Page 99 of Lost Boy
I turn to Sofie next, who has tears in her eyes, and I just fuckingknowwe’re getting a scrapbook. She jumps up and throws her arms around my neck. I catch her waist as she dangles there. “Love you, big bro, and I’m so, so proud of you.” She kisses me on the cheek, and I set her down before swallowing the lump in my throat and turning to Dad.
“Mijo.Is this what I think it is?”
“Yeah, Dad. Talk later?”
“Of course.”
He gives me a big embrace, whispering similar sentiments in my ear as my sister, further solidifying how much I love this family of ours, Joel and Fallon included. “I’m so proud of you and the man you’ve become. Congratulations on all of it.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I mumble, needing to get back to the court.
I take one last look at Fallon, flashing a huge grin, and he gives me a small one in return that makes my stomach flip. His smiles are something special and rare. Just like he is.
I cannot wait to finish the ceremonies, eat dinner, and go home with just my boyfriend. The boyfriend that everyone now knows I have.
I expect my phone to blow up; it probably already has. But I’m turning it off for the whole weekend. I can deal with school gossip on Monday.
For now, I’m going to celebrate my win and enjoy being gay and out with my boyfriend.
I jog down the stands and back to the team, where I’m greeted with loud cheers and quite a few hugs. Being accepted and welcomed back with open arms has an annoying lump forming in my throat that I’m forced to swallow past.
Cole gives me a big squeeze and whispers into my ear, “Bro, that was some serious game! Like top tier, romantic shit. Now I’m gonna have to try harder every time I wanna get Gracie back.” He laughs and wanders off toward the cheerleaders.
I shake my head at my friend and glance at Jamie, who gives me a wink before making his way to the locker room.
“Love you, kiddo. Talk later?” Joel whispers quickly before he’s swept away to do an interview with a local news station.
Everything’s happening so fast, but it feels good to be free from this burden. I’m done hiding who I am. I head to the showers and change into my school suit. Time to accept my awards so I can go home and claim my real prize.
Fallon.
CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT
RYDER
“It’s just us now,” I murmur against his lips as I drop my gym bag by the front door. “Wanna go to my room?”
“Yeah, I’m gonna shower quickly and get comfortable.”
“Come out naked.”
Fallon snorts. “No.”
“In your underwear?”
“No.”
“Underwear and socks?”
“What is this? Some kind of reverse strip poker? I don’t understand you sometimes, Ryder Cruz.”
I chuckle, and Fallon loops his arms around my neck. I lean down, and he jumps and wraps his legs around my waist as I stand. We start to kiss as he clings to me like a koala, and I make my way toward the stairs, splaying my giant palm under his butt. I can feel his erection against my stomach.
As soon as I place my foot on the bottom step, Fallon peels his lips away from mine.
“Wait. I’m too heavy. You can’t carry me up that many steps.”
“You’re not. And I can. I’ll help you shower too, if you want. I’ll take care of you in any way I can, Blue. You need to start understanding that, okay?”
