with a look I've never seen on his face before—at least not directed at me.

My eyes immediately zone in on his lips and I slowly nod. "That sounds fine to me," I whisper.

Brendon doesn't wait for further words before he's leaning in to kiss me. When his lips touch mine, my eyes flutter shut, and my arms wrap around him as I melt into his body. The kiss isn't a frenzy or overly heated, but it feels better than any kiss I've ever had before.

"Has a kiss ever been that good before?" he asks quietly, his lips moving against mine as he speaks.

I shake my head. "Never."

"Not even with that guy you hooked up with this summer?" he questions with insecurity in his eyes. A look that I never would have thought possible coming from such a confident guy like Brendon.

"Not even him," I tell him honestly, making sure I hold eye contact with him the entire time, so he knows how serious I am.

He nods then kisses me again, this time pulling me into him so that I'm as close as humanly possible. "I've never felt a connection like this with anyone," he confesses.

"Neither have I," I reply before taking a step back and grabbing his hand. "Now come on. I think it's time we move somewhere more comfortable."

Brendon smiles, letting me guide him to his room. We immediately climb onto his bed, and he grabs the remote for his television.

Once the remote is in hand, he pulls me into his arms before turning on the television to scroll through the options available on the streaming service.

We settle on a tried-and-true favorite and spend at least ten minutes actively watching the movie.

"You're wearing too many clothes," Brendon murmurs into my ear while his hand trails up and down my side.

I chuckle and turn in his arms so I'm facing him. "You're wearing the exact same amount of clothing," I counter with a lifted brow.

He sticks out his bottom lip and nods. "I know, and it's killing me. I want to feel your skin on mine."

I narrow my eyes at him, but I have a playful smirk on my lips at the same time, so he knows I'm not actually annoyed. "Do you think you can keep your hands to yourself if we shed our clothing?"

Brendon doesn't miss a beat before shaking his head. "Absolutely not. But would that be a bad thing?"

I chuckle and lift a shoulder. "I guess not."

Brendon's face lights up and he shuffles off the bed. "Perfect. Now strip baby. Boxers are the only thing you're allowed to keep on."

The way he calls me baby sounds so fucking perfect that you would think he's called me it a million times. And the way it warms me up inside lets me know that I hope he uses that nickname a lot more from now on.

"You're so bossy," I tease with a big grin but also climb off the bed and begin to strip.

Once we're both in our boxers, Brendon pulls back the blankets on his bed, and we climb in quickly, wrapping each other up in our arms once more.

"I don't want to rush this," I tell him as his hands roam over my skin, eliciting goosebumps.

"Why not? Aren't you just as desperate to do everything as I am?" he questions with a tilt of his head.

I smile and nod. "I absolutely am. But I want to treasure these moments with you. You're not a summer fling and this isn't an experiment. I want us to take our time because you mean everything to me. You always have. And we have all the time in the world, so why rush? Let's take it slow and savor every experience together."

The corners of Brendon's lips turn upward, and he nods. "When you put it that way, it sounds perfect."

"Well, duh, I'm always right," I joke. Then Brendon starts to tickle me, and I quickly have to call uncle.

"We can take it slow, but I'm still going to kiss the shit out of you right now," he tells me, and I nod, inviting him to do just that.

When his lips press to mine, a hum of contentment ripples up my throat, and I allow Brendon to take the lead.

One thing I figured out over the summer is that I like taking a more submissive role when I'm with a man. When I'm with a woman, I love being in control, but something about a man taking the reins really turns me on. I also love bottoming, so fingers crossed Brendon likes to top. I'd obviously top him if he wants me to, but just the idea of Brendon's massive cock sliding into me has me panting with need.

With a firm grip on his hip, I buck my hard cock into his leg causing a needy whimper to come from the sexy man in my arms.

"Fuck, baby, do you have any idea what you do to me?" he questions, thrusting his hips forward so I know that he's just as hard as I am.

Why the fuck did I request we take this slow again? I'm already regretting that decision. I meant what I said about wanting to savor every minute, but I'd also really like everything he's willing to give me right fucking now.

Not wanting to continue overthinking everything I quickly move so that I'm straddling Brendon who looks at me with wide eyes that are laced with desire and lust.

