After The Snap (16 page)

“I’m going to call ahead to a steakhouse that is smaller, but very good. It will take about twenty minutes to get there. Is that okay?” Seth asked.

“Sure, but we could skip that and just go back to your place.”

Seth ignored Channing and placed the call, asking for a quiet table for two. Some of the guys on the team had talked about this place, saying that it was the restaurant to take dates when you wanted to actually talk.

This wasn’t a date, but he needed the space to really talk to Channing and make him understand they weren’t a couple. Maybe Channing wouldn’t throw a fit if they were in public and he sure as heck never wanted Channing knowing where he lived.

When they arrived, Seth valet parked his car. The valet knew who he was and congratulated him on the win. He wouldn’t be able to take Colby to this place, not until he revealed the truth. They stepped into the restaurant and automatically the maître d’ greeted him by name. The waiter in another section knew him too. Many of the people at the restaurant recognized him and smiled, congratulating him on the win.

The fame freaked him out. Maybe coming here had been a mistake. Channing beamed under the attention given to Seth, bragging that he was Seth’s old coach and had taught him everything he knew. Seth wanted to tell the people that he’d actually learned a lot from other people, not Channing, but that would be vindictive.

The second the waitress stepped close, Seth asked for any appetizer that was already ready. He was starving and needed something to eat. The waitress brought out a dip with bread. He didn’t care what it was and began eating. He ordered a steak and a chicken plate, with all of the fixings.

“Wow, you’re eating like a horse,” Channing said.

“It was a long game and I played hard.”

“You did. Congratulations on your first win as a starting quarterback in the NFL.”

‘It’s surreal. I can’t describe it. It’s the weirdest feeling in the world.”

Channing smiled at him. “It feels good, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.” It did feel good. He was amazingly happy with how his game had gone. His phone buzzed and he pulled it out. The smile was quick to his face.

“Someone special?” Channing dipped his head though his gaze stayed on Seth.

“My mom congratulating me.”

Channing deflated a little. “Oh.”

Seth replied to his parents, telling them that he’d call in the morning. When he glanced up he saw the lustful gleam in Channing’s eyes.

“So this is a nice place, romantic. Do you come here often?”

Seth shook his head. “No. First time.”

“And you brought me. Should I feel special?”

“I brought you here because there is space between the tables and white noise piped in to cover conversations. We have privacy.”

Channing smiled at him and winked. “That’s a good thing, right?”

“You know I appreciate everything you did for me. But Channing, we’re over.”

“What? You’re not even—” Channing lowered his voice. “What about giving us a chance?”

Seth stared at Channing for a moment, wondering if he really was as dense as he was acting. Seth decided to be nice instead of telling the guy to fuck off. “You have your life and I have mine.”

“But we could make it work.”

Seth thought about telling Channing that he’d met someone, but he didn’t want to bring Colby into this. He wasn’t going to get into a lover’s spat here in the restaurant and bringing up another guy would only make Channing pissed.

“I need someone who isn’t going to play games,” Seth said.

‘I’m not playing,” Channing whispered.

He shook his head, taking another bite of bread. “You’re in Florida and I’m here.”

“Other players make it work.”

The waitress brought out their salads and Seth began forking the food into his mouth. He wasn’t a big salad guy, but he needed the calories even if they were just a few.

Channing took a bite of his salad and pointed his fork at Seth as he chewed. “Why don’t you wait, see what happens?”

“There is no waiting. Don’t put your life on hold for me. I’m all about football and that’s it.”

The first of Seth’s plates came out and he started eating the chicken and potatoes. Channing was quiet as Seth consumed the food. Then the waitress brought out the rest of the food and Seth handed her back his first plate.

“Thank you. Please tell the chef it was delicious.”

She smiled and nodded. “He said congratulations on the win today.”

Seth’s face heated and he couldn’t help the smile that was quick to come to his lips. “Thank you.” He hoped he never got used to this. He didn’t want to be jaded, ever.

“People love you, Seth. We could make a great team.”

No matter how he phrased it, Channing didn’t understand his position. He didn’t want to be with Channing and the guy just didn’t get it. He wasn’t going to encourage Channing at all, but he feared that telling Channing to fuck off would only anger him. Why had he done this in public? But if he’d gone for private, who knows what type of advances he would have to fight off, and the last thing he wanted was a physical altercation.

They ate in near silence, Seth regretting taking Channing to this place. This did feel too much like a date. He should have brought Channing back to his place where he could have told the man to go to hell. But then the neighbors would have heard and it would have been bad.

When the meal ended, Seth paid the bill and Channing thanked him, his gaze turning lustful. He had to get rid of Channing before the man did something stupid, like try to force sex.

