Chapter 16
SIXTEEN
JONAS
Adam’s house was full of people. Alain, Jerzy, Ingar and Adam splashed around in the pool while Noah, Tito and Udo chilled in the jacuzzi. Edi was dawdling in the bathroom.
House music boomed out of hidden speakers. Adam’s house teetered on the right side of tacky. Jonas had already spotted a few things he might gently suggest were replaced. Now they were getting on an even keel again.
He walked along the tiled floor and looked up at the curved glass ceiling. The weather was pretty awful. Jonas made a mental note to come back in the summer. A skinny dip with the sunshine beating through the windows would be amazing.
“Are you getting in?” Adam shouted.
“I reckon I’ll have some bubbles first.”
They were making great efforts to avoid each other without looking like that was what they were doing. Jonas needed to talk to Adam properly about how they were going to continue with this affair.
Clearly, they would have to be way more discreet. Especially now the watchful eye of Javier was on them.
“Come into the gay soup,” Tito shouted.
Jonas stepped into the water. It was the perfect temperature to give his muscles instant relaxation. He grinned to himself when he remembered some of the things he and Adam had got up to in here. He would absolutely love to shock them.
“Ah, amazing,” Jonas said. “Why don’t we have one of these at the apartments?”
“I’m going to have a pool in my next place,” Tito announced. “What about you, Noah?”
Noah shook his head. “I told you. I want somewhere small with a view.”
“Mr Imaginative,” Tito replied. “You have tons of cash.”
“My dad always told me to save as much as possible,” Noah said. “You never know what the future holds.”
“Sounds boring to me,” Tito replied.
Poor Noah was no match for Tito. He seemed to know everything. Jonas admired his confidence, even if it got annoying at times.
“How’s things in your world, Udo?” Jonas asked.
Udo leant back and closed his eyes. “Pretty fucking good. We’re talking about moving in together. I rent now and it seems a waste of time buying my own place.”
“I heard Steven has a nice pad,” Jonas replied.
“It’s amazing. I’m there most of the time anyway. What kind of house are you thinking of getting, Noah.”
The young lad sighed. “I want to build a place. Nothing fancy. A couple of bedrooms and a massive lounge. Then I can sit and watch the view.”
Tito groaned. “Then do it. You’ve been banging on about this for weeks.”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
“Find a plot of land that you like. Buy it. Get an architect. Job done.”
Edi was at the side of the jacuzzi. “Is there room for another?”
“Of course there is,” Udo said, shifting up. “Come on in.”
The young player slid into the water and sighed.
“I needed this,” he said.
Jonas wasn’t sure if Edi was unaware he was surrounded by all the gay players or if he didn’t care. He stole a glance in Adam’s direction. He was fixed on Edi. Pride all over his face.
God I love him.
“I think it sounds exciting,” Edi said to Noah. “Building your own place, I mean. Then you get to choose everything. I’d much rather do that.”
Noah positively beamed. “Thanks, Edi.”
“If you’re all getting houses next season, does that mean you are staying?” Edi asked.
“Sounds like it,” Jonas replied.
“I’m glad.”
Jonas’ eye caught Adam getting out of the pool. The way the droplets of water ran down his muscular body made Jonas’ balls ache.
I need to get my hands on him soon.
“Guys,” Adam said. “I want to say a few words.”
A sea of groans echoed.
“Shut up. My house. My rules.”
“Go on then,” Ingvar said. “Get it over with.”
Adam cleared his throat dramatically. “Jonas. That was a brilliant goal today.”
Jonas looked down. He couldn’t meet Adam’s eyes for fear of giving the game away. Instead he caught Udo watching him closely.
“Thank you,” he mumbled.
“I honestly think we have a chance at the cup,” Adam said. “Brockton haven’t had any silverware in the cabinet for over a decade. Imagine if we break that cycle.”
“You reckon it’s ours, Skipper?” Noah asked.
“I do, Noah,” Adam replied. “We’re playing better than we’ve ever done. Especially with you three on the team. I say we really fucking go for it. Let’s get to Wembley, boys.”
They all cheered.
“Who fancies a takeaway?”
“I’d better not,” Ingvar said. “I promised I’d get home for dinner.”
The huge Viking defender of Brockton FC climbed out of the pool.
“I’m in,” Jonas said.
The rest all nodded.
“Curry?”
“What about that Tibetan place in town?” Jonas suggested.
“Yeah,” Noah interjected. “We’ve eaten there loads.”
They all shot guilty looks at Udo who held his hands up.
