Running Back (Sporting Pride #1)

Chapter Six

It took a few games and even more practices, but people started talking to him again. It started with one guy who had been his friend for years and then another. In the end, he learned Jayme was more pissed about feeling lied to than anything. Jakk didn’t think he lied, exactly. He just hadn’t been open. Jakk thought he was justified, considering how everyone reacted. It was a solid two months before everyone pretended nothing had happened. There was a small part of him that wanted to cling to his anger over their initial reaction, but that served no one. They were all in this game together. He just wanted to win.

Life with Rocky was another matter. It was easy. His entire life he had been told anything worth having was worth struggling for. Being with Rocky proved that wasn’t the case. Everything was effortless. They somehow managed to spend at least every other night together. Splitting the traveling made things feel like nothing. He never expected things to feel so perfect.

Jakk tried to focus. He chewed on his mouth guard and paced the sideline. As soon as the whistle blew, he popped his mouth guard into place and threw on his helmet. On the twenty-yard line, he got into position. His gaze stayed locked on the man across from him. He barely heard the play being called. The moment the quarterback had the ball, Jakk shot through his opening. He didn’t think. Jakk acted. He glanced over his shoulder just in time to see the ball sailing his way. His feet left the ground as he leapt upward. He tucked the ball against his body as a solid shoulder collided with his ribs. Despite getting taken down, he popped back up with a smile. He had picked up thirty yards. It had definitely been a good day for him. He hoped Rocky was somewhere watching. Jakk knew Rocky was in New York today, but that was all. A meeting had been pushed back from last night, stopping him from coming to see Jakk. Jakk missed him like crazy. He wanted to make Rocky proud.

They reset. Jakk found another opening. This time, he carried through, crossing that touchdown line. He tossed the ball into the stands before jumping up and chest-bumping Jayme. Everyone was all smiles as they jogged back to the sidelines. Fuck. It amazed him how doing everything for Rocky made him better. He wouldn’t fail the man who showed up when everyone else turned their backs. This team was his co-workers. That was all. Nothing he did was for them. Everything was for the man he loved.

Jakk’s thoughts screeched to a halt. Did he love Rocky? He had been with Eric for like eight months before realizing he loved the guy. Rocky and he had only been dating for two months. When had he fallen? Well, goddamn. He supposed he had better step up his game. One of these days, everyone would realize Rocky was more than his agent. When that day came, Jakk wanted Rocky to be proud as fuck to be with him. Nothing less would do.

“Everyone’s partying at Emerson’s nightclub tonight. You in?”

Jakk hesitated. Rocky wouldn’t make it into town tonight either, and Jakk had a team meeting tomorrow, so he couldn’t go to him. He needed to lean into the team’s acceptance. “Sure. I’ll be there.”

The guy who asked smiled and jogged away.

Jakk bit back a sigh. The last thing he wanted to do was go to a nightclub, but what the hell? He had nothing better to do.

Countless screens played various games, catering to anyone there to see their team. Rocky leaned back in his chair, trying to get a good angle on Jakk’s game. He felt itchy and impatient. Normally, it didn’t bother him to meet with Oakley. Today, he just wanted to get back to Jakk.

“I hate to sound paranoid, but there’s a dude who hasn’t stopped staring at you since you sat down. Not in a good way.”

Rocky focused on Oakley at the comment. His gaze was locked over Rocky’s shoulder.

“I’ll tell you when to look.”

Rocky waited.

“Look now.”

Rocky quickly checked over his shoulder. He couldn’t hold back a groan. “For fuck’s sake.”

“I take it you know that guy?”

Rocky fought not to roll his eyes. “Honestly, I’m starting to think I need a restraining order. That’s the guy I’m dating’s ex. A few thousand miles from home,” he tacked on, sounding bitter and explaining how wild this entire situation was.

Oakley’s eyebrows rose. “You’re dating someone? I hadn’t heard.”

Just the thought of Jakk had a smile snapping to Rocky’s lips. “Yeah. Since I’m his agent—unethical, I know—I guess people haven’t caught on.”

“Who is this mystery man?”

“Jakk Johnson.”

Oakley smiled. “Nice!”

Rocky snorted at his reaction. Oakley was one of those people who could be brooding one minute and a golden retriever the next. It was impossible not to like him.