"You look so fucking hot right now," he tells me, running his hands up and down my sides. "Your body is hard and lean and the exact opposite of a woman's, but it's turning me on more than I have ever been in my entire life."

I run my fingers over his smooth chest and nod. "I feel the exact same way about you right now."

I lower myself to capture his lips with mine again this time thrusting my hips into his. His hard cock rubbing against mine through the confines of our boxers. The feeling is fucking heaven and leaves me almost lightheaded.

"Damn, baby," Brendon gasps out and I take the opportunity to snake my tongue into his mouth.

We continue to dry hump and make out and when Brendon gives me a gentle push back, we are both panting like crazy.

"You were right when you said we should take this slow and savor each moment," he tells me once he can form a sentence again. "And if we don't pause for a minute I'm going to blow and that's not how I want our first time together to be."

"How do you want it?" I ask in a quiet, almost shaky voice.

I never felt this nervous with Henley and maybe that's because I didn't have feelings for him. Everything with him was just fun and a way of exploration. It wasn't meant to be more than that. It was like it was with a lot of girls I've been with, fun and hot, but void of any true emotions or connection.

That's obviously the exact opposite of how I feel about Brendon. This isn't just a quick fuck to get our needs met. We are best friends wanting to grow something that will hopefully last. And even if it does end there will always be feelings for each other. That's inevitable with how close we already are. I think that's why I'm nervous. There is so much at risk here, and I want everything we do to be amazing for the both of us.

"How about we lay facing each other and jerk each other off while we make out," Brendon suggests. "But as you suggested, we take our time. Let's see how long we can last."

I smile at him and slowly move to lay beside him, shucking my boxers at the same time. "I like the sound of that," I tell him before gripping his boxers and shoving them down as well.

Brendon helps me get rid of his last article of clothing and quickly we are both laying nose to nose completely naked. Both of our breathing is heavy as we stare into each other's eyes, and I literally feel like I'm in a dream or something. There is no way this is actually real life right now.

Without breaking eye contact, Brendon grabs my hand and lifts it to his mouth, licking the palm before letting me go and doing the same to his.

"This is going to be so good," he whispers before grabbing my cock.

I throw my head back and let out a needy moan before reaching down to take him in my hand as well. The noise he makes is similar to mine, but deeper and almost more guttural. It's a huge turn on.

Our mouths crash back together as we both slowly stroke each other, needy whimpers and groans breaking through as we find what the other likes best. It's slow and sensual and everything I could have ever wanted with a man like Brendon. We're taking our time learning how to please the other and storing that information to use next time. Because there definitely will be a next time, and a time after that.

If things go how I'm hoping, we'll have plenty of times together to explore and bring each other as much joy and pleasure as possible. Forever seems like a pretty strong word to say considering we literally just started this, but I never planned on living a life without him, so it doesn't feel wrong either. Some might think that thought should terrify me but with Brendon everything has always felt right, and this is no different.

His hand is firm on my throbbing cock as he slowly slides his fist down, pulling back my foreskin while also swirling his thumb around the crown to collect the precum there and using it to make his fist even slicker.

Brendon doesn't seem to be the leaking type, so I bring my hand up and spit in my palm to help my fist glide easier over his extremely thick cock. I know it's rude to compare sizes, but he is much larger than Henley is and when we do get around to actually fucking he's going to stretch me so fucking wide I might just split in two. But if Brendon's cock is what kills me I'd gladly choose that way to die.

"Your hand feels so fucking good, baby," Brendon whispers against my mouth as I find a rhythm. Discovering that he really likes it when I squeeze the base of his cock and rotate my wrist when I reach the top.

"Maybe tomorrow I'll show you how good my mouth feels," I flirt with what I'm hoping is a sexy smirk.

"Fuuuccckkk," he moans the word out, making me smile even more. I love that I'm the one who is making him sound like that. Who is turning him on and eliciting those dirty noises from him. "I can't wait to try everything with you, C. I know your mouth is going to be so fucking talented, because that's just who you are. You excel at everything you do. But you know I'm the same way, and I'm a fast learner. So if you think you'll be the only one sucking cock tomorrow, you are sorely mistaken. I can't wait to see you come undone with my lips wrapped around your perfect dick."

Who knew Brendon was the dirty talking type? I didn't, but I definitely don't hate it. In fact I want more. I want to know just how filthy he can get.