“I’m not going to grass you up to Steven. You’re young enough to handle a few takeaways. Well, except for Jonas.”
“Bitch!”
“Right. Set meal for seven big strapping men it is. What’s it called?”
Jonas got out of the jacuzzi and grabbed a towel from the pile next to him.
“I’ve got it in my phone. I’ll come with you.”
Adam’s lip twitched as he turned and led Jonas through to the main house. Jonas watched that incredible arse filling his swimming shorts.
I’ll have cake for dessert.
They got to the kitchen where Jonas had left his bag. Before he reached into it, he grabbed Adam and kissed his neck.
“Fuck. You’re hot.”
Adam pushed him away. “Are you fucking crazy?”
“They’re all in the pool.”
“No they’re not. Ingvar is roaming free.”
How could he have forgotten?
“Shit. Sorry.”
His cheeks burning Jonas got his phone out of his bag and began to scroll.
“We need to be more careful if we’re going to keep our promise to Javier,” Adam said.
He sighed and leant against the kitchen counter. Jonas tried not to stare at his muscular chest. Those edible nipples. The trail down to…
This is going to be a lot more difficult than we realised.
“That was amazing with Edi,” Jonas said, desperate to turn the conversation to something more wholesome than the sinful desires sweeping through him.
“So amazing,” Adam replied. “Fifty Skipper points to him when I speak to Colin.”
Jonas shook his head. “Don’t remind me of those, thank you. Here it is.”
He went to connect the call when Adam’s hand on his stayed him.
“Are you coming tonight?” Adam asked.
“You’ve changed your tune. I was toxic a minute ago.”
Adam had the good grace to be embarrassed. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I got a bit in my head about everything. This is new territory.”
Jonas understood. It didn’t make life easy. “I can’t deal with you blowing hot and cold. It fucks with my paranoia. All I ask is that you talk to me.”
“I’m planning on making it up to you in ways that don’t involve talking.”
“I can’t,” Jonas replied. “I’ll go home with the others. It would be obvious if I hang around. Anyway, I’ve got an early appointment.”
Adam raised an eyebrow. “We have training tomorrow.”
“We’ll be there. Don’t fret. We’re officially opening the Tea and Toast club at the local church.”
“Church? Wait, is this a Howard Clooney production?”
“Kind of. Our new agent is coming too. I’ve only met him once so I want to be on my A game. How about I come round after training instead?”
Adam licked his lips. “I like the sound of that.”
Jonas checked over his shoulder. The lads were all joking about something, still submerged in water.
“I did want to speak to you about something,” Jonas said.
He had something else that needed airing and might not get a better opportunity. Jonas really wanted Adam’s opinion before he did anything.
“What?”
“I’m thinking of suggesting Anna does her further education here in the UK and stays with me.”
Adam’s brow furrowed as he took this information in.
To Jonas it was the perfect solution. It also gave him someone to unconditionally care for.
Adam’s recent shenanigans had thrown him for a loop.
It had exposed his vulnerability. Everyone in his life had a connection to football except Heidi.
Caring for Anna would give him as much as it would her.
“Are you ready for that?”
Jonas nodded. “She’s practically a woman. I believe she needs this more than me.”
“You’ve got that right. I think it would be an absolute lifeline for her.”
“Don’t tell the boss. I’m going to charter a flight next week. A couple of days in Stockholm will sort it,” Jonas said.
“What? You’ll be knackered for the weekend.”
“Hardly,” Jonas replied. “I’ll be in a five-star suite most of the time. I don’t think I’ll get more than a half-hour audience with my stepmother. “
Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I’ll go with you.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know but if it doesn’t go your way, you’ll need someone. Besides we both promised Anna we’d visit. I’m not a liar.”
Jonas wanted to throw his arms around this handsome and kind man stood before him.
“Thank you.”
Adam made a performance of looking left and right before planting a kiss on Jonas.
“You’re my man. Where else would I be?”
The next morning Jonas booked the private jet to fly them to Stockholm when there was a decent gap in their schedule. It was a wildly extravagant move yet one he could afford. Now he’d made the decision to help Anna, he wanted to get everything locked down.
The idea of going on an adventure with Adam also appealed. After the worry of Javier finding out, it would do them good to get out of the Brockton bubble. If only for a night.
It would also be nice to show Adam around his home city as well. He’d planned which restaurant they’d go to. Hopefully Tuva wouldn’t be so petty that she’d stop them taking Anna.
Before that he found himself in the back of Tito’s car.
“I had fun yesterday,” Noah said. “Adam’s house is decent.”
“A bit tacky,” Tito replied.