Channing followed him out of the restaurant to the valet station. He should have been more firm with Channing, telling him to go home. It was over, but his ex didn’t want to believe him.

“I’ll drop you at your hotel,” Seth said when they were in his car.

“We could go back to your place. I would love to make you feel good.”

“No, Channing. We’re not going to have sex. We’re not a couple.”

“Come on, I’ll make it worth your while.”

Channing didn’t take no for an answer. There was only one thing left to do, be mean, but he didn’t have an easy time being mean to anyone.

“Please. Come on. We could have some real fun,” Channing begged.

“Listen, it’s not going to happen. I’m going to drop you at your hotel or I could pull over here and you can catch a cab. Either way, I’m not going to go back to your hotel and you’re not coming to my place.”

“Seth, we were good together. Don’t trash this.”

He drove to the hotel the team had stayed at the night before and pulled up out front. “It’s over, we’re over. I looked up the information and you’re still married. That’s a deal killer for me. I’ll see you if you’re in town, but I won’t ever be with you again. Have a safe flight home.”

“What, no kiss?” Channing asked.

“Did you hear anything I said?”

“Come on, when we were together you had to know I was married and I don’t get why it’s an issue now. Just one kiss.”

“No, Channing, not today.”

Seth felt the heat of Channing’s eyes on him but he wouldn’t look. It was dangerous to trust that Channing would let him walk away. After a long uncomfortable moment, Channing stepped out of his car and slammed the door. Seth sighed and rubbed his forehead, hoping to dispel the unease. He pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards home. He should have told Channing he was too tired to go out, or that he had other plans. The man wasn’t going to let him go easily. Being with Channing was comfortable, their companionship felt like a well worn glove, but the glove was tattered and had holes that made him feel dirty. Channing wasn’t good for him. Their relationship had always been one-sided, and based on a lie, which meant Seth had always lost. He was tired of losing.

It hurt admitting the truth, but he couldn’t hide from it any longer. Channing had twisted him up, leaving him unsatisfied. The sex had been good in the beginning, but that was probably because it had been new. Channing had manipulated him one too many times, lying about the divorce again and again, and Seth couldn’t be that guy anymore.

Once he got home, Seth fell into bed, exhaustion tugging at him. He thought about calling Colby but he knew he would tell him something about the game, and it wasn’t time to tell Colby that he was a quarterback in the NFL. He felt he needed to get a handle on the situation before he let anyone else know the truth.

Chapter Twelve

Colby ran a strip of tape over the top of the box, writing the word “linens” across the front and side. He didn’t have much that needed to be packed since he’d already moved from Neil’s house and hadn’t unpacked much, but he was organizing and discarding along the way, trying to only keep what was necessary and donate anything he wanted to replace. Once he was moved in to his new place in California, he would go shopping. Really, he wanted as little as possible to remind him of Neil.

His phone rang and he checked the caller ID, seeing Neil’s name. He thought about ignoring the call but he was trying not to be vindictive.

“Hey, Neil.”

“I’m at your front door, let me in.” Colby heard a siren outside and noticed that Neil sounded worried. He laughed on his way over to the door.

“What’s wrong, Neil, don’t like the hood?” He pulled open the door as he hung up the phone. Though he’d known Neil for a long time, they weren’t a couple and he didn’t want him inside his place so Colby braced his knee against the back of the door, blocking entry. “Why are you here and how did you find my place?”

Neil smiled, trying to strike a sexy pose. “I wanted to see you so I followed you home the other night.”

Colby’s heart stuttered. He was a little freaked out that Neil had followed him and he hadn’t seen the car behind him. He didn’t think Neil was that creepy, but he was turning out to be a little too much. “We’re no longer together and we aren’t going to be together. I’m done.”

Neil’s lips turned down in a frown and his brows drew together, making him squint a little. He looked sad, but it wasn’t enough to change Colby’s mind.

“I know, I just…what did I do wrong?”

“Really? Haven’t I told you already? You wanted us to be exclusive and then you slept with other guys.”

Neil let out a huff of breath and shook his head. “But don’t you love me? You should be able to forgive me.”

Colby sighed, realizing Neil would never get it. “I need a guy who isn’t going to lie to me. I need someone who won’t cheat.”

“If you wouldn’t have caught me, would we still be together?” Neil glanced over his shoulder as another cop car blew past, sirens wailing.

“Is that really how you would like it to be between us?”

Neil leaned in, the skin around his eyes softened a bit. He reached out and toyed with the hem of Colby’s shirt. “I was happy. Listen, can I come in?”

Colby shook his head, anger and disgust rolling through him. How could he have ever been with a man who was this stupid. “I’ll be honest with you, Neil. Listen closely because this is the God’s honest truth. We’re never getting back together. You need to understand that you blew it. We’re over.”

