Schooling The Quarterback: an m/m college sports romance (GSU), page 16
“I just want out. Fuck the money,” Chase says, and I reach for his hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. He offers me a small smile in return.
I can’t believe this happened to him. But at least this will give him an easier way to get out of the contract.
“That will hopefully be quicker. Unfortunately, it will mean he can continue to rip others off.”
Chase growls, his anger clearly bubbling just under the surface, making my heart ache for him even more. “I fucking hate that, but I don’t have the time to let this go through the courts. The draft is around the corner. I need a new agent now.”
“I understand. Hopefully, someone else will catch on and file their own lawsuit. I’m going to advise you not to talk to anyone else about this. There is a strong possibility Alexander’s lawyer is going to serve you with a gag order in order for you to walk away from this contract. He knows how important it is to get out of this contract as fast as possible, and he’s not going to let you go easily.”
Chase sighs but nods. Fuck, I feel so bad for him. Hopefully, this will all be behind us soon.
“I’ll be in touch as soon as I know more,” Cam assures us.
“Thank you for your help, and you, too, Professor O’Callahan. We couldn’t have done this without your help,” I tell them.
“Don’t thank us now. We haven’t won yet,” Professor O’Callahan states, but the smile on his lips tells me he’s pretty sure this will be settled soon.
Chase and I leave the lawyer’s office hand in hand, and as soon as we get to his car, I pull him into my arms, offering him some comfort after everything he just found out. He holds me for a while, and I refuse to let go until he’s ready. Neither of us says anything, just silently embracing in a parking lot.
“Thank you,” he whispers when he steps back.
“I’m always here for you,” I remind him before we get into his car and head straight for his apartment, where Rio’s agent is waiting for us.
“I hope this new guy isn’t a dickwad, too,” Chase grumbles as he drives.
“Rio trusts him,” I remind him.
“I know, and that puts my mind at ease a little, but I trusted Alexander too.” He slams his hand on the steering wheel, his anger finally bubbling through. “How could I be so fucking stupid?”
I shake my head and put my hand on his thigh. “You’re not stupid. Alexander took advantage of you. He’s an asshole, but that doesn’t make you dumb. Shit like this happens to people all the time. Please don’t beat yourself up over this.”
He doesn’t respond right away, but he puts his hand on top of mine and squeezes. “Thank you,” he whispers eventually.
“That’s what boyfriends do.”
The corners of his lips turn up the smallest bit, and I call that a win.
The rest of the drive is quiet. It’s obvious Chase is still kicking himself on the inside. I just pray this new agent is who Rio says he is and will give Chase some hope.
“It’s nice to meet you,” a tall man greets us when we step into the apartment. “I’m Lucas. Mind if we sit?”
We move to the couches, and even though Chase smiles at the man, it’s tight, so I squeeze his thigh, hoping that will set him at ease even a little bit.
“I hope you don’t mind that I’m leery of agents right now,” Chase tells him.
“Not at all,” Lucas says. “I would be too if I were in your shoes. I don’t know the whole story, but from what little Rio did tell me, I’d say you’re right to try to find a new agent. Someone should never go behind your back like he did.”
“It’s more than just the lying and trying to convince my boyfriend to break up with me,” Chase explains. “We also found out some other shit that I can’t talk about as per my lawyers’ recommendations.”
Lucas’ eyes go wide. “Seriously?”
We both nod.
“Well, shit. Sorry for my language,” he adds quickly. “I’m sorry you’re going through this. I understand why you’re leery of signing with another agent. I don’t think I can offer anything that would put you at complete ease, but I’ve been given permission to give you the phone numbers of a handful of athletes I’ve worked with for years. You can ask them anything you want.”
“Lucas has been amazing to me,” Rio states. “And believe me when I tell you he’s never done anything shady. Lucas has been my agent for almost three years now, and my dad is an accountant. If there were any fishy stuff happening behind the scenes, he would have found it.”
Chase smiles at Rio. “That actually does help put some of my worries at ease,” he tells his friend, then turns his attention back to Lucas. “Do you mind if I take a few days to call those contacts? It’s not that I don’t trust you. I just want to make sure this is the right move for me.”
“Absolutely, take all the time you need,” Lucas assures Chase. “And again, I’m sorry that you went through this. I have the list ready to go. I’ll text it to you now.” He pulls his phone out and sends Chase the list before standing. “Let me know once you’ve made the decision either way.”
“I will. Thanks again for meeting with me,” Chase says, walking Lucas to the door.
“Not a problem at all. I would love to be on your team if you think I’m the right agent for you.”
Once Lucas is gone, Chase joins me on the couch again, pulling me into his arms as soon as he’s seated. “Today has been a shit day,” he whispers.
I kiss his chest. “It has, but we’ll get through this.”
“You’re right because we can get through anything together.” He holds me tighter and presses a kiss to the top of my head.
Damn, this man for making me all warm and gooey inside all the time. But I don’t hate it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHASE
My heart races as I drive with Gabe to the lawyer’s office. We both had morning classes today, so we couldn’t come in earlier, but Cam called me first thing this morning asking when we could set up a time to sit down with Alexander and his lawyer. Obviously, I want to put this all behind me as soon as possible, so I took it immediately when he offered a three o’clock meeting.
