Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

Micah

The Bulldogs win the game with a somewhat embarrassing score. Danny tells me all about how pitiful the other team is as we make our way to the place where the party is happening.

It takes me far too long to realize we're at Monty's house. Or rather, his mansion.

My brother isn't all that flashy in general, but his home is a point of honor for him. He invested heavily in having a space where he could have others come visit and spend time with him.

I think some of it spans from his childhood before our parents got married. He's always craved being around others, which is why his home is built for such big groups. This will be my first time at one of his parties.

We park in the drive, then climb out of my car to head inside. Danny is a mess of excited energy, practically jumping out of his skin.

"You might want to chill a bit before we go in. I doubt they'll want to be fawned over," I tell him. Then I think of Monty and amend it to, "Well, most of them."

At the door, there's a security guard waiting for us. One look at me and he nods, moving to let us pass. "Have a good evening, gentlemen."

Weird.

Monty must've warned him I was coming. Maybe he has a picture of me or something. I scrunch my face at the thought.

"Wow," Danny whispers as he takes in the interior of the house.

My brother has very modern taste, though he blends it well with his sports paraphernalia. The ten-foot ceilings and giant staircase at the entry create a grand experience after making it through the front door.

"Come on. I bet he's in the kitchen."

We make our way past a few people mingling in the foyer. Since I've been here, I know my way around easily enough. Danny just follows my lead, his gaze busy sweeping over everything we pass.

"brOTHER!" Monty bellows as soon as I step into the kitchen.

I grin at him. "Monty," I reply.

He jumps off the counter and sways over to me. I can tell he's not drunk, merely buzzed from how steady he is. Monty drunk is like a toddler trying to walk across a field of Jell-O. It simply doesn't work.

"So glad you made it. Did you enjoy the game?" He tugs me into a hug, his grip almost too tight.

I'm shocked at his reaction to seeing me. Sure, sometimes we go a while without meeting up in person. We still talk everyday though. Or every other day depending on how the season goes.

"It was amazing. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it." I put my hands on his shoulders. "And I'm sorry if I never told you how proud I am of you. Today proved just how damned talented you are, brother. I'm glad you get to do what you love."

His eyes get suspiciously glassy.

"Fuck! You weren't supposed to say all that. Now I'm going to get emotional."

I chuckle. "Want me to call Dad? He'll sympathize with you and you two can cry together."

He punches my shoulder lightly before turning to my left. I realize then I've forgotten to mention the guest I brought with me.

"Oh, yeah. This is Danny. He's my friend and we work together. Danny, this is my brother —"

"Monty Tempest. Tight end for the Bellport Bulldogs. Fastest in the league three years standing."

My brother eyes me. "Your friends with a fan and still don't come to my games?!"

"In my defense, he didn't know we were related. I don't like to name drop you."

Danny nods comically. "Exactly! I demanded he bring me the second he said you had tickets for him. There's no way I could miss seeing the team live. I've been wanting tickets for ages but could never find good seats."

Monty gives him a once-over. "You keep this one," he points to me, "coming to the games, and you'll have a seat every time. Deal?"

"Yes! Absolutely!"

I would laugh at how they're talking about me as if I'm not here if I weren't distracted by the man who just walked in the room from the other direction.

His imposing figure is clad in a burgundy suit with a cream-colored button down. It hugs every inch of muscle like it was sewed around his shape. There's nothing left to the imagination.

Jett Fawkes looks scrumptious despite having played his ass off tonight. I lick my lips as I remember the aggressive plays he made, each more strategic than the one before. It wasn't something anyone might notice if they weren't tuned into him like I was.

Each time they lined up on the field, Jett would scan the men across from him to find the weakest point. From there, he'd plow through them with ease until he either secured the ball for someone else on the team to take or he pushed the opposing team back enough to make them feel helpless.

"Micah! Danny!" A twin set of voices steals my attention as I get wrapped in a group hug. I already know it's Finn and Raymond who've got their arms around me and Danny. I mean, who else could it be?

"Might want to let them breathe, boys," an unfamiliar man says from behind the pair.

Raymond pulls back quicker than Finn, which makes me think his partner was the one to speak. "Sorry. We got excited to see our new friends."

"You know my brother?" Monty throws an arm over my shoulder.

I roll my eyes. "Our seats were right next to theirs. Did you think we wouldn't talk at all?"

"No clue. It was a toss-up of whether you'd like the game or not."

I feel bad he thought I wouldn't support him. Granted, my track record isn't the best. It's going to change though. No more getting lost in my own work and ignoring him. I vow then and there to be the brother he deserves.

I'll be his number one fan.

Or maybe number two. Danny might take the spot with how his eyes keep eating up my brother's movements. I can't tell if it's his football obsession or something more going on.

"Jett! Come meet my brother," Monty cries while I'm distracted.

Mentally, I'm screaming at him for drawing attention to me. Externally, I attempt to hide the blush I can feel creeping over my skin.

For his part, Jett doesn't seem bothered to be called across the room by my obnoxious sibling. He strides through the kitchen, his gaze locked on the group. I watch him as he takes each person in. Nothing about his features changes. No show of recognition or excitement. If I didn't know they were all teammates, I'd think he was impartial.

"Monty," his deep voice croons as he approaches. "Bellamy. Aries."

When his gaze dips to look at Finn and Raymond, I see the first sign of emotion. It's not exactly happiness or anything—more like… curiosity if I had to guess.

Why would he be curious about his teammate's partners?

"Finn. Raymond."

