I stood for a moment, watching them walk through the bar’s door, hand in hand, my chest squeezing. This situation was messed up. But he had little choice, didn’t he? Damn it, I understood Malik’s feelings for Grey even better now, and I’d only just met Colton.
After following them into the parking lot, I slipped my keysfrom my jean’s pocket. I wouldn’t watch him give her a goodnight kiss.
He halted, released her hand, and stepped toward me. “Goodnight, Travis. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Dipping his head, he said, “I’m sorry about this, but I don’t know what else to do.”
“We’ll talk tomorrow.” I squeezed his arm and ambled toward my truck. As I unlocked the door, the corner of my eye caught him kissing her cheek. “Fuck.” With a growl, I hopped in and started the engine.
“You can go harder than that.”With a chuckle, I added another plate to Malik’s bar while he lay on a padded bench under the bench press, and then I stood by his head so I could spot him. We were at the gym, and I needed to blow off extra steam after last night.
“You’re killing me, Tex.” With a grunt, he lifted the bar, his arms shaking.
I pressed my fingers under the bar, giving him a little help. “Come on, you’ve got this.” We’d enter the draft this spring, and he needed to be in top shape.
After lifting the bar all the way up, he slowly lowered it onto the holder and blew out a ragged breath. “Fuck, that’s it.” He sat up and shook his arms. “What’s gotten into you today? You’re hitting it hard.” The edge of his lips quirked. “Feeling the need to work off some sexual tension after hanging out with your tutor last night?”
“No.” I ambled over to the plates, adding a few more to the ends. It was my turn. “Maybe.” I snuck a peek at him. “But the girl he’s dating appeared last night, and she’s a piece of work.” With a scoff, I shook my head and planted my hands on my hips. Damn it, I wouldn’t talk about it. But I couldn’t remove it from my head. The entire evening had been messy.
“Is he queer or not? Did you ever clarify that with him?” He rested his hands on his thighs, sweat dripping off his dark bangs.
Should I tell him? Colton was sort of out, wasn’t he? Except with his dad? But this was Malik. I could trust him with a secret.
“Tex? Talk to me, man.” He slapped my thigh.
“Yes, he’s bisexual.” I freed a harsh exhale. I could tell him that much. “There’s definitely something between us. But he’s got issues, and I think he’ll need therapy to work through them.”
“What sort of issues?” He stood, and his brows furrowed. “Is he in the closet?”
“Partially. His best friend knows…well, I think.” Had he told me that, or did I infer it because Evan helped him when he was hooking up with guys? “But his dad doesn’t know, and he thinks his dad wouldn’t accept it.” I rolled my lips. “He went through hell after his mom died from cancer, and that’s when he found out he was bisexual. He hooked up with guys. But then, when he pulled himself out of it, he stopped. It’s some sort of weird control issue with him.”
Malik’s brows rose. “Yeah, it sounds like therapy would be a good idea.” He patted my shoulder. “Dude, it sounds like he needs a friend who’s family. Maybe for now, it’s all you can do.”
“Yeah, maybe you’re right.” I chewed the inside of my cheek. I wanted more, but it might be impossible for him to provide it. “Thanks, man.” I side-hugged him. He had enough bullshit to worry about with Grey. I wouldn’t burden him any more with my shit.
“Here goes nothing.”I stared at Colton’s door. It was time for my tutoring session with him. After my brief discussion with Malik, I was determined to keep him in the friend zone and talk to him a little more about the LGBTQ center. I stepped up the stairs and knocked.
The door swung open, revealing a young man with brighteyes and dark curly hair, staring back at me. “Oh, hi. You must be Tex?” He extended his hand. “I’m Grady. It’s nice to meet you. I love watching the games.”
As I shook his hand, I said, “Thanks, Grady.” This must be the student Colton had scheduled before me.
“Yeah, well, I’ll let you get to it.” He pointed his thumb behind him. “He’s a great tutor, isn’t he?” He sidestepped me and walked onto the entry.
“He sure is.” After offering a grin, I said, “See you around.” I strolled into Colton’s apartment and shut the door behind me. Grady was a good-looking guy. Was he queer? I hadn’t gotten those vibes from him, so maybe I was safe. Damn it, I was laying claim to Colton again.
Colton strolled from his kitchen to his couch with a bottle of Gatorade in his hand. “Ready to get started?” He sat in the center of the sofa, his blue polo shirt buttoned all the way and his grey board shorts fitting snugly over his lower half.
Damn, if he didn’t look as studious as the first day I’d seen him. It was such a turn-on. “Sure, we can get right into it.” At some point, though, we needed to talk.
I fell in beside him, dropped my backpack on the coffee table and pulled my laptop out. “You, uh, have you heard from Sara since last night?” I cringed. Why had I blurted that out?
“She texted a few times, but that’s about it.” He gave a long sigh. “I still plan on ending things with her at lunch on Saturday.” He shifted closer.
“Yeah?” Setting my laptop on my lap, I turned it on. “Good.” Should I ask?—
“She was over the top last night. I should have dismissed her or something.” He rubbed his neck. “I’m sorry.”
Turning toward him, my gaze searched his face. “She was a little aggressive.” I’d had all day to ruminate over what happened, and one thing struck me. “Does she know there’s something between us?”
“Know?” His brows flew up. “She might see something…” His gaze landed on my mouth and sped away.