“Rude,” I say, pushing him in the shoulder.
We settle into a cozy rhythm.One that has stood the test of time.I don’t know how long we play for, but each game is as close as the last.Each laugh is louder than the next.And my heart has never been so full.
I have the chance to make these moments last a lifetime.I know this is what I want, but I don’t know how to get it.I look over at him, his beautiful eyes pinned on the game.
I put my controller down on the bed, place my hands on his face, turn his head to me, and press my lips against his.His tongue roams the inside of my mouth, and I bite his bottom lip in response.His hands are in my hair and mine go under his shirt, holding his back.I can feel his length stiffen against me as I slide my hand under the waistband of his boxers.
I don’t know who pulls away first, but we’re out of breath and looking disheveled.
“Well, I like this new addition to game night,” he says.
“Me too,” I grumble into his ear.
“We should make this a more regular thing, if you want?”His question hangs in the air.
I stare at his hopeful eyes.His heart is in my hands, and I don’t want to break it again.“Yes,” is all I manage to say before my lips collide with his again.
A creak on the floorboards tears us apart so quickly it makes my head spin, then the bedroom door is being opened and his mum’s head is poking through, a huge smile on her face.
“Hello boys.Not disturbing anything, am I?”
“MUM!What did you think, that we’d be railing each other with you and Dad downstairs?And besides, we’re not dating,” he says, his words sounding final.
“Okay, dear, it’s just that your fly is undone and I can see one of your balls poking out.”
I fall back on the bed, in hysterics, struggling to breathe.
“MUM!For fuck’s sake,” he says, adjusting himself.
“Kyle, dear, are you staying for a cup of tea?”
“What’s the time?”
“Only eleven thirty,” she says, again with that smile on her face.
“Um, sure.I’ll be down in a moment.”
“Lovely, make sure AJ has his balls away.Don’t want him giving his father a fright.I can see he didn’t inherit his father’s bits, that’s for sure.You’re a lucky guy, Kyle.”Now it’s my turn to go bright red.“Oh, and boys, please use a raincoat.I know you can’t get pregnant, but you don’t want to be getting a nasty infection.”
“MUM!Seriously.”
She closes the door, laughing.
“Honestly, we’re professional footballers.The world looks up to us, and yet, my mum still treats me like a baby.”
“And she just saw and complimented your balls,” I say helpfully.
“That’s not helping,” he says, in an embarrassed tone.
We finish adjusting ourselves and head down to the kitchen.
Chapter 29
AJ
I wave goodbye to Kyle at the door.The familiar ache is there, but this time is followed by something more.Like a piece of me has gone with him.I say goodnight to my parents and head off back to my house.Alone.Mum had suggested taking Dereck with me, but I don’t think it would be fair on him—uprooting his routine and being home alone most of the day.As much as I would like the company, I couldn’t do it to him.
The next day is the start of my community outreach and would you believe where I have been assigned?My old neighborhood.I have been tasked with going door to door and talking to the people.It's the gaffer’s way of making players connect with supporters.It was heralded as a master stroke in the press when he first did it.