"You think you'll be that good, huh?" I check before diving in to nibble on his lower lip.

He lets out a low lust-filled chuckle and nods. "You know it, baby. And even if I'm not good at first, I'm not a quitter and I won't stop until you're shouting and coming down my throat."

A needy whimper leaves my lips as his fist starts to pick up speed.

"Does just the thought of that have you turned on?" he checks, moving to kiss my neck. His lips are hot and wet against my neck and have shivers of lust shooting through my body. "Are you going to teach me how you like it best so that I can blow your mind whenever I feel like it?" He gently nibbles on the soft spot between my ear and my shoulder, making my back bow a little, pushing my cock into his hand even more and pulling a needy groan from my lips. "Once I've mastered that skill we can move on to more advanced moves." Both of our fists are now moving at a much more rapid pace as we near our climaxes, and I'm panting like crazy as his dirty words turn me on. "Would you like to feel my cock inside of you?" he asks before running his tongue up my neck and pulling my earlobe into his mouth. "Because I don't think anything is going to compare to being inside of you. Just thinking about it has me wanting to blow." His words become more labored as our hands move quickly and honestly, I wonder how he's talking at all because I don't think I could form words if I wanted to right now.

I twist my hand at the top of Brendon's cock, causing him to gasp and thrust into my grip. "Shit. Fuck. Damn. I'm. Close," he pants out each word.

I nod letting him know that I'm right there with him. The telltale tingle of my orgasm starts deep in my spine and shoots directly into my balls, causing my movements to become jerky as all my blood flow heads directly into my dick. All I can think about is coming and it isn't going to take much to set me off.

"Give it to me, baby. Come in my hand. Show me how much you love this," Brendon whispers and that's all it takes for me to shout out and let go.

Hot sticky ropes of cum erupt into Brendon's hand and even though I should be focusing on getting my man off too, my head is too foggy to move for a moment. But that doesn't seem to bother Brendon because he shoves me so that I'm on my back and straddles me, jerking himself off and using my cum as lube. His bottom lip is between his teeth and his lids are low as he stares at me, moving his fist rapidly. Lust is written all over his face and when he finally comes, his head falls back, and the sexiest moan leaves his lips as he covers me with his release.

He's panting heavily when he collapses beside me, pulling me into his arms and kissing my forehead.

"I don't think I've ever come that hard before," he tells me after a couple of minutes pass and our breathing isn't so labored.

I press a kiss to his chest and nod. "Me either. I've also never had someone mark me like that."

When I tilt my head to look at Brendon his brows are furrowed, and his lips are pressed together. "Did I cross a line?" he checks, and I shake my head with a big smile.

"Not at all. It was hot as fuck. Although it was a little messy."

He chuckles and nods. "Who the fuck cares about the mess. We'll just have to shower and wash the bedding. And hell we can even do the bedding tomorrow and just move to your bed after the shower."

I laugh along with him, grinning from ear to ear. "I like the way you think. Why don't we throw the bedding in the wash after our shower and that way we'll only have to dry them in the morning," I suggest.

"You always were the smarter one," he jokes with a sexy smirk. "And think of all the sexy things we can get up to in the shower." He waggles his brows at me, and I can't help but laugh again.

"Have I unleashed a beast?" I question and he nods quickly.

"Damn right," he tells me before kissing me briefly. "Now that I've got a taste of you I don't think I'm ever going to want to stop being with you. It's like I was eating the store brand of candy my entire life and I've finally experienced the high-end stuff. It's so much better and I'm going to want it every chance I can get it."

I smile while shaking my head. "You're ridiculous. But you aren't going to find me complaining."

Brendon pulls me in for another kiss, but I don't let us get too carried away because we definitely need a shower or this cum is going to get crusted on us and become a lot harder to clean off.

"Come on, sexy. It's time to get cleaned up," I say as I try to pull out of his hold.

"Okay, just as long as I can get you dirty again soon," he counters, and I chuckle loving how perfect this feels.

We can joke and laugh and still have mind blowing orgasms. It's like the best of both worlds.

I've heard people say that you should date your best friend, I just never thought that applied to Brendon and me. But now that we're trying this, I can see why people say that. Because even though it's only been a day, I'm happier than I have been in a very long time. Hopefully that feeling doesn't fade.