“Why is his ex hardcore stalking you?”

Rocky made a helpless gesture. “Your guess is as good as mine. If no one else has figured out we’re dating, I’m sure Eric has, or at least suspects.” Rocky’s gaze flickered toward the screen behind Oakley in time to see Jakk score. A shout escaped him before he could call it back. Luckily, it was a sports bar. His reaction wasn’t uncommon.

Oakley glanced over his shoulder. “It looks like you signed a winner.”

Rocky forced himself to focus on Oakley. He couldn’t stop smiling. Jakk made him proud as hell. “Don’t I always? I started with the best.”

A wry smile touched Oakley’s lips. “That was a long time ago. Now I’m old and slow. Not to mention in pain all the goddamn time.”

Oakley wasn’t old. Admittedly, he was past the prime for baseball, but age-wise, he wasn’t old. “I can’t imagine what you must think of me, then.”

A bark of laughter burst from Oakley. He motioned for Rocky to get started. “Show me why we’re meeting.”

Rocky dug out his phone and leaned Oakley’s way. He opened a PDF on the device and scrolled through the highlights of a contract for a sports convention appearance. It wasn’t a ton of money, but he knew Oakley enjoyed the travel and the expenses were covered.

Oakley nodded along. His gaze slid over Rocky’s shoulder again. “All that sounds good to me. Send it to me and I’ll get it signed. Do you want me to take care of your little problem so you can get out of here without being followed?”

Rocky shoved his phone back in his pocket. “I won’t pass on that deal. The quicker I get out of here, the faster I can get back to Jakk.”

Oakley winked. “I’ve got you.”

Rocky watched him stand and head Eric’s way. On the sly, he looked on as Oakley accidentally on purpose bumped into Eric’s table, tipping over a beer in his lap. The moment Eric was distracted by Oakley’s profuse apologies and attempt to clean up his mess, Rocky made his break. He was out the door before Eric looked back up again. An evil smile pulled at his lips as he hailed a cab. It was time to get back to his man. He didn’t want anything to slow him down. Fuck Eric. Jakk was his now. He wouldn’t give him up.

The nightclub was loud and the neon lights made Jakk’s head hurt. He tried desperately to smile and enjoy himself. Instead, he couldn’t stop thinking about how he hadn’t heard from Rocky all day. Jakk didn’t want to disturb him, in case he was still in meetings. The day had been a series of highs and lows. They had won. Everyone excitedly celebrated. Everywhere he looked, all Jakk saw were fake friends. Fake people. He didn’t feel the same way about a lot of things any longer. There was no going back.

A beer appeared in front of his face. “I’m surprised you’re not out there dancing with your team. Aren’t you the reason they won?”

At the words spoken against his ear, Jakk spun. Rocky stood behind him. He was all smiles and travel mussed. He was fucking gorgeous. “You’re here.” His huge smile hurt his face. He was so fucking happy.

Rocky shook the beer at him. “You deserve this.”

Jakk didn’t give a fuck about the beer. He wanted to haul Rocky against him and take the kiss he craved. Instead, he caved to society and accepted the beer. “I thought you couldn’t make it.”

Rocky shrugged. He looked pleased with himself for getting the drop on Jakk. “Oakley can be an easy client when he’s in the mood. He rushed so I could get back to you.”

Something fluttered in Jakk’s chest. “You told him about us?”

Rocky’s expression changed. He looked uncomfortable. “Sorry. I didn’t think to run that by you first. He won’t say anything if you don’t want anyone to know.”

It hit Jakk. He didn’t want to hide. Jakk was tired of fucking hiding. The worst had already happened. He wouldn’t ruin this. “I’m fine with it if you are. It’s not like we’ve hidden. It’s not our fault people are blind.”

Rocky snagged the collar of Jakk’s shirt. “Maybe it’s a little our fault.” His mouth covered Jakk’s.

Jakk immediately surrendered. He forgot where they were or that they could be seen. Nothing mattered except the tongue stroking his.

Rocky pulled away a hair. “Do you really want to be here?”

Jakk shook his head.

“I say we go home and celebrate properly.”

Jakk nodded. There was nowhere he would rather be. He had found the one.