Chapter Eight
Rocky: The movers just pulled away and I’m doing a final walkthrough with the cleaning crew. Then I’ll be on my way.
Jakk : I just left practice and am headed home now. So I’ll definitely have no trouble getting to the airport in time to pick you up. Were they able to get your car and everything? Do we need to make any trips back?
Rocky : They’re towing the car behind the truck. I’ll need to come back again to finalize the sale and all that, but otherwise that’s it and you know—even when I have to be here—I always come running back to you. You’re my new home now.
Jakk : Mmm. I love the sound of that.
Jakk : Practice ran late and I’m running behind. Remind me what you needed from the store.
Rocky: I was just about to text you. I ended up getting a delivery so you wouldn’t have to make an extra stop. All I need is you.
Jakk: You always have that.
Rocky: I can’t believe it’s already the final game of the playoffs. Good luck. You know I’m always rooting for you.
Jakk : I can’t believe how fast the last five months have gone with you. It feels like just yesterday when you rushed to the rescue after that first game of the season. No matter what happens tonight, these have been the best months of my life.
Rocky: Same.
Eric stared at the enormous screen, taking up most of the wall across the bar. It was fitting to see Jakk this way—larger than life. That was how Eric had always seen him. From day one, Jakk had been nothing more than a dream—one Eric had always been destined to wake from. He could still recall the exact moment he had realized the spark in Jakk’s eyes had been desire, and it was directed at him. His stomach had dropped to his feet. He had been completely terrified of taking a chance on that guy—the popular one. The closeted one. Then Jakk had kissed him and Eric had been completely lost. His heart hadn’t stood a chance. Then Jakk had entered the draft and landed a multi-million-dollar contract along with several sponsorships. At first, when Jakk had said Eric would be coming with him, Eric had been filled with so much hope. He had honestly believed that was it. Jakk had made it big, and the moment had come he would no longer be the secret. Eric had been so wrong—so painfully mistaken. Now, he was the villain. It was almost laughable. He was the one who lost everything, yet he was at fault. All the years of silent suffering meant nothing. Everything about the situation was a tough pill to swallow. But the worst part was this: the goddamn longing. For the rest of his life, he would get to watch Jakk conquer the world while he still ached alone. He couldn’t lie and say desperation hadn’t driven him down some dark paths. Eric had lied and manipulated, praying Jakk would finally just be his, but not for one second did he deserve this. Still, he couldn’t tear his gaze from Jakk on the screen, snow falling in steady fluffy flakes while Jakk looked completely unbothered by the cold. Strong. Sexy. Forever lost to Eric.
“My friend isn’t coming, so you’re wasting your time.”
The claim pulled Eric from his spiraling thoughts. A guy who looked vaguely familiar hovered over his table, but no matter how he searched his mind, the guy’s words didn’t make sense.
“Cool, I guess.”
He pulled out a chair and sat. His ridiculously light eyes stayed locked on Eric in a very uncomfortable way—almost as if he tried to intimidate him. “What’s the point in stalking him, anyhow?”
Eric had never been more confused, and that was saying a lot. “What in the fuck are you talking about?”
“This is the second time you’ve been here.”
Eric’s confusion grew. “Okay.” That was an odd thing to say because Eric came here all the time. A memory suddenly washed over him. “You’re the guy who spilled a beer on me.”
His mouth lifted in one corner, making him look wicked as hell and letting Eric know that drink had been purposeful. “Like I said, you’re stalking my friend.”
Now that Eric recognized him, Eric knew exactly who he meant. “Rocky Zeal? The agent? Why would I bother stalking him?”
The first hint of discomfort lit the man’s features. “Well, I mean, you don’t live here in New York and he’s dating your ex. You don’t think it’s a little strange for you to turn up where he does?”
“He’s dating Jakk?”
The guy’s gaze slid away. There was no missing the pain in Eric’s question.
Eric fucking hated this continuous looking like a needy fool. He took a breath and squared his shoulders. “As it happens, I do live here. I’m sure most people don’t realize that—since I gave up every goddamn thing to be with Jakk—I lost everything when he kicked me to the curb. Since I have absolutely nothing now, I had to come here to live with my aunt. She’s the only family I have left with room for me. This place is the closest sports bar where I can watch Jakk’s games without being pitied or judged. Well, it was before today, anyhow.”
The more Eric spoke, the more the man across from him softened. That was good. Eric was so fucking exhausted by everyone’s anger and hatred. He was just tired, period. To his surprise, the guy held out his hand. “I’m Oakley.”
Despite his desire to be alone, Eric shook. “Eric.”
