Schooling The Quarterback: an m/m college sports romance (GSU), page 5
While on my phone, I check to see how Coop and the hockey team are doing. It always sucks when they are playing a game the same night we are, but for some reason, as long as we’re playing or it’s an away game, us not being there doesn’t matter. But the superstition is still there.
The boys and I once missed a home hockey game we could have been at, and the team lost horribly. We won’t make the same mistake again. Or it’s more like Coop won’t let that happen again. Tonight’s hockey game is still on, but the Koalas are in a killer lead. I fist bump the air before taking a much-needed shower.
My muscles are sore as fuck when I change into some comfortable clothing for the bus ride home. I should hit the athletic building tomorrow for a massage or at least a hot soak in a jacuzzi. Since there isn’t a hockey game tomorrow, the only thing I have to work around is my tutoring session. I’d also like to ask Gabe out again, but there is a thin line between being determined and charming and being desperate and creepy. I really don’t want to cross that line.
The thing is, I don’t know how to pursue someone. Normally, if I ask a guy out, they say yes. I’m finding myself in unknown territory. It’s both scary and exciting at the same time.
Maybe I’ll be able to devise a plan on our drive home. There’s even a chance my teammates might be able to help me out.
After I’m changed and have my bag packed, I make my way to the bus, where I find Hendo leaning against the side, talking with a few of our teammates.
“Ready for the long-ass drive home?” he asks after I’ve thrown my bag under the bus.
I shrug. “I guess so. Sure would be nice if they could figure out teleportation, though.”
He chuckles and nods. “That would be the life.”
Everyone is exhausted as we slump into our seats, but there’s no rest for the college athlete, and most of us pull out a textbook or a laptop to study before we stop for dinner.
“You look right enthralled there,” Hendo notes while I work on a project my professor gave the class. “I take it the tutoring is helping?”
I nod with a smile. “Gabe is the best tutor I’ve ever had.”
“Are you going to ask him out again?” he checks.
I shrug and close my notebook. “I’m not sure, man. I want to, but I don’t want to come across too strong and scare him off. The worst thing that could happen would be him dropping me.”
“And you don’t think asking him out every time you see him is too strong?”
I chuckle. “That’s my dilemma.”
Hendo purses his lips like he’s deep in thought. “It’s weird seeing this side of you,” he states. “Why this guy? Why not any of the hundreds of guys who would willingly throw themselves at your feet.”
“I don’t know,” I reply quietly. “There’s just something about him, and maybe I’m getting tired of the easy targets.”
“I wish you nothing but the best as long as this doesn’t affect your game.”
I laugh and shake my head. “Nothing could affect my game. You know how much football means to me.”
“You eat, sleep, and breathe the sport,” he says with an easy smile.
“Damn right. Now, are you going to help me come up with a plan to convince my hot tutor to go out with me?”
Hendo chuckles and lifts his shoulder. “Sure, why the hell not.”
CHAPTER NINE
GABRIEL
It has been the craziest couple of days, but Max is doing well. He was released from the hospital the morning after his attack and hasn’t shown signs of any new allergic reaction, which is fantastic. That doesn’t mean we have been able to relax around him, though. I’ve even made Victor and Sasha text me while I’m working at the bar with updates, just in case.
We’re all sitting in the living room studying together, and of course, Victor, Sasha, and I keep casting glances at Max to make sure he’s okay. Not much should change in a couple of minutes, but from how quickly Max went into anaphylactic shock the last time, anything is possible.
“That’s enough!” Max shouts randomly, snapping his textbook closed and causing us to jump.
“What’s wrong?” Victor asks, his brows pulled together.
“All of you are walking on pins and needles around me, and I’m sick of it. I’m not going to randomly drop dead, so stop acting like it,” he scolds us.
“We just care about you,” Sasha tells our roommate, who’s still glaring at us.
Max sighs, throwing his head back against the couch. “I understand that, but it’s been four days since the reaction, and I’m fine. I understand the concern, but I promise everything has been good since I’ve been home… no hives, no itchy skin, nothing. I just want us to go back to how we were before.”
“It’s kind of hard to do that when you see one of your best friends almost die,” Victor mumbles.
“I think it will be easier for us to relax once you get your allergy testing done,” I supply.
Max presses his lips together, obviously mulling over my words, and finally, he nods. “Fine, but can you at least try to become better actors so your fretting isn’t so obvious?”
I chuckle, Victor nods, but Sasha scoffs. “I’m an amazing actor.”
“Normally, yes, but in this situation, not so much,” Max replies, making Sasha roll his eyes.
My phone buzzes in my pocket while the two bicker. Shit, I lost track of time and need to leave now.
I stand and head to the coat closet to grab my backpack and jacket.
“Date with the hot jock?” Max asks, obviously trying to pull the attention away from himself.
“It’s a tutoring session,” I sass.
“But it could turn into something more if you only say yes,” Victor adds.
I pinch the bridge of my nose, causing my glasses to push into my forehead a little. “Why are you all so set on me saying yes? I think out of anyone, you all would see why dating a jock is a mistake.”
