Page 14 of Running Back

“Okay. You’re fired.”

Rocky looked as if Jakk slapped him.

He realized immediately that was the wrong strategy. “You’re rehired. Let’s get married.” Yeah, even Jakk couldn’t believe what he said. He heard himself. The words had simply popped out. But then, he didn’t stop. “I won’t have anyone questioning my love for you, especially you. You’re mine. More than that, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. That has nothing to do with your fucking job, or mine, for that matter.Yeah, you showed up and rescued me when everyone else turned their backs, but my career isn’t what you saved that night. It was me. My sanity and my heart. I was silently falling apart before you. There’s nothing I won’t do to prove I just want you.”

The way Rocky stared at him with hope bleeding from his eyes swelled Jakk’s chest. This was love. If anyone thought otherwise, they were dumb and blind.

“I don’t doubt you.”

Jakk gave him a sharp nod. “I don’t doubt you either. The moment you want to say yes, just tell me. I’m completely set to spend the rest of my life with you.”

A sweet smile touched Rocky’s lips. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Jakk kept the words matter of fact. He needed Rocky to take this seriously.

“I should finish dinner before it’s ruined.”

“In a second.” Jakk pressed a sweet kiss to Rocky’s lips. “Now you can go.”

The smile that lit Rocky’s face made every second of his life worthwhile. They both had a past, and it was obvious everything they had left behind wanted its pound of flesh. It wouldn’t be happening. This was real. They were solid. Jakk would be damned if anyone broke them.

Chapter Eight

Rocky:The movers just pulled away and I’m doing a final walkthrough with the cleaning crew. Then I’ll be on my way.

Jakk: I just left practice and am headed home now. So I’ll definitely have no trouble getting to the airport in time to pick you up. Were they able to get your car and everything? Do we need to make any trips back?

Rocky: They’re towing the car behind the truck. I’ll need to come back again to finalize the sale and all that, but otherwise that’s it and you know—even when I have to be here—I always come running back to you. You’re my new home now.

Jakk: Mmm. I love the sound of that.

Jakk: Practice ran late and I’m running behind. Remind me what you needed from the store.

Rocky:I was just about to text you. I ended up getting a delivery so you wouldn’t have to make an extra stop. All I need is you.

Jakk:You always have that.

Rocky:I can’t believe it’s already the final game of the playoffs. Good luck. You know I’m always rooting for you.

Jakk: I can’t believe how fast the last five months have gone with you. It feels like just yesterday when you rushed to the rescue after that first game of the season. No matter what happens tonight, these have been the best months of my life.

Rocky:Same.

Eric stared at the enormous screen, taking up most of the wall across the bar. It was fitting to see Jakk this way—larger than life. That was how Eric had always seen him. From day one, Jakk had been nothing more than a dream—one Eric had always been destined to wake from. He could still recall the exact moment he had realized the spark in Jakk’s eyes had been desire, and it was directed at him. His stomach had dropped to his feet. He had been completely terrified of taking a chance on that guy—the popular one. The closeted one. Then Jakk had kissed him and Eric had been completely lost. His heart hadn’t stood a chance. Then Jakk had entered the draft and landed a multi-million-dollar contract along with several sponsorships. At first, when Jakk had said Eric would be coming with him, Eric had been filled with so much hope. He had honestly believed that was it. Jakk had made it big, and the moment had come he would no longer be the secret. Eric had been so wrong—so painfullymistaken. Now, he was the villain. It was almost laughable. He was the one who lost everything, yet he was at fault. All the years of silent suffering meant nothing. Everything about the situation was a tough pill to swallow. But the worst part was this: the goddamn longing. For the rest of his life, he would get to watch Jakk conquer the world while he still ached alone. He couldn’t lie and say desperation hadn’t driven him down some dark paths. Eric had lied and manipulated, praying Jakk would finally just be his, but not for one second did he deserve this. Still, he couldn’t tear his gaze from Jakk on the screen, snow falling in steady fluffy flakes while Jakk looked completely unbothered by the cold. Strong. Sexy. Forever lost to Eric.

“My friend isn’t coming, so you’re wasting your time.”

The claim pulled Eric from his spiraling thoughts. A guy who looked vaguely familiar hovered over his table, but no matter how he searched his mind, the guy’s words didn’t make sense.

“Cool, I guess.”

He pulled out a chair and sat. His ridiculously light eyes stayed locked on Eric in a very uncomfortable way—almost as if he tried to intimidate him. “What’s the point in stalking him, anyhow?”

Eric had never been more confused, and that was saying a lot. “What in the fuck are you talking about?”

“This is the second time you’ve been here.”

Eric’s confusion grew. “Okay.” That was an odd thing to say because Eric came here all the time. A memory suddenly washed over him. “You’re the guy who spilled a beer on me.”

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