Oakley nodded and then motioned toward a nearby server, asking for two more drinks. Eric bit back an inner sigh. It seemed he wouldn’t get to peacefully wallow today. That was a fucking shame.
The excitement was high and the chatter nonstop as everyone showered. They had won the division. Rocky was too impatient to see Jakk. He was thrilled and proud as hell. No one could say Rocky had been thinking with his dick when he signed Jakk. Jakk was fucking amazing on the field. He was just as fantastic off the field too, but that was another story. Today had completely been Jakk’s day. He had won this game. Everyone knew it, especially Rocky. He couldn’t get to his man quickly enough.
Rocky saw Jakk near his locker. He didn’t make it two steps in his direction before someone stepped in his path.
“Hey, Rock. How have you been?”
His face greeted Jayme before his mouth. It was too late, but Rocky still tried to call his hate-filled expression under control. “I’m great. Excuse me.” He tried to keep moving. Rocky didn’t want to chat. He didn’t want to know how Jayme’s life was going.
Jayme didn’t let him pass. “I was hoping we could talk sometime.”
As Jayme made the claim, Rocky locked eyes with Jakk. The words sank in, and Rocky’s gaze snapped back to Jayme. He couldn’t stop the disgust from pulling at his features. “No.” He stepped around Jayme and headed for Rocky. The way Jakk’s eyebrows rose made Rocky realize how enraged he must look. He tried rearranging his features. When he reached Jakk’s side, he didn’t have to fake it. He was happy as hell.
“Hey, baby. You did it!”
Jakk smiled. He stole a quick kiss. “What was all that with Jayme?”
Rocky shrugged it off. “He wanted to talk shop, and all I wanted was to get to you. I honestly didn’t mean to look so irritated.”
For a moment, Jakk simply stared at him without responding. In the silence, Rocky knew Jakk saw everything. Jayme had been one of the clients to use him. Rocky had dropped him once he had realized.
A sad smile tugged at Rocky’s lips. “Please let it go.”
Jakk’s hardened features softened. His gaze moved over Rocky’s face. “If that’s what you want. Everyone is headed to Emerson’s nightclub again to celebrate. Are you game, or would you rather go home?”
He would rather go home. Rocky couldn’t say that. This was Jakk’s moment. “This is your night. Your team probably wants to make sure you know they’re not oblivious. This game was all you.”
Jakk shrugged and pulled on a shirt. “Not really. I can’t do shit without a good quarterback and protection. Nothing is ever just one person in sports.”
He was so humble. Rocky was so in love. There would never be anyone more perfect for him. No one could make him happier. “I’d like to accept your offer.”
Jakk froze in the middle of grabbing his bag. His gaze moved to hold Rocky’s stare. He didn’t play dumb, but he also didn’t assume anything. “Is that a yes to my marriage proposal?”
Rocky slowly nodded. “That’s a yes.”
“Woot!”
Rocky startled at the sudden shout.
Heads turned their way as Jakk grabbed Rocky and hauled him in for another kiss. He wore a huge grin as he pulled away and pointed at Rocky. “He’s marrying me!”
To his shock, Rocky’s face heated. People congratulated them. He had no idea why he blushed. It was a bit like getting the birthday song sung to him in the middle of a crowded restaurant. He didn’t know where to look or what to say. Thankfully, Jakk had his hand and led him out before he melted to the floor.
Jakk had driven to the stadium. Rocky had come later in an Uber. Now, all Rocky had to do was sit in the passenger seat and disappear inside his thoughts. He had really just done that. Rocky had agreed to marry Jakk. Jakk hadn’t even considered keeping it a secret. Wow. Jakk genuinely loved him. It felt fucking amazing.
Rocky swore he only blinked and Jakk pulled into their garage. “What happened to going to Emerson’s?”
Jakk flashed him a smile. “Truthfully, I didn’t really want to go. Then you gave me something even better to celebrate.”
Rocky leaned his head back against the headrest and stared at Jakk. He was beautiful. “You should probably forgive your teammates one of these days. It’s obvious they’re trying.”
Jakk killed the engine before meeting his stare. “No. They’re not. Not really. I’m unabashedly living my life whether they accept it or not. What you see is them having no choice if they want me to help them win. That’s not real acceptance. Not that it matters.” He opened the door and climbed from the car, leaving Rocky to follow suit. “I no longer care what they think. They’re my coworkers. That’s it. You’re the love of my life. You’re the only opinion that matters.”
“Well, aren’t we a pair of bitter bitches?”
Jakk chuckled as he unlocked the door. “Nah. We’re just living for each other. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Jakk turned as they entered the house. He walked backward and held Rocky’s hips. “And I fully intend to live for you.”
