“Well, let’s go. It’ll probably be fun.” I sipped the last of my beer. I’d order water before we went back to our seats because I had to drive.
“Okay, I’ll let him know we’ll meet him there then.” He texted back and stuffed his phone in his pocket. “I hope it’s not too late. I was hoping we could…” He ticked his shoulder. “You know.”
My dick perked up. “I have no reason to be home, so no matter how late it gets, we can fool around.” I squeezed his hand and released it.
TWELVE
COLTON
Why was I so nervous about Tex meeting Evan? It wasn’t as if they wouldn’t get along. They were both elite athletes. I stood at the Coach House bar in Scottsdale, a rustic and mostly outdoor venue with a ton of lights strung across the bar’s ceiling and the hand-hewn poles holding up the patio’s overhang.
“I think you can have one more beer and drive.” After sipping my beer, I set it on the wooden bar top and hitched onto a metal barstool. We’d been lucky to find three empty spots at the bar, and in the corner even, so when Evan arrived, we could all face each other. Many people packed the place. My heart froze as my gaze landed on Evan, making his way through the crowd.
Evan strutted toward us in a white hoodie and black leather jacket. “Hey.” With a wide smile, he stretched his hand to Tex. “You must be Tex.” A purplish bruise showed under his left eye.
“I am.” As he shook Evan’s hand, he offered a warm grin. “You played well out there tonight.”
“Thanks. Took a little beating, but that’s typical.” He turned to me, wrapped me in a bear hug, and squeezed. “Colton, my man. I’m so happy you came to the game.” He freed me andpatted my head. “I think you were a good luck charm. I might have to give you tickets to every home game from here on out.”
Him and his superstitions. “I have studying and tutoring to do.” With a smile, I said, “Tex, have another beer.”
Travis’s brows shot up. “Tex?”
“That’s your name, isn’t it?” Evan bellied up to the bar and flagged down the bartender. “Here, I’ve got this one. What are you drinking?”
“Just get me a Bud Light.” He snickered. “It’s mostly water and I’m driving.”
“Yeah? Okay.” Evan ordered an IPA for himself along with Tex’s beer. “I’m within walking distance and tonight is a celly, so I’m drinking whatever I want.” He glanced at me. “How about you, Colton? Would you do a shot of tequila with me?”
“Um…” This was supposed to be my last beer. “I don’t know.” I sank my teeth into my lower lip.
“Go ahead, Colton. Have a shot with your buddy.” Tex patted my arm. “It’ll be fun to see you a little tipsy.”
“Fine.” One couldn’t hurt and I’d paced myself tonight. I swiveled my stool toward the bar as Evan ordered the shots.
Evan passed Tex his beer and then took a barstool next to mine, but around the corner, allowing us to see each other while we chatted. “You want lime and salt with your shot?”
I glanced at Tex, who gave me a wry grin. He was enjoying watching me let loose. I could tell. “Nope, I’ll take it the same as you.”
“Good.” He slid a shot toward me. “Let’s drink to Colton finally having a boyfriend.”
My mouth dropped. Through my teeth, I said, “Evan.” Why did he say that with Tex standing right here?
Tex’s smile reached his eyes as his gaze met mine. “Soon enough, Colton. After this semester?”
“Oh, see?” Evan held his glass up. “Tex has big plans for you.”
“Stop.” As heat flashed through my cheeks, I tapped myglass on his and slammed it, the burn gliding down my throat. As I set the empty shot glass on the bar top, I coughed. “Fuck.” I hadn’t drunk a shot in a long time. Maybe not since…shit, don’t think about it.
Tex patted my back, leaned in close and then, in a low voice, said, “Youwillbe my boyfriend someday, Colton.”
As my heart flickered with warmth, I cut my gaze to his. He was so close, and it had proved difficult to abstain from touching him or kissing him all night.
“Go ahead and kiss. No one will care around here.” Evan pushed the back of my head.
My lips brushed Tex’s, and I gave in. I couldn’t stop myself. Grabbing his cheeks, I claimed him in a hungry kiss, desire burning low in my gut. Fucking hell, I was falling so hard and fast for him.
Tex’s lips yielded to mine, and a low groan rumbled from his throat. As the kiss broke, his eyes darkened. “You kissed me in public.” His attention drew to Evan. “Thanks, man. I’ve been wanting that all night.”