I was planning on calling the athletes that Lucas represents this afternoon, but that can wait until later. This is more important. I need to be free of Alexander before I can move on with my life.
“Mr. O’Callahan is waiting for you in the boardroom,” a receptionist tells us and escorts us down a long hall where Cam stands by the door.
“Thanks, Sharon,” he tells the lady escorting us into the boardroom.
Alexander is already waiting for us, sitting beside a stout man with greasy slicked-back hair. Neither of them appears happy to be here, but good, they shouldn’t be. Alexander has been fucking stealing from me. They’re lucky I didn’t find out sooner, or I’d be shouting it from the rooftops, telling everyone what a piece of shit he is.
“Now that we are all here, let’s start,” Cam suggests, sliding a folder over to Alexander’s lawyer. “Here is proof that Mr. Lee has been stealing from my client since he was hired. We aren’t asking for the money to be repaid, just the severance of the contract.”
Alexander’s lawyer looks over the documents, then leans over to whisper to him.
“We’ll agree under the condition that Mr. Anderson signs a non-disclosure agreement. He is not to talk about my client or anything that was discovered,” the slimy lawyer states.
Cam looks at me, and I nod. We already knew this was going to happen.
“We accept that condition,” Cam tells him.
With both parties being in agreement, Alexander and I begin signing a bunch of papers, our lawyers explaining them as we go. Once everything is settled, Alexander and his lawyer stand, shake my lawyer’s hand and leave.
“You are free to sign with any agent you wish,” Cam tells me with a smile.
I’m free of Alexander, but it still feels wrong that he didn’t have to face any real consequences.
“How much do I owe you for all your help?” I ask, but Cam waves me off.
“It was pro-bono. You can pay me when you need someone to go over your new contract with whomever you hire.”
I chuckle. “Deal.”
“Are you still going to phone those athletes tonight?” Gabe asks as we head to my car.
“Yeah, I need to figure out what others have to say about Lucas because if I don’t go with him, we have to find another replacement agent soon.”
“I’ll cook us dinner while you make the calls,” he tells me.
My heart warms at his kindness. “You’re the best.”
His lips turn upward in an affectionate smile. “I know.”
I laugh, pulling him into my arms and kissing him like he’s my everything because he is.
By the time I’m off the phone with the last athlete, I feel solid in my decision. Lucas seems like a genuinely good guy. He stopped billing one of the athletes for a year when the guy’s mom was diagnosed with cancer so the money could go to her treatment and wouldn’t hear of the guy repaying him after she was in remission. That’s the kind of person I want on my team.
“Did you make your decision?” Gabe asks.
“Lucas seems like a great guy, and after talking to a crap ton of his clients, I’m certain he’s the right guy for me.”
Gabe smiles. “Then make the call, baby. But make sure to send the contract to Cam before you sign.”
I chuckle. “Obviously.”
I take a deep breath and press Lucas’ name in my contact.
“Hello?” he answers.
“Hey, Lucas, it’s Chase,” I reply.
“Hey, man, how are you doing?” he asks. I can hear his smile, and it puts me at ease.
“I’m doing okay. I was able to get out of my contract with Alexander today and also had some spare time to call those clients you listed,” I explain.
“I’m glad to hear that. Have you decided on whether I’m the right match for you?” he checks.
“I have…” I pause for a moment and take a deep breath. “I’d love to hire you after my lawyer goes over the contract, of course.”
He chuckles. “Absolutely, I’m stoked that you chose me. I think we’re going to be a great match. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve been researching you in the hope that you would choose me,” he informs me. “And your stats are out of this world.”
“Thanks. I appreciate you already putting in some work. We are going to have to contact all of my sponsors, along with the NFL, to inform them that you are my new agent. I’m not going to be an easy client for the next couple of months. I hope that’s okay.”
“I knew that going into this, but I’m up for the challenge,” he assures me. “Text me your lawyer’s email address, and I’ll send over the contract to both of you shortly. Once everything is squared away, I’ll have you sign a letter stating that I’m your new agent and Alexander is no longer representing you. If you can give me a list of all your sponsors, I’ll ensure that gets sent to them. I should be able to send one letter to the NFL to let them know of the change, but if you know of some teams that have voiced interest in you, I’ll also send a letter to them.”
“I appreciate all your help,” I tell him. “I’ll forward all that information to you tomorrow, but I’ll send my lawyer’s email now.”
“Thank you. I look forward to working with you,” he says.
“Same,” I reply and end the call.
“Everything’s working out for you,” Gabe says, and I smile.
“Now we just have to pray I’ve earned enough good karma to get signed with Michigan,” I tell him and laugh.
“Even if you don’t, we’ll make it work out. The last week has been stressful as hell, and it didn’t put a damper on our relationship at all. It gave me faith that we can make it through a year apart if we have to.”
I beam at my man. “You bet your fine ass we will. You’re mine, and I’m never letting you go. Nothing and no one will be able to take you away from me.”
