Chapter 9
NINE
NOAH
As Noah had predicted, it had certainly been a tough week. Now the team had focused entirely on the FA Cup, they were training like they’d never done before. Javier remained convinced they could win this. His enthusiasm spilled into the team. Everyone was fired up.
The focus wasn’t just the urge to win. The club chairman, Jamie Walter, had made it clear that if there wasn’t some silverware in the cabinet at the end of the season, Javier and Stephen would be sacked. He’d also hinted that it wouldn’t end there.
Noah, Jonas and Tito were all sure that meant them. They’d arrived in a blaze of publicity. Yet board members had been against it. They would be more than happy for an excuse to get rid of them and put it down to a mistake on Javier’s part.
Noah kicked off his boots in the locker room. The weather had been particularly gruesome and they were all caked in mud. He soon stripped out of his soaking and cold kit.
As he walked through to the showers, his teammate Edi joined him.
“You okay?” Edi asked.
This young lad had come a long way since the start of the season. At first he’d been nervous to shower with the gay players. Now he wandered around totally naked with them.
“Yeah. Feels like things have ramped up a bit.”
Edi nodded. “It’s exciting.”
He usually had a different way of seeing things from Noah. Edi searched for the positive while Noah focused too much on the negative.
“You’re right,” he said. “It is exciting.”
They stood next to each other in the showers. It was bliss when those jets hit his frozen bones.
“Shit. That’s good.”
“Hey, Farman. What’s going on with your brother’s league?”
The question came from Udo. Someone Noah had the utmost respect for. After all, his public stand over his relationship with assistant coach, Steven Cox, had been the catalyst for Noah, Tito and Jonas to come to Brockton.
“I got the figures this week,” Noah replied. “It’s a lot. Guess I’ll have to nag Deano to get me more work. Plus if we get that bonus, I should be right.”
He leant his head back so the warm water ran over his face. He wanted to signal a full stop to that conversation. After the party, Noah didn’t want his private life picking over again.
In no time the conversation moved onto the formations they should be using that weekend. Noah finished soaping himself down and let the shower do its work.
Once done he set off to the locker room.
“You on warp speed today, Noah?” Adam asked.
“I’ve got a handsome man waiting for me in the car park, Skipper. I’m only human.”
Adam winked.
“Have fun.”
Oh he would. Noah was guilt-ridden that he hadn’t seen Carmine since the weekend. So he’d arranged a surprise to make it up to him.
With that in mind, he quickly threw his clothes on and dashed out of the training facility.
Sure enough the most gorgeous guy he’d ever set eyes on waited in the car park.
That sexy smile spreading over his face when he saw Noah.
He had on a parka with a faux fur trim. It framed his features perfectly.
“You should have come in,” Noah said, jogging over to him.
“I’m not hanging around the reception like a groupie,” Carmine replied.
“And you prefer the car park?”
Noah scooped him into his arms and held him.
God that smell. I’ll never get enough.
Carmine looked up at him.
“It’s good to see you.”
“You too. Come on, let’s get on the road.”
He half dragged Carmine over to the car.
“Did you pack a bag?”
Carmine spun round, revealing his backpack.
“As ordered. What are we doing? Not all-night bowling, I hope.”
Noah chuckled as he popped the locks.
“Not quite. Something a bit more relaxing this time.”
They both got into the Range Rover. Instant heat warmed them from the elements outside.
“Go on then,” Carmine said. “Stop teasing.”
Noah leant forward. “For a kiss.”
Carmine obliged. The touch of his lips sending warmth flooding through Noah’s system better than any car’s system could.
“Okay,” he said as he sat back. “I’ve hired a shepherd’s hut outside Skipton. How do you fancy snuggling up under soft blankets with the only light coming from a log burner?”
“Oh you know how to turn a guy on,” Carmine replied.
He kissed Noah again.
“Let’s go,” he said excitedly. “Shit. We’ll have to call in at a supermarket on the way.”
“Nope,” Noah replied. “There’s a full hamper waiting for us.”
“My hero.”
Noah fired the Range Rover into action and they drove out of the car park. It was time to close off from the world for a while.
They got to the place just before three. They would be losing the light soon. It was one of those grey January days that gave precious little at all.
