Running Back (Sporting Pride #1)

Chapter Nine

It was hard to believe it had been a year since Jakk first touched him and put Rocky out of his misery. They were back to where it all started in Pickering. The same party went on around them. Just as much alcohol flowed. Rocky still couldn’t take his eyes off Jakk. That was also the safest way to avoid Storm’s constant I-told-you-so looks. That was fine. Storm had obviously seen something between them the first time he met Jakk. Rocky was so fucking grateful he hadn’t been wrong.

Jakk slowly moved with him on the dance floor, keeping time with the music. Their wedding was right around the corner, and they needed this break. Despite having hired someone to handle everything, there was still a lot of stress that went into a big wedding. Rocky would have been happy with something small or even just them with a justice of the peace. Jakk was the one who insisted the world see their love. Sometimes Rocky wondered if Jakk even realized how much he changed from the man who hadn’t wanted anyone to know about his sexuality. More than that, Rocky wondered if Jakk understood how every decision he made proved how right Rocky had been to give him a chance. No one could possibly understand how terrified he had been of Jakk. He was so fucking grateful he hadn’t missed out on this life.

Rocky automatically tightened his hold on Jakk at just the thought of not having this.

Jakk’s lips brushed his collarbone. “You good?”

Rocky smiled at the question. Jakk always worried about him. “Perfect, actually.”

He felt Jakk smile against his skin. “Could I make you more perfect?”

“I mean, you could try.”

Jakk’s body shook with laughter, making Rocky’s smile grow. “Okay. I have an idea.” He took Rocky’s hand and led him off the dance floor. Rocky was onboard as soon as Jakk headed upstairs to their bedroom. He never got enough of Jakk.

Jakk led him to the bed. “Sit.”

Rocky did as told. His smile never wavered. He hoped Jakk was getting ready to do a strip show or something. There was nothing sexier than Jakk’s nude body.

Jakk moved to his overnight bag and came out with a magazine. A hint of confusion creeped in, but Rocky stayed put. Jakk sat cross-legged on the bed and flipped through the magazine before passing it Rocky’s way opened to a specific page. “This is an early edition.”

Rocky checked the front. It was a big name sports magazine. He returned to the article. There was a page-sized image of Jakk in uniform on one page. On the other, there was an interview. Rocky read. There were the usual stats and praise of Jakk’s performance last season. From there, things got personal.

Interviewer: Talk to us about your fiancé.

Jakk: Sure. What would you like to know?

Interviewer: I think a lot of people were surprised for you to move so quickly from the controversy of your outing to announcing your engagement. What happened?

A look of wonder passes over Jakk’s features. He shrugs. Jakk: I guess when you’ve met the one, you know it. Rocky and I started out with everything in common and a fast friendship. From day one, it was like we had known each other forever. I was under a lot of stress and dealing with a huge sense of betrayal. Rocky got that. He was there. Honestly, he’s my best friend and I can’t marry him fast enough.

Rocky’s throat swelled. Tears swam in his eyes, but he kept reading.

Interviewer: For those who don’t know, Jakk is set to marry Rocky Zeal this October. Rocky is a highly sought after sports agent and retired professional basketball player. The only question I have left is, are we invited to the wedding, and will there be an open bar?

Jakk: {laughing} You’re welcome to come, Chuck, but it’ll be a closed event otherwise, and yes. There’ll be an open bar.

Interviewer: You might just see me there. Let Rocky know I said congratulations on your upcoming nuptials.

There was more, but Rocky only skimmed the rest. He was moved beyond words. He met Jakk’s stare. His throat didn’t want to work. His voice came out sounding scratchy. “Thank you for this.”

Jakk looked confused. “Why are you thanking me?”

It hit Rocky. Everything Jakk did was purely out of love. He didn’t realize how he saved Rocky every day. His genuine love wiped away every terrible memory from his past. “For loving me,” Rocky said, for lack of a better explanation.

Jakk took the magazine and set it aside before crawling Rocky’s way and tumbling him onto his back. He straddled Rocky’s body. “You never have to thank me for loving you. That’s literally the easiest thing I’ve ever done. Now, give me my kisses.”

A laugh burst from Rocky at Jakk’s growly-sounding demand. “Come get them.”

“Challenge accepted.” Jakk shifted positions, molding against Rocky. His arousal couldn’t be missed as their bodies met. The heated expression Jakk wore as he lowered his head had Rocky ready to beg for more than sex. He wanted their forever to look just like this. Rocky needed every one of Jakk’s kisses. Most of all, Rocky wanted Jakk for the rest of their lives. There was no greater blessing.