Neil ducked his head, then peered up, his eyes partially covered by his lashes. He tugged on Colby’s shirt as he blinked.

“But I miss you,” Neil spoke in a low voice that wasn’t quiet a whisper, but close. His lips turned down in a sad pout and he stepped closer.

He would be lying to say that the ice around his heart stayed cold, instead he felt warmer toward his ex, a little nostalgic even, but he wouldn’t budge. This was why he had gone to that bar and picked up Seth, and it was why he was going to text Seth the moment he landed in California and make sure they were still on for Tuesday night. If he didn’t have Seth, he knew he would want the physical connection Neil was offering even if it did leave him totally and completely screwed over in the end.

“No, I can’t. Listen, I have a flight out in the morning. I really am moving to California.”

“Wait, were you leaving without saying goodbye?” Neil reached in and grabbed his arm. Colby pulled back and shook his head.

“No, but I’ll be gone in a few weeks. Find someone else. Really, you should be able to find a guy to love you. You’re not bad looking.” Colby thought about the way Seth looked and repressed a shiver. Compared to Seth, Neil was nothing special.

“Why won’t you take me back then? I just want—”

Colby held up one hand, his anger building again. “I don’t know how to make you understand that I can’t be with you anymore. It’s not ever going to work out. I’ll be friendly if I see you when I’m in town, but we won’t be hooking up, sleeping together, or anything else.”

Neil stood there and stared at him, his lips turned down in a frown as his eyes narrowed. When Neil’s nostrils flared Colby knew he was going to get an earful.

“Fuck you, Colby. You were never any good in bed anyway.” Neil stalked off, hopping in his car and speeding away, tires squealing on his exit. Colby watched, wondering what he’d ever seen in Neil. He shut the door, further convinced that getting into any relationship would be stupid, even with Seth. The guy was sexy, but getting involved past calling for sex would be too much.

His plane was set to take off close to noon the next day so he watched a little TV before going to bed. With the amount of stuff he’d packed, he felt ahead of the game. He had a few more boxes to put together when he got back from San Diego, but it wasn’t more than a solid afternoon of work.

Before his plane even left Atlanta, he texted Seth, telling him what time his meetings would end, also giving him the address of the hotel where he was staying. It would be safe fucking Seth. The guy didn’t need to know he was moving to San Diego and he could pretend that he wasn’t available all the time, that way his heart wouldn’t be hurt by another man like it had been crushed by Neil.

The flight was uneventful but long. There was always work for him to do so he kept busy, replying to emails that would be sent once he landed and connected to WiFi. He worked on his presentations that had to be finished because the meetings were either this afternoon or in the morning. It was difficult to keep his mind off Seth. Excitement built with each passing hour. He would be with Seth and in his arms tonight. When the plane landed he turned on his phone and saw that Seth had texted him.

Seth: I can’t wait to hold you in my arms. You’re so freaking sexy.

Colby: You’re the sexy one. You have the address, right? I’ll order food in, I just want to hold you tonight
.

Seth: I can’t wait to be with you. I’ve been looking forward to this so much.

Colby smiled as he pocketed his phone and exited the plane. In San Diego the memories of Neil weren’t so strong. He could breathe and be himself. No question, he wouldn’t run into his ex or Deshaun out here.

His meetings ran thirty minutes late and he sent a quick text to Seth, telling him he was running late.

Seth: Skip calling in an order. I’ll bring food. Chinese takeout?

Colby: Sounds good.

Seth: I’ll be there when you arrive.

Colby: I’ll text you my room number once I’m checked in.

Seth: Awesome. I can’t wait.

He chuckled and punched his hand high into the air as he made his way out to his rental car. Just seeing Seth again was going to be amazing. Maybe he would tell Seth that he was moving to San Diego but he didn’t want to get too attached or seem like he wanted a relationship. He couldn’t believe how pumped he was to see Seth. Maybe it was just the lust but it felt like more. Taking this deeper than just fucking would be easy but too dangerous for his emotions.

The hotel wasn’t too far away and he puled into the parking lot, spying Seth straight off. Check in was easy and he headed to the elevators at the same time that Seth stepped into the lobby, a ball cap pulled low on his head, covering most of his face. Colby wondered if Seth’s job really was that disproving of him being gay. He’d heard whispers of some guys still having issues in the military. He hated that Seth had to put up with crap like that. Maybe it would really get better soon.

He pushed the button for the sixth floor and Seth pushed the button for the seventh. He smiled at the gesture, wondering if Seth knew the hotel had cameras and could watch if they wanted to.

“Hey,” Seth whispered.

“Hey back at you.” Colby wanted to knock the cap off Seth’s head and dive in for a kiss, but he respected that Seth had a need for a low profile.