This kid seemed to have an opinion on everything.
“I can’t wait until next season,” Jonas said. “When we get to see Tito Lopes’ house shining in all its glory.”
Tito nodded. “I’ll show you how it’s done.”
Jonas realised he should probably think about house hunting himself. They had months yet. However buying property seemed to take a ridiculous amount of time in this country. He’d sold his flat in Canonbury. Unfortunately the paperwork had become stuck with some solicitor or other.
They pulled up at the church.
“I’m nervous,” Noah said. “What if they hate us?”
“Then we’ll get a free breakfast and bail,” Tito replied.
They all got out of the car. Howard waited for them, his foot tapping. He was resplendent in a bright blue suit and pink shirt. The PR man for Brockton never appeared anything less than perfect.
“Did you say Dean is coming today?” Jonas asked.
“There he is.”
Their new manager got out of his car. He’d also made an effort in a navy suit with white T-shirt. Howard obviously looked him up and down. Then glanced at his watch.
“Hey, Howie,” Tito said.
“Never call me that again,” Howard replied. “You’re nearly late.”
Dean joined them and shook hands with the three players.
“And who do we have here?” he asked Howard.
Howard reared up to his full five feet and nine inches. “I’m Howard Clooney. The Director of Public Relations for Brockton.”
“Dean Jack. The agent to these three groundbreakers.”
They shook hands.
“For future reference, we like to arrive a little early for engagements.”
Dean smirked. “Noted. Terrible traffic. Good goal yesterday, Jonas.”
Jonas nodded. “Thanks.”
“Follow me,” Howard said.
They all filed into the church. A friendly woman waited for them.
“Hello. I’m Miss Tregellas,” she said. “We’re very excited to have you here this morning.”
Jonas had no idea what kind of crowd they were going to pull. Neither Dean nor Howard had given them many details.
Miss Tregellas led them into a small room which contained around twenty people who all fell silent when they came in. They were a mix of men and women, mostly over sixty. It was gone nine on a weekday after all.
“The photographer from the Brockton Gazette is in the bathroom,” Miss Tregellas explained.
Howard checked his iPad. “We didn’t clear that.”
“Oh but—”
“I contacted him,” Dean said.
Howard glared. “I would appreciate any decisions to be run past me for events such as this, Mr Jack.”
“Noted, Mr Clooney,” Dean replied. “Once again, you have my apologies.”
“I don’t mind pictures,” Tito said. “Where do you want us?”
Miss Tregellas rubbed her hands together. “Pick a table.”
Noah glanced nervously. “We tend to have our breakfast set,” he explained. “For nutrition.”
“Relax,” Tito said, clapping him on the shoulder. “I’m sure a slice of toast won’t upset anyone.”
Jonas took a seat. Three older women and one older man stared at him.
“Which one are you then?” one woman asked. “I don’t bother with football.”
“I’m Jonas Haber,” he replied. “A pleasure to meet you.”
“Jeanette,” she said. “This is Roza and this is Paula. Your man over there is Stephen.”
Jonas nodded at them all. Jeanette had bright blonde hair that was set in a fashion he imagined hadn’t changed for many a decade. Roza had dark red hair and Paula brown. They were like a girl group from the Seventies.
“How often will you visit the Tea and Toast Club?” he asked.
“Let’s not mince words, Mr Haber,” Jeanette said. “My grandson tells me you’re all gay. Is that right?”
Jonas’ heart was pounding. He glanced around for Miss Tregellas but she was chatting with Tito’s table.
“Yes. That’s right.”
He would kill Howard and Dean for this. God forbid the photographer captured this moment for posterity.
Jeanette leant forward and helped herself to a slice of toast from a plate in the centre of the table.
“Very brave,” she said. “Can you pass me the marmalade?”
Jonas timidly obeyed her.
“Sorry. Brave?”
“Yes,” Roza said. “In football. We’re very impressed, you know.”
“You are?”
“Do you just repeat people’s words?” Jeanette asked. “I must say, I hope your feet are better than your mouth.”
Jonas giggled nervously. “In all honesty, you bloody terrify me.”
This made Jeanette throw her head back and roar with laughter.
“Oh now you’ve done it,” Stephen said. “She’ll be dining out on that for weeks now.”
Jeanette reached across and squeezed his hand.
“We had to check how you’d measure up. Brockton’s a tough town. A good town but a tough one. Mark my words. You’ll do okay.”
The rest of his breakfast companions all muttered their agreement. It appeared that getting the Jeanette seal of approval was a powerful thing.
Jonas grinned. “Thank goodness I passed the test.”