Everyone waves and smiles back at him like nothing is amiss. Jett's gaze turns our way once he's greeted everyone he knows. His gaze settles on Monty's arm on my shoulder. I watch as his brow furrows slightly. If I weren't staring at him so hard, I'd likely miss it.

"Jett, this is Micah and his friend Danny." He waves to Danny with one hand as he squeezes me closer to his side.

I shove him away with a nervous laugh. "Ease up, brother. The game is over. Let the adrenaline drop."

"It's hard. Did you see that first half? I was on fire. We got lucky this was your first game and Coach made those calls."

"Actually, that was Jett," Aries pipes up with a smirk. "I heard him talking to Bernard about the best options to confuse the other team before the game started. He said you'd be the best fit to throw them off their game."

Monty's jaw drops as he turns to Jett. "Man, if you liked hugs, I'd hug the fuck out of you. Thanks for believing in me."

"Nothing to believe in. Your stats show you're an excellent tight end. While the percent of completed touchdowns between Bellamy and Aries is higher due to their compatibility on the field, you've shown great improvement through the years."

Dammit.

He's smart and sexy. My interest grows by the second at his explanation. It grows with the way Monty's chest puffs out, his confidence growing at Jett's approval.

"MO! MO! MO!"

A group in the next room begins chanting my brother's name. He grins as he says, "Hosting duties call. Have fun!"

When he disappears, Danny's face drops. I nudge him, tilting my head to the door my brother disappeared through. "You could go in there too. It sounds about your level of energy there. I can chill with the others."

"Promise you won't feel ditched?"

Finn raises his hand, then giggles. "We've got him. We can take care of him no problem."

I smile, thankful to have someone on my side. It's not like I'm scheming or anything. If my friend and my brother happen to get closer during this party, then so be it. Doesn't mean I planned for it. No, not at all.

Internally, I snort at the lie. Of course I want those two to get close. Even without a romantic bond, they could at least be friends or something. It would make my life easier if they both wanted to get together with me since I've only realized recently how much of a workaholic I am.

Once Danny leaves, the men around me pivot to asking about me and what I do. I explain my event planning business, to which Bellamy becomes highly intrigued. He and I dive into the logistics of everything while the other four discuss the upcoming holidays and their plans.

Even while talking to Bellamy, I can't help but notice Jett. He's standing with the others, though he's completely checked out. He hasn't contributed anything about himself during the entire conversation.

"I really think you and my mom should connect. She knows everyone who is anyone in the area and if they're in need of help, you'd be a good fit."

"How do you know? I haven't even shown you my portfolio," I question.

His response is to grin and shake his head. "Call it a gut instinct. I'm rarely wrong about these things."

I shrug off his nonchalant tone. "Weird, but ok. I'm pretty slammed with the holiday season, though I don't mind connecting so we can start planning for next year."

"Great! Give me your number. I'll send her a text with your details. She'll reach out this next week to set something up, I'm sure."

We exchange numbers via text, then there's a lull in the conversation. Not wanting to risk someone overhearing, I take the opportunity to text Bellamy while he stands beside me.

Micah: I have a question that might not end well. Any chance you're open to me being a bit personal?

Bellamy glances down at his phone, then raises his brow. He doesn't look my way as he keys in an answer.

Bellamy: I have to admit that I'm intrigued enough to know. What's the secret question?

Taking a deep breath, I decide to go with the direct route. There is no point in beating around the bush. Besides, BDSM deserves clear communication in all aspects, not just between partners.

Micah: Are you Finn's Daddy? He slipped up at the game when we were talking, and I kind of put two and two together from there.

Bellamy: I am.

Bellamy: What does knowing this information do for you?

The question could be interpreted as hostile to anyone on the outside looking in. From the way his body is still loose, and his gaze isn't marred with anger, I'm guessing he simply wants to know my intention.

Micah: Well, it's been a long damn time since I've been around another Daddy. I'll admit that I was hoping we could be friends.

At that, Bellamy's head whips my way. His eyes are wide as he takes me in from head to toe. I already know what he's thinking, even though he doesn't say a word.

Shaking my head, I tap the phone screen. He looks back down, then types at lightning speed.

Bellamy: Hell yes! We are always looking for more friends, especially ones that connect to the team. I had no idea you were part of the kink community. Not that we all openly discuss stuff in the locker rooms or anything. Do you have a boy of your own? Or a little? A middle?

Bellamy: Sorry if I seem overexcited. My boy's going to be so happy with this news and that alone gets me going.

Biting my lip, I reply honestly.

Micah: No partner here. I have my eye on someone, though I don't know if they are interested in this lifestyle or even a relationship with me.

I can feel Bellamy's eyes on me again, this time more analyzing than before. Keeping steady, I fight not to look at the focus of my recent obsession. If I even glance his way, it will be obvious.

Bellamy: Anyone I know?

Micah: Not up for discussion yet. Will share once I have a better idea of things.

He nods, then tucks his phone away, effectively ending our chat. We tune back into the conversation right as Aries groans.

"You've done it now, Little One."

I wonder what he could mean, but my attention is immediately stolen by the beaming smile on Jett's face. It completely transforms his entire energy. He's less the quiet, observant man from before. Now he's lit up and obviously excited for what comes next.

"Don't be mean," Raymond says before leaning closer to whisper something else to Aries. If I had to bet, I'd say he added ‘Daddy' to the end.

Jett completely ignores the pair as he goes into a spiel about… trains. How is he talking about trains with this much energy?

Transfixed at the change in him, I nearly jump when my phone vibrates in my hand. Looking down, I freeze at the sight of a text from Bellamy.

Bellamy: Guess I now know whether or not I know the person. ;)