Page 7 of Floored By Love

“No, not yet. I’m fixin’ to, but I don’t know if Zeph’s ready.”

“That’s fair.”

“I don’t want to scare him off.”

“Colton, that,” I said, gesturing to his body, “will do nothing but bring him to his knees for you.”

Colton squirmed in his seat. “You reckon?”

It was sad how much the closet could make you insecure about yourself. I knew all too well.

“Trust me, Colton. You’re a catch.”

“Aw, thanks, Cam,” he said, leaning his head against my shoulder. “I’m a tad nervous. I haven’t done much with a guy.”

“Just let it progress naturally.” I patted his arm. “We know he’s interested. It’s probably harder for him than we know.”

“Well, it’s definitely harder for me right now.”

I laughed, pushing him off me. “Is it ever soft?”

“Occasionally.”

“Doubtful.”

A comfortable silence descended, and I saw Colton checking his messages, so I took my phone out.

Cam: It’s weird being here, knowing you’re not.

Erika: I’ll be there in a week.

Cam: Still won’t be the same.

Erika: You see him yet?

Cam: Yeah. He looks good.

Erika: Good luck, Cam.

Erika: You have Colton at least.

Cam: :-*

Erika didn’t make the Olympic team this time. She was an alternate. The alternates didn’t train with the team, so they could stay home if they wanted to. She decided against that and was coming to support me and her teammates. I wasn’t sure if her fiance, Isaak, was coming though. He seemed nice, though I had only met him a few times. I was happy for her. They met while she was visiting me in France, where I studied for a semester abroad. He was Dutch, though not a pole vaulter. We had a good laugh about that at the engagement party.

“How’s Erika?” Colton asked, leaning in.

“She’s good. She’ll be here in a few days. When is your family coming?”

“I think they’re flying over with your mom, actually.”

I supposed it made sense. She didn’t know Alex or Orion as well as she did Colton, and by extension, their families. And while I didn’t tell her everything that happened between me and Luke, she knew enough not to ask about him anymore. I hoped his parents weren’t coming this time. My mom certainly would hope the same. As should everyone else.

“Did Noah fly in with you, too? He wasn't in the locker room.”

“He went to check into the hotel with Shane.”

“Oh, that makes sense. They’re probably knockin’ boots.”