“Not all jocks are bad guys,” Sasha states. “Just like not all nerds are nice guys. Why are you judging him before you even know him?”
“What exactly are we going to have in common?” I argue.
“You won’t know until you get to know him,” Max says.
I sigh but don’t reply. What exactly is there to say? So, I put on my jacket, hat, and gloves and head out the door.
“Good luck with your date,” Sasha shouts as I leave. Even though I hate how pushy they are being, it still brings a smile to my lips.
The walk to the coffee shop is chilly but gives me time to think. Is Chase going to ask me out again? If he does, what am I going to say? Should I say no again or listen to my friends and give him a chance?
By the time I arrive, I still don’t have answers to any of my questions, but there isn’t time to dwell on them right now. I need to put on my tutoring hat and set my focus on the subject at hand.
I’m surprised to find Chase already here, even though I’m fifteen minutes early. He waves at me with that killer smile, making my lips turn upward.
“I got you a coffee,” he says when I drop my bag and pull out the chair across from him.
I stare at the drink. It’s the exact same thing I always order, but how did Chase know that? We’ve only had coffee once, and I got mine before he arrived. He didn’t ask what I was drinking the last time we were here, and I highly doubt he would have been able to guess it from just looking at it.
“I asked the barista what you normally order,” Chase answers my unasked question with a smirk and a tinge of pink on his cheeks.
Looking across the café, my eyes land on Stefanie at the counter, helping another customer. We used to work together before I got the job at the bar, so it makes sense that she was able to tell Chase my go-to order.
A warm, fuzzy feeling flutters through me at Chase’s kindness. Even though he’s made it obvious he’s interested in me, I still wasn’t expecting a thoughtful gesture like this. Maybe I was wrong to write him off as a dumb, full-of-himself jock. Actions always speak louder than words, and he’s showing me the kind of guy he really is.
“Thanks,” I whisper, taking a sip of the sweetness.
“Any time,” he responds, sounding genuine.
I’m not sure what to say next, so I dig into my bag, ready to start our session.
We review the assignment Chase is currently working on, and I answer all of his questions. I’ve always loved helping the students I tutor gain a better grasp on their classes, but I enjoy it even more with Chase. When his face lights up, and he understands the concept better, it fills my chest with pride.
“Are you having dinner with your nana again tonight?” Chase asks when we’re finished, and I nod.
“Every Sunday,” I tell him, a little shocked he remembered.
“Would you like to hang out after?” he inquires with hope-filled eyes. “My friend bought me tickets for this Christmas light display thing that’s supposed to be really cool.”
“Isn’t it a little early for Christmas activities?” I reply. “Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet.”
Chase chuckles. “I thought the same thing, but apparently, it’s super popular, so they set up the display at the beginning of November and run it until the middle of January to allow people to check it out.”
I don’t immediately reply, just stare at him, trying to figure out if I actually want to say yes.
“Do I have something on my face,” Chase checks, wiping his hand over his face.
I can’t help but smile. “No,” I assure him, shaking my head. “I’m just thinking.”
“You seem like the kind of guy who does that a lot. Why don’t you step out of your head this one time and accept my offer? Let’s spend time getting to know each other. We don’t even have to call it a date. It could just be two friends hanging out,” he offers, making it much harder to say no.
I take a deep breath and tip my chin. “Okay,” I whisper. “We can go… as friends.”
Chase fist bumps the air and lets out an excited cheer, drawing the attention of a few people in the café.
“You’re not going to regret saying yes,” he promises while he packs his bag. “Text me your nana’s address, and I’ll pick you up at seven.”
With those words, he rushes out of the café, not giving me a chance to change my mind.
What the hell did I just agree to?
CHAPTER TEN
CHASE
My palms are a bit sweaty as I walk up the path to a cute little house that I guess belongs to Gabe’s nana. It’s a warm brown with little pink flower boxes under each window. I wonder what they look like when filled with blooming flowers in the spring and summer.
We said this wasn’t a date, but that doesn’t stop my nerves from getting the best of me. Maybe because I don’t plan on letting him keep me in the friend zone for long. He’s convinced himself that we’re from two different worlds, and we kind of are, but maybe we have more in common than he thinks. Neither of us will find out until we get to know each other better. I just need to convince him to open up to the idea.
With a shaky fist, I raise my hand and knock on the door, pleasantly surprised when I’m immediately greeted by the cute nerd who has all my attention right now.
“You came to the door?” he whisper shouts through his teeth.
“Was I not supposed to?” I ask, looking around. Why is he talking so quietly?
“Who is it?” a woman calls out.
“Just my ride, Nana,” he shouts back, pushing me out the door. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Gabriel Joshua Miller, are you planning on leaving without a hug,” she scolds him, her voice getting louder like she’s getting closer.
Gabe pushes up his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose while blowing out a breath. “You stay right there,” he demands, pointing his finger at me before turning and walking around the corner.
“I love you, and I’ll call you tomorrow,” Gabe says to who I’m assuming is his nana, his voice barely loud enough for me to make out the words.
