Chapter 74
What the hell did Alfie know about keeping two people happy? He never managed to have a relationship. He’d tried the hook up thing after Carlos cut himself out of Alfie’s life. He could get aroused even if he wasn’t attracted to someone.
There had never been anything beyond that, and that was not what he wanted.
It had been different with Rhys. From even before the first time they kissed. He should have known the man so full of energy, who stared right into his soul, would be the undoing of him.
He wasn’t sure he’d have it any other way. Not even if it meant bringing someone else in. Especially someone who seemed to understand Rhys.
Maybe better than Alfie could himself.
So, no, Alfie wasn’t running. Not now that he could see how much his turning away from Rhys had been hurting him. Which was the exact opposite of what he’d wanted to do.
Rhys moved over to his bed, swaggering just as much here as he did out on the field. He thought that was mostly for show, but why would Rhys think he had to put up an act here for them?
Rhys flopped onto the bed. “How do you want me?“
Mel grabbed his hand, pulling him back up to sitting. “This isn’t only about what we want,” they said. “You are part of the equation as well. I thought we’d already been over this last night.”
Alfie furrowed his brow as he followed their conversation. “That was yesterday, though,” Rhys said. “Surely you want to receive just as much as you give. You can’t always be the one giving.”
“Are you?” Mel demanded.
“I get a lot out of it, too,” he insisted.
Alfie took a step back as the truth hit him. “You always do it,” he said. “I practically have to hold you down to accept pleasure.” He realized what he’d said then. “I didn’t mean… I just…”
Mel let out a quick laugh. “Nothing wrong with a bit of light bondage, if that’s what you’re into.”
“I did not mean that. But, I see what you are saying. He wants to make everyone else feel good. He does the same with the team.”
“I do not,” Rhys protested, leaning forward. “I have never even so much as kissed any of them.”
“That is not what I meant,” Alfie said. “You are seeing what they need, how to make things better for them. You do not ask any of us to help make things easier for you.” He couldn’t believe he’d never seen how deep that went for Rhys before.
“That’s not your job.”
“Why is it yours?”
“Because I’m the damn catcher. If I didn’t do that, then what good would I be to anyone?”
“You would still be a member of the team,” Alfie said. “You would still be my best friend. Your worth isn’t due to how much you do for the team.”
“Or on you bringing pleasure to everyone else,” Mel said. “It’s not about how much you can give. Not when we’re all here together.”
“What other use do I have?”