“Are you sure they’ll keep this confidential?” Carmine asked as they pulled into a small car park.
“Definitely,” Noah replied. “Jonas and…Jonas has been here and is quite friendly with the owner. He’s thinking of getting one in his garden when he moves.”
Carmine studied him. “You’re keeping something from me.”
Shit.
“No I’m not. Okay actually I am. You can’t ask me, all right? And that’s all I’m going to say on the matter.”
“I’m glad you made everything so clear.
“It’s nothing to do with you or me otherwise I’d tell you. I promise.”
“Fine. I trust you.”
He kissed him. They held hands as they walked on the field. There were six wooden chalets spaced well away from each other.
“Isn’t anyone going to greet us?” Carmine asked.
“Nope. The key is in a safe and I’ve got the code.”
Noah steered Carmine toward the one he’d chosen. A circular wooden structure with glass doors. It sat on a slight hill, overlooking a tarn in the distance.
“Are we living amongst the hobbits?” Carmine asked.
He ran forward and peered into the camping pod.
“It’s gorgeous,” he said, turning to Noah.
The excitement on his face was adorable.
“Only the best for you,” Noah replied with a wink.
“Wonder what time the others will arrive,” Carmine pondered.
“Others?”
Carmine pointed to the other pods in the field. “Our neighbours.”
Noah grabbed his hand. “We’re not having any. I booked all six for the night.”
Carmine cackled. “Wildly extravagant.”
“I got a deal,” Noah replied.
“I’m sure you did.”
Noah frowned. Did Carmine think he was cheap?
I’m careful and for good reason.
They found the little safe and Noah retrieved the key.
“Wait,” Carmine said.
“What?”
Carmine kissed him. “Thank you. This is so thoughtful.”
Noah grinned.
Inside, the wooden walls were painted a dusky pink, which paired perfectly with the oak flooring. Against one wall was a double bed complete with throws. The log burner had already been lit with a decent supply of wood lying beside it.
“It’s gorgeous,” Carmine said, taking the time to inspect everything.
A small bathroom lay off the kitchen area.
“It’s got a shower,” Noah said.
Carmine came up and snuggled into his back. “Are you thinking of getting dirty?”
Noah spun round and wrapped his arms around Carmine.
“How about we get clean, then get dirty, then get clean all over again?”
“I like the sound of that. Get your clothes off.”
Later in the flickering orange glow from the fire, they lay in each other’s arms. The wind whipped through the trees lining the field. It didn’t matter. They were so cosy the outside world could be a million miles away.
“This is amazing,” Carmine said. “I needed a break so badly.”
“It’s to make me feel better too,” Noah replied. “I’m sorry I haven’t seen you this week.”
“Hey. You have some big matches coming up. I understand. Besides, guess who’s got another new client.”
Noah sat upright. “Really? You never said.”
“I didn’t think you’d be that interested.”
Carmine knelt back and replumped his pillows.
“Quickly,” Noah urged. “You’re letting all the heat out.”
Carmine stole a kiss. “We can make plenty more of that. Don’t worry.”
Once they’d perfected the pillows they snuggled down.
“Come on then. Who’s your client?”
Carmine settled his head on Noah’s chest. “A developer who’s got a plot of land on the outskirts of town.”
“That’s amazing. Well done.”
Noah kissed the top of his head. Happiness really was in this moment.
“I could lie here forever,” Carmine said.
As if to punctuate the thought, his stomach growled.
“I think you might need to eat. Let’s see what’s in the hamper.”
He gently extracted himself from Carmine’s arms and slid out of the bed. The cool air hit him hard. The hosts had left a large wicker basket on a small table.
“Do you need a hand?” Carmine asked exceedingly unconvincingly.
Noah chuckled. “No, my love. You stay there.”
Carmine settled back happily. “I will. I’m enjoying the view.”
In response Noah wiggled his arse. Deftly he unbuckled the leather ties on the hamper. He opened it to reveal all sorts of goodies.
“I’m going to have to turn the light on,” he said.
“Okay. I’ll brace myself.”
Noah flicked the switch. The camping pod was bathed in light. They both shielded their eyes.
“Bright light. Bright light,” Carmine squealed and dove under the covers.
“I’m not getting team from this mission.”
