Chapter 27
Stephen
I wake up to the scent of Donovan surrounding me and I worry it’s a dream, until memories of yesterday remind me it’s real.
He’s lying in my arms; my body wrapped around him; soft snores escaping him as he sleeps.
Fuck, I missed this. We ended up spending the night at the clubhouse, once the BBQ ended and people started to leave, it made sense to go back to the room we’d used earlier and sleep here.
Nuzzling into his neck and inhaling deeply, I resist the urge to run my hand down his body and explore.
I’d kept my promise and fucked him a third time last night, granted it was after he properly introduced me to his friends and family, but still.
Three times in one day after not seeing each other for a month probably took a toll on his body, but fuck, he just takes me so well.
I stroke my hand down his stomach, wondering how he’d feel about being woken up with a blow job. It’s not something we’ve talked about before…
“Whatever you’re thinking, stop,” he murmurs.
“How did you know I was thinking something?”
“I can practically hear the cogs turning in your brain.”
“And why do you want me to stop?” I ask. “Maybe you’ll like what I’m thinking.”
“I’m sure I would, but you have a press conference to get ready for, and I’m exhausted after yesterday.”
“You wouldn’t have to do anything though, baby, I’ll do all the work.” I run my hand lower down his body, his cock hard and ready for me. I grip him, eliciting a moan. “You can just lie back and enjoy it.”
He grinds his ass back into me, my own cock jumping to attention, and it makes me groan.
“I was going to suck your cock, but are you asking for a fourth time in twenty-four hours?”
“Unless that’s too much for you?” he smirks.
“Brat,” I murmur, gripping his cock again. “Get the lube.”
I shift him so he’s on his knees, his arms wrapped around a pillow beneath his head, so he’s comfortable and supported.
Using the lube to get him ready, I revel in his sleepy moans before pushing my cock into him.
The last time I took him like this, it was quick and rough, so I purposely keep it slow, enjoying the sensations and teasing him with my long strokes.
He's not making it easy though, the way he’s arching his back is sexy as fuck.
“So good,” he moans.
“We’re gonna be able to wake up like this every day,” I say, continuing my lazy thrusts.
“Is that a promise?”
“Yes, baby, it’s a promise.”
Donovan agrees to come with me to the press conference, but he doesn’t want to be on camera, which I respect.
I’m just grateful that he’ll be there so I can start introducing him to people.
We’ve decided to stay at the clubhouse again tonight, because of their history and Slim’s military background the place is well protected, and I’d rather stay there than at Marcus’s house.
I really hope there won’t be any negative backlash from today, but I know I’ve got to be realistic too.
We’re driven to the stadium in a hired car with security guards, who drop us off in the underground parking lot to avoid the press. They’re all gathered outside the main entrance waiting to be allowed in, a mixture of eager and frustrated expressions.
“There’s so many of them,” Donovan whispers, his hand resting in mine on top of my thigh.
“Yeah, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” I chuckle.
“You’ll be great,” he says, squeezing my hand in reassurance. “So, remind me who I’ll be meeting today?”
I’ve already told him about everyone, so I know he’s just trying to distract me, but I’m grateful for it.
“Coach Matthews, Ted, Mindy, and Marcus,” I say, as he nods along with me.
The doors are opened for us, and we make our way into the building. There’s a figure in the distance and I’m glad that it’s Marcus we’re meeting first, knowing he’ll make Donovan feel at home.
“Hey bro,” he calls, smiling and pulling me into a hug when we reach each other.
“Hey, so Marcus, this is my boyfriend, Donovan. Baby, this is Marcus, our quarterback.”
A blush crosses Donovan’s cheeks as I introduce him and it’s cute as hell, him blushing at me calling him my boyfriend will never get old.
“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Marcus says, shaking his hand. “This guy hasn’t shut up about you for the last few weeks, moping around the house, pining over you. It’s nice to see him smiling again.”
Donovan laughs, “Moping and pining, wow, I like this guy.”
“Shut up, both of you,” I chuckle.
“Come on,” Marcus says, heading back the way he came from. “Everyone’s gathered already.”
We follow him to the press room, currently empty of journalists, but the main table has everyone sitting alongside each other, reviewing notes and making last minute changes.