He snuggles into my chest, and I know without even being able to see his face that he’s blushing.
“I love you,” he whispers.
“I love you too.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
GABRIEL
APPROXIMATELY SEVEN WEEKS LATER
Chase is pacing up and down the hall, and it’s only noon. The draft doesn’t start for another eight hours. He obviously didn’t sleep last night since there are dark bags under his eyes, and even though he tries to hide it, he’s been yawning on and off.
“You need to take a nap,” I tell him, but he shakes his head.
“I’m not tired.”
“And the grass is orange,” I deadpan.
He pauses his pacing, staring at me with scrunched brows. “It’s green. Unless something freaky is happening out there. Was it orange when you came over?” he asks, moving toward the window, but I stop him by putting my hand on his arm.
Fuck, I love this man and how obtuse he can be from time to time.
“I was using a figure of speech to call you on your bullshit,” I tell him.
He sighs. “Okay, maybe I’m a little tired, but I can’t sleep. I’m too anxious. When I close my eyes, all I see is the worst-case scenario…” He pauses and throws his hands up as he growls. “I’m never this nervous wreck kind of guy. I’m always calm, collected, and confident. How come today is different?” He stares intently into my eyes, begging me to have the answer, which I do.
“Because everything changes this weekend,” I state in a calm, even tone. “Even if you are drafted by Michigan, life is changing for you. You’ll graduate next month and will no longer be a college student-athlete. You’ll be an NFL football player. That’s a giant life change. Obviously, it’s something you’ve wanted your entire life, but it’s okay to be anxious. It’s okay to feel like you’re crawling out of your skin. This is a huge deal. It’s normal for anyone to feel out of sorts in a moment like this. Let me be your rock today. You’ve been calming my nerves for the past few months, so let me be that person for you today. How can I help you?”
He takes a deep breath, and I step forward to wrap my arms around his middle, resting my head on his chest. His arms are quick to envelop me, and he holds me tight for a few minutes.
He yawns again, and I shake my head against his chest since he hasn’t let me go. “I really think you need to rest,” I voice again. “Would you like it if I laid down with you?”
“Okay,” he mumbles, and I can’t help but smile at his grumpiness.
Is today freaky Friday? Did we somehow switch personalities? He’s supposed to be the Golden Retriever happy-go-lucky guy, and I’m the nervous grump. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to be all sunshine and rainbows like Chase normally is, but I can push away my nerves today and be his pillar of strength, at least for the time being.
“Come on, handsome,” I say, pulling out of his arms and grabbing his hand. “Let’s go cuddle.”
That finally earns me the smallest uptick of his lips, but I’ll take it.
In his room, I help strip him out of his clothes until he’s only in his boxers, then trace my fingers over the waistband. “Do you want them on or off?” I question.
There’s a strong possibility that if we lay down naked, we won’t be napping, but if sex is what my man needs, who am I to say no?
“Off,” he whispers, and I do as I’m told.
I pull his boxers down, and his cock is already hardening. It makes mine twitch in my pants. Suddenly, I’m torn between forcing Chase to nap and jumping his bones. Maybe sex would be a better stress reliever for him anyway. Although he’ll be wired after, since he’s weird like that, and for sure not wanting to sleep. Ugh… decisions, decisions.
“Would you like to skip the cuddling and do something more fun instead?” I ask in a husky voice while running my index finger across the length of his cock.
He moans. “Yes, please,” he begs.
“Get on the bed, and I’ll strip for you,” I instruct, taking charge in the bedroom for the first time.
It’s almost comical how fast he obeys me. I have to fight back the urge to laugh.
First, I remove my glasses and place them on his dresser, hating that everything is blurry now. With those out of the way, I slowly pull off my shirt, letting it drop to the floor beside my feet next to Chase’s pile of clothes. My man is staring at me with what I think are hungry eyes. Even without my glasses, I can see the intensity in his eyes. It’s like he’s ready to eat me for breakfast but also enjoying the show.
I feel a little awkward as I sway back and forth, trying to act sexy while I undo the button on my jeans. I’m not sure if my dancing is turning him on or the fact that I’m opening my pants, but he licks his lips, and my cock jolts at the sight. Fuck, I want his mouth on me already.
Shoving down my need to be naked this instant, I continue to take my time and only push down my pants, leaving my underwear in place for now. Once my jeans are kicked to the side, I step toward Chase and put my foot on his knee. “Take off my socks,” I command, surprised my voice doesn’t wobble as my heart rate picks up.
Chase does as he’s told, slipping my sock off my foot and tossing it to the floor. I switch feet, and he does the same. When both my feet are back on the floor, he moves to push my underwear down, but I shake my head.
“Patience, baby,” I tell him, stepping out of his reach. “I’m in control right now, and you need to wait. You’ll see my cock when I’m ready and not a moment sooner.”
I had no idea being in charge like this would turn me on as much as it is, but my cock is as hard as a rock, tenting my boxers and desperate to break free.
“You’re so fucking hot when you talk to me like that,” Chase tells me.
His cock is leaving a trail of precum across his stomach, and it makes my mouth water.
