Page 75 of Off the Pitch

We jogged across the empty park to the four people who stood in a little huddle near the battered old goalposts at one end of the playing field. They were all wrapped in hoodies and jeans. The only thing that gave them away from the locals were their fancy labels and expensive trainers.

That and the fact that Hugo was balancing on an impressive set of crutches. Somehow, I didn’t think any of the locals had suffered a severe leg break two days before. I wasn’t even sure how he was on his feet.

Lily smiled as we got closer, practically throwing herself at her brother for a hug and whispering something I couldn’t hear in his ear. Liam, Jordan, and Hugo stood watching us with smiles that didn’t quite meet their eyes as they looked me up and down. Fuck, it was like meeting the family in the most terrifying way possible.

Well, this was instantly more frightening than I’d thought it would be. Perhaps I didn’t want the team to know after all if they were all going to look at me like a lion casually stalking its latest meal.

Christian hadn’t seemed to notice, though. Instead, he took my hand and squeezed it, turning to my executioners and beaming.

“Liam, Jordan, Hugo, this is my boyfriend David.”

My heart dropped through the floor the moment the words left Christian’s lips. I’d never expected to hear him say them out loud, especially not after everything we’d been through. I’d never heard anything more perfect either.

“Is that okay?” Christian asked, quietly, shooting me a nervous look as if he was worried that he’d said something wrong.

“It’s perfect,” I said, really wishing I could swoop him up and kiss him. I wasn’t sure if we were quite there yet, though. I settled for adding, “Just like you.”

Christian smiled and grabbed the front of my hoodie, pulling me in for one of his chaste but scorching kisses. Fuck, I wished we could just disappear back to his house and spend a couple of hours worshipping each other. Dammit, why had I been so keen to meet his friends again?

“That was quick.” Someone snorted beside us.

Christian’s face flushed, and he squeezed my hand tightly. “Well, it helps when you apologise a lot and admit to being a massive twat,” he said, shaking his head. “And when you actually know where you went wrong.”

Liam and Hugo nodded sagely, suggesting they both had some sort of experience in this area. Lily’s grin was more of the smugI told you sotype.

“It does,” Liam said. “What did I tell you? Communication is key.”

“Don’t you fucking lord your relationship over us,” Jordan said with a laugh. “You’re bad enough already.”

“I have to agree,” added Hugo, a wry grin on his face. “Liam is right.”

“C’mon, man. Not you too.”

I smiled as I watched them bicker until I was distracted by Christian gently pulling me to face him. “I really am sorry,” he whispered, his lips mere millimeters from mine.

“Keep saying that,” I said with a grin. “Maybe later you can show me how sorry you are? I hear being on your knees is a good place to start.” My words were quiet, barely audible to anyone but Christian. He gasped softly, pulling me in for another deep kiss that was probably bordering on not quite suitable for the public.

“Oi,” Jordan called. “Don’t make me get a hose.”

“At least they’re keeping it tasteful,” Hugo added.

“Don’t you fucking start,” Jordan grumbled. “I can take you back to the hospital!”

Christian stepped back from me, a bright flush decorating his cheeks. I grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

“Aw, are you jealous?” I said, shooting Jordan my best shit-eating grin.

“You’ll understand one day,” Liam added, putting his hand on Jordan’s shoulder.

“Shut up! I thought we were gonna play?”

“Play?” I raised my eyebrow at Christian, who shrugged innocently.

“I thought it would be fun.”

“Says you. I haven’t played in years,” I said.

“That’s okay. You can be goalie,” Lily added, suddenly producing a ball and a wicked grin. “Right, let’s split into teams.”

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