“Stephen,” Mindy says, grinning as she sees us. “And this must be Donovan?”
“Uh… yeah,” he says shyly.
“Donovan has decided that he doesn’t want to be on camera, if that’s still okay?” I ask.
“Of course,” Mindy nods, before leaning closer to Donovan. “You can sit with me in the less scary seats.”
“Are there any changes I need to know about?” I ask.
“No, I think we’ve got everything sorted from our plans, but as I said, there’s going to be an element of reaction too when it comes to question time. But you’ll do great, now you really can just be yourself.”
“You’ve got this, bro!” Marcus punches me lightly. “And if in doubt, look at me, and I’ll jump in for you.”
“Thanks,” I say.
He’s so much more natural in front of the camera than I am, he makes this whole press thing look effortless. And with how supportive he’s been of me, and after the nights he’s spent listening to me talk about Donovan, I feel very comfortable with him speaking for me if needed.
He goes to see Ted and Coach Matthews, leaving me alone with Donovan who I pull into a hug.
“Are you sure you’re still okay with all of this?”
“Yes,” he nods, “I’m ready for everyone to know we’re together.”
“Me too. Though personally I’d rather skip the press conference altogether and get you somewhere alone so I can have my way with you again.”
“That’s really what you want to be thinking about before a million eyes are watching you live?”
“Baby,” I lean down and nip his jaw. “I’m always thinking about you like that.”
“Insatiable jock,” he mutters.
“Only when it comes to you.”
I give him a chaste kiss on the lips, not trusting myself with anything more than that right now.
“Alright everyone, places,” Mindy calls. “Donovan, you’re over here with me.”
We take our seats behind the table; bottles of water sit in front of us, but I’m scared to drink anything in case I spill it on me. It doesn’t take the press long to file in, but I keep my eyes on Donovan, the sight of him here supporting me calms my nerves.
“Welcome everyone,” Coach Matthews says, “we’re going to start today by making a few statements, before opening for questions.”
Flashes from cameras light up the space as he sorts his notes and prepares to speak.
“As head coach for the Warriors, my job is to lead us to win games. It’s not rocket science when you think about it.” Chuckles ripple through the crowd. “But something has been distracting me from that for the last few weeks, and that something is you, the press.
“I care deeply for all of our team members—whether that’s players, practice squad members, coaches—and over this last month, you have invaded the privacy of a young man that I’ve come to respect and admire.
“Throughout his life, all Stephen Choi has wanted to do is play football professionally. He got that opportunity, and I think you’ll agree that he played a blinder of a first pro-game.
He scored three touchdowns and helped lead us to victory.
But he wasn’t able to celebrate that, because instead, you decided to focus on his personal life.
That was a moment in his career that he’ll never be able to get back again.
“I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few weeks talking to Stephen, our wide receiver coach, Ted, and the owner of the Warriors, Rick Winters, about how we were going to navigate this.
And I’ve done that because I care about Stephen, and I want what’s best for him, both as a player, but also as a man who is just trying to live his life.
But these are discussions that we shouldn’t have needed to have, it was only because of your interference that we had to.
Now, I’m going to hand over to Stephen, as he has a statement that he would like to make. ”
A few of the reporters are squirming in their seats at his words, we hadn’t been sure if calling them out like this was the best way to start, but Coach was adamant they needed to be taught a lesson and given a taste of their own medicine.
“Thanks, Coach,” I say, clearing my throat and trying to focus on forming words.
“After my first game with the Warriors, questions were asked about my sexuality. They blindsided me because they were the last thing I was expecting. For all of my life, I’ve kept my sexuality private, knowing that it could interfere with my professional football career. ”
Camera flashes and shutter clicks fire off, and I have to blink to clear my vision a bit. I glance at the back of the room, Donovan is there, looking strong and nodding his head, behind me every step of the way.
“The truth is, that I do have a boyfriend. And even though my sexuality isn’t anyone else’s business, I’m proud to identify as pansexual, and, well, you can Google it if you don’t know what that means.”
My notes are blurring as my heart races and my mind blanks. I glance over at Marcus who nods and takes over without me even needing to ask.