He already did. Rocky saw it every day. He closed the gap between them and stole this kiss he wanted. “Thank you for loving me.” The words came out in a whisper. Rocky couldn’t help it. Jakk kept him moved. No one else could love him better.
Jakk rode a high he couldn’t even put into words. Everything he had worked toward slowly became a reality and then there was Rocky. When Jakk had popped the question, it had been a heat of the moment kind of thing. Now that some time had passed, and Jakk had time to think, he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Rocky with the power of seven suns. Rocky agreeing to marry him was everything.
Jakk held up one finger. “Just wait right here for a second.”
Rocky looked confused, but he didn’t budge as Jakk rushed down the hall. He dug through his dresser until he found the box he had stashed. Jakk skipped down the hall like a kid, making his way back to Rocky. Rocky’s bright smile made his antics worthwhile.
“Are you completely sure you want to marry me?”
Rocky’s expression softened. “Of course.”
Jakk gave him a sharp nod. “Good.” Jakk popped open the box and pulled the ring from inside. “Then I’d love it if you wore this.” Rocky’s shock had Jakk ready to pat himself on the back. Two days after proposing, Jakk had bought Rocky a ring. He wanted to be prepared if Rocky actually said yes. Now he was grateful as hell for his forethought. Rocky looked moved beyond words.
Jakk slipped the ring onto Rocky’s hand. Something moved inside his chest as he did. The moment was more powerful than even he expected. His throat swelled. This was really happening. When his chin lifted and their eyes met, Jakk’s breath caught. Rocky felt as much as Jakk. It was in his eyes. This was real love. They equally wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.
His phone rang. Jakk’s shoulders fell. There was always a distraction around every corner. He checked his phone. “It’s Mom.”
“I’ll grab us drinks.”
They shared a quick kiss and headed in opposite directions. While Rocky went to the kitchen, Jakk moved to the couch. He answered as he sat.
“Hello?”
“Hey, baby. I saw your game. Congratulations! You did amazing.”
“Thank you.”
“I tried to wait as long as possible to call so I wouldn’t catch you at the stadium, but you know me. It’s almost my bedtime.”
“I’m home. So it’s fine.”
“Good. That gives us time to talk.” A smile snapped to Jakk’s lips. She would have talked no matter what, and they both knew it. His mom kept going, proving his thoughts. “I ran into Eric last week at the store. He was in town visiting his mom in memory care. It’s so sad. He’s been through so much.”
Jakk swallowed his annoyance. “You know we broke up a while back, Mom.”
She sighed. “I know, but you two were together for so long, and you were so cute together. A part of me keeps hoping you’ll work things out. You were all he had.”
Fuck. He wished everyone would stop making him feel guilty for doing what was best for himself for once. “Actually, I’ve been dating someone else for a while now, and I’ve asked him to marry me. He said yes.”
Silence met his confession. It dragged on before his mom finally broke it. “Were you cheating on Eric?”
Jakk rolled his eyes. “No, Mom. I wasn’t cheating on Eric. You know things weren’t good for a long time. I had time to grieve us before we even ended. If anyone should understand that, it’s you.” It was a bit of a crappy thing to say. His parents’ marriage had been ugly for years before his mom finally filed for divorce. Then his dad had died of a widow maker before anyone even learned they had split. Mom had gotten his life insurance, and everything had worked in her favor. She shouldn’t fault him for wanting to be happy again.
“What’s his name?”
Jakk released the breath he had been holding. “Rocky. He’s a sports agent.”
“Oh. Is this the same guy who rushed to your rescue?”
He automatically smiled. “It is. You’ll love him.”
“You’re my son. I’m always on your side, so I’m sure I will. We need to talk about Christmas. If he’s coming, I need to get him a gift. I don’t want him sitting around watching everyone else open presents.”
His mom always came through. “He’ll be there.” Rocky appeared in the doorway. Jakk’s eyes immediately followed his every move as he crossed the room to sit with Jakk. “When are we doing it this year?” They always waited and celebrated Christmas in January, since Jakk’s game schedule always made it nearly impossible for him to go home for any length of time that mattered. They liked to spend time together. That didn’t happen if Jakk had to rush right back to Minnesota.
His mom started talking about dates and explaining her reasoning when comparing it with his schedule, since they had made it past the playoffs. This year, it looked like things would be pushed all the way to the end of February or March. He listened as Rocky played with his fingers. It hit him exactly how perfect life felt. Quiet. Peaceful. It was nice. They were everything he hadn’t known he had been searching for. Jakk brought Rocky’s hand to his mouth and kissed it. For the first time, life felt completely flawless.