The elevator stopped and the doors opened. They both stepped out and Seth followed him to his room. The food in the bag smelled good, but he wanted Seth more than he needed food. The keycard fell out of his hand when he pulled it from his pocket and both he and Seth laughed a little bit. Seth bent and picked up the card, using it to open the door. They both stepped inside and Seth turned the lock before reaching out, holding onto Colby’s arm.

“God, I missed you so fucking much,” Seth growled before tossing his cap to the floor and wrapping his arms around Colby. A shiver raced down his body all the way to his knees, making him draw in a quick breath. Seth captured his lips at that moment, their tongues twisting as their bodies pressed together. Seth still had the food in his hand, and Colby’s computer case was still slung over his arm, but Seth was kissing him and he didn’t want to break away from this man even if putting everything down would make them more comfortable.

With his free hand, Colby grazed his fingers over Seth’s side and around to his back. He moaned as his chest brushed against Seth’s. Then the kiss ended and he whined, wanting more.

“Don’t stop.” Colby felt lost and confused.

“Let’s set this stuff down.” Seth took Colby’s laptop case and set it behind the desk, placing their food on top of the flat surface.

Colby watched Seth move, wondering how in the world the guy got such a fine ass. Fuck, he was screwed. They weren’t in a real relationship and that’s how he wanted it to stay, but a part of him wanted the little details that made up Seth’s life. Seth turned to face him after depositing the food on the desk, his lips were curved up in a smile and his eyes were alight with fire. Colby shivered.

“Come here,” Seth said.

He didn’t hesitate as he made his way over, sliding into Seth’s arms and lifting his lips for a kiss. But Seth didn’t kiss him, instead he stared at Colby as he used one finger to trace Colby’s lips and chin before cupping his hand behind Colby’s neck and drawing him in for a kiss that shattered Colby’s thoughts. He didn’t know how long they stayed like that or how they ended up on the bed with him on the bottom, but damn he loved it.

Seth lifted up on one elbow and began slowly unbuttoning Colby’s shirt, revealing the white undershirt he’d tugged on that morning in Atlanta. His life back home, or what was home, was now so far away, the memories distant as the miles he’d flown. His troubles with Neil forgotten. He wanted Seth for more than just a good fuck and that frightened him. They weren’t supposed to ever be a couple and yet he wanted something like a relationship with this sexy man.

The only sound was the rustle of them moving against the blanket and the slow slide of Seth’s hands on his shirt. When they’d entered the room, they’d only flipped on the light in the entryway, but it was enough for him to see Seth’s pupils dilate and his brows pinch together as he ran his hands over Colby’s torso. After a few minutes, Seth touched the button on Colby’s dress slacks and popped it open. He toyed with the zipper key before tugging it low.

Colby sucked in a breath, his dick twitching with anticipation as Seth’s fingers slid along the waistband of his underwear. They didn’t break eye contact, and the intensity from Seth held Colby still. When Seth’s fingers wrapped around his cock he let out a slow groan.

“Oh damn, that feels so good. Seth, you feel so good.”

“All week I’ve wanted to touch you like this, hold you, kiss you. Fuck, I just want you.” Seth lowered and brushed a sweet kiss over Colby’s mouth, teasing him with light licks and gentle sucking on his tongue and lips. When Seth tugged on Colby’s lower lip with his teeth, Colby thought he would lose it. Then Seth slid his tongue along the seam of Colby’s mouth before pressing in. Colby opened to Seth, praying that the man never left him…but that’s not how they were. They weren’t dating, they weren’t a couple, but he didn’t want to think about that. He wanted to be in Seth’s arms, to be his only lover. They’d agreed they wouldn’t do that, but at the moment his mind wasn’t capable of thinking beyond Seth holding him, kissing him, loving on him.

“Lift up and let me get rid of your shirt,” Seth whispered against his neck.

Colby shifted under Seth, wiggling so he was sitting. He shoved his dress shirt off his shoulders and began to lift up his undershirt, but was frozen by the pure lust pumping through his veins as he watched Seth tug his shirt over his head and toss it to the ground. Seth had his hands on the button of his jeans when he glanced over to Colby and froze.

“What?”

Colby shook his head, his eyes going wide. “God, you are so freaking sexy. Shit, I’ve never seen anyone in person who looks like you. Models maybe, but fuck, you’re even more ripped than the last time I saw you.”

Seth’s cheeks turned pink and he shrugged. “I’m not that good looking.”

“Oh hell, yes you are.” Colby went up on his knees, forgetting about his clothes as he stared at Seth, taking in the ripple of his muscles and the flat planes of his pecs.

“You’re the sexy one,” Seth said.