“I love you, too, but I expect to meet your ride the next time he picks you up,” she replies, her voice louder. Did she deliberately raise it so I could make out the words clearer?
“Bye, Nana,” he says, and a second later, he finally makes his reappearance. With a tight grip on my arm, he pulls me back down the path toward my car. “Why did you come to the door?” he questions, ushering me farther away from the house. Once we are a decent distance from the house, he lets go of my arm, and I immediately miss his touch.
“Isn’t that what people do?” I reply, confused by his attitude and harsh tone.
“Only if it’s a date,” he tells me. “If you’re just picking up a friend, most people send a text instead of coming to the door.”
His brows are pulled together, lips pursed, and arms crossed against his chest while he rushes to my car. Is it weird that even when angry, I still find Gabe hot?
“Sorry,” I apologize, even though I’m still not sure I’m in the wrong. “My mom raised me not to be a jerk who honks his horn or sends a text. But if it bothers you, I will next time.”
Gabe blinks at me as if he can’t find his words. “Thanks,” he murmurs.
Pulling the fob out of my pocket, I unlock the car. Something inside me is dying to open the passenger door for Gabe, but another part, a smarter part, is saying that will only piss him off more. So, I force my feet to keep walking to the other side of the car.
“Have you ever been to this light show?” I check with Gabe once he’s buckled, then shift the car into drive.
“I’ve honestly never even heard of it,” he replies. “But I looked it up after our meeting. It looks amazing.”
I nod. “It’s supposed to be magical. I know this isn’t a date, but if we get stuck under some mistletoe tonight, I’m going to have to kiss you.”
I cast a quick glance at him, and his cheeks are pink.
“I’ve heard it’s bad luck not to,” he tells me quietly. “And I wouldn’t want to bring that on you, so I guess I’ll take one for the team if the situation arrives.”
Is Gabe actually flirting with me right now? I’ve never seen this side of him, and I’m dying to see more.
“You’re a noble man,” I tease, and he chuckles.
The light show is on the outskirts of town and takes us about an hour to get there, which isn’t ideal for a Sunday night, but I’m willing to break my routine a little for a chance to spend more time with Gabe.
Once we arrive, I find a parking spot, and we make our way to the event space, which is taking place in a giant field. It reminds me a little of going to a corn maze.
At the entrance, we are handed a pamphlet with directions highlighting everything that’s set up. The first place we walk through is designed to feel like an old-time town with Christmas lights everywhere. There are makeshift storefronts with tables in front for people selling various holiday-themed items. Food trucks are parked to the side for those who are hungry, and at the end of everything is Santa’s Village. It was smart of them to arrange it like that, so everyone has to walk through the vendors before getting a picture with Santa.
I’m sure they’ll sell a lot more things that way.
“This really is magical,” Gabe notes as we take our time strolling through.
“I can’t wait to see the Tunnel of Lights,” I tell him.
He nods. “That’s what caught my attention the most when scrolling through their website.”
We stop at a few booths, and I make a mental note to try to come back to buy a few things I see Gabe eyeing.
“Are you from Michigan?” I inquire as we make our way to the Tunnel of Lights.
He looks at me with a soft smile. “Yup, born and raised. What about you?”
“Same,” I reply. “I grew up about an hour away from Green Spring. My parents didn’t want me moving too far from home, and I always had my sights set on GSU.”
“It’s nice to be close to family,” he supplies. “I’m not sure if I could have made it without Nana. But maybe that’s because I was still a kid when I started college.”
“What about your parents? Do they live close?”
Gabe presses his lips together and shrugs. “They live on the other side of Michigan, but even if they did live close, I wouldn’t see them. They stopped talking to me the day I left my hometown.”
My brows shoot up and my feet falter. “Why would they stop talking to you?”
I don’t understand how a parent could cut off contact with their child. My mom calls me at least once a week and texts almost daily. What would it be like to go years without hearing her voice?
“They are homophobic,” he supplies. “When I came out, they disowned me. At first, it was mind-boggling how fast it all happened, but after a while, I realized it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. I wasn’t the kind of son my dad wanted. He was just looking for the right excuse to finally get rid of me. My sexuality was the breaking point.”
My blood boils, and my fingernails bite into my palms as I make a tight fist. I don’t anger easily, but who the fuck disowns their kid for something they can’t control? I’m obviously aware it happens, but in this day and age, things are getting better. Unfortunately, there are still backward thinkers. If I ever have the displeasure of meeting Gabe’s father, I’m going to punch him in the face.
“I’m sorry you went through that,” I say.
Gabe lifts a shoulder, not looking as upset as I feel. “I’ve had time to process it, and I’m over it. It’s honestly for the best that they shunned me. Looking back now, I realize that my dad was emotionally abusive, and my mom was just neglectful. I’m better off without them in my life. Besides, I have Nana, and she’s the best person.”
I’m glad he has someone in his life who loves him for him.
“This is amazing,” Gabe murmurs in an awe-filled manner when we enter the light tunnel. His eyes are big, taking in the amazing display. While I should also be checking out the lights, I can’t seem to take my eyes off the adorable man beside me.