The mound of duvet in the centre of the bed quivered. “Sorry. Sometimes it’s best to go solo.”
Noah shook his head. There were olives, cheeses, a fruit platter and some gorgeous smoked salmon. All preapproved by Noah. Although he wouldn’t be telling Carmine that. Carmine already had him down as a control freak about his diet and lifestyle.
He’d ordered a bottle of wine. He would have a taste, and it wasn’t fair to deprive Carmine of his pleasures.
“Are you okay out there,” came a muffled voice.
“Yes thank you. Hold firm. I’ll return to HQ imminently.”
“Roger that. Or anything else you’d like.”
He put bits from everything onto one plate. The cold was pissing him off now. He threw another log onto the burner.
With shaking hands, he opened the bottle of wine with a pop.
“Sounds marvellous,” Carmine shouted.
“Your words of encouragement are so vital to me.”
Again the mound quivered.
Noah poured a tiny amount in one glass and filled up another. He placed them on the bedside table along with the plate of treats.
“Okay. I’m coming in.”
Carmine wriggled into view and held open the duvet. Noah dove inside and wrapped his body around Carmine’s, who let out a yell.
“You’re freezing.”
“Warm me up then.”
To his credit, Carmine rubbed Noah all over. Very enthusiastically.
Noah kissed him.
“Thanks. Food first. Then you can do that again.”
He held the plate to Carmine, who took some bits.
“A picnic in bed,” he said, munching on a grape. “I think that’s a first. It’s like the best bits of camping.”
Now they were in the lowlight again, there was such an intimacy.
Noah studied Carmine’s face.
“What are you looking at?”
“You.”
“Weirdo.”
Noah grinned. Carmine made him weird and he liked it.
He took a tiny sip from his glass.
“Steady on there,” Carmine said. “You need to make that thimble of wine last.”
Noah shoved him. “Don’t take the piss.”
“Sorry. I’ve never known anyone this intense about their craft.”
“I do take it seriously. I’ll relax over summer. I promise.”
Carmine raised an eyebrow. “Are you suggesting we keep doing this until the summer?”
“I think a lot longer than that.”
They stared into each other’s eyes.
“Me too,” Carmine said. “Thank you for bringing wine for me.”
Noah shrugged. “Once I’ve got that bonus, I’ll buy you champagne.”
Carmine took a healthy swig from his glass.
“Tell me it’s none of my business, but you don’t splash the cash like your teammates. Are you saving up to buy a castle?””
Then his face dropped.
“Sorry, ignore me. I know you don’t like talking about stuff like that.”
This moment was overdue and it was time. Noah took Carmine’s free hand.
“I’m creating a trust fund for my brother,” he explained. “He’s in assisted living and it’s really expensive. I need to be certain that if anything happened to me or my career, that I’d sorted him first.”
To his astonishment, Carmine’s eyes filled with tears.
“Wow,” Carmine said, squeezing his hand. “You’re fucking incredible.”
“Not really. Anyone would do that.”
“They would not. My brother would ship me off to the workhouse as soon as possible.”
Noah chuckled. “A likely story. So I’m sorry this isn’t a suite in Monaco.”
“I have nothing to wear for Monaco.”
Noah laughed.
“I don’t give a shit about things like that,” Carmine continued. “I was surrounded by so much luxury in California it was obscene. Believe me, this is so much nicer. My ex would make grand gestures. Didn’t stop him fucking every extra on set.”
How anyone could throw away love from Carmine baffled Noah. He treasured every drop.
“Lucky for me,” Noah said. “Or I wouldn’t have you.”
“True. I think I’m going to tell my parents.”
Noah was stunned. “Really?”
“Yeah. It’s getting silly now.”
“I agree. I said to Tito the other day that it’s unusual for someone your age to still be in the closet.”
Suddenly the air in the hut went significantly colder.
“What?”
“That sounds way worse than it did in context.”
Carmine dropped Noah’s hand. “You were discussing my age?”
“No. We were discussing how we’d all come out to our parents. Well, Ashley for me. Your age was a side thing. Don’t look like that.”
Carmine gave him a weak smile. “Sorry. I don’t mean to spoil tonight.”
Noah kissed him. “You haven’t. Come here.”
He drew him close.
I thought we’d got past this.