Page 41 of Numbers Boy
My eyes widen and my mouth drops when I see the picture he sent. Steve is standing next to Stu, both of them holding an arm out, football between them, with exaggeratedly serious expressions on their faces. And just like he mentioned, Steve is shirtless, miles of smooth, ivory skin dotted with freckles on display in the March sunshine. I barely spare Stu a second glance as I drink in the sight of my boyfriend. I trace my eyes over his long, lean frame, pausing way too long to stare at my favorite freckle just above his belly button. I still haven’t licked that spot, and that fact needs to change the next chance I get.
A low whistle right beside my ear startles me out of my freckle-based fantasy, and I shove Blake away from where he’s leaning over my shoulder to look at my screen.
“Damn, I forgot how cute he is. And that’s the best friend, right? The personal trainer?”
“Thestraightpersonal trainer,” I confirm, reminding Blake that Stu is off-limits. Over the past few months, I’ve told Blake everything I’ve learned about Steve, and since Stu is important to Steve, he was important to mention. I just didn’t expect my friend to take an interest in the other man, especially given his history.
“I can still think he’s hot. And it doesn’t hurt for the two best friends to get along since we’ll be the best men at your eventual wedding. I’ll order us food,” is all Blake has to say. I ignore the feeling of elation that accompanies the idea of me and Steve getting married and let the subject drop. I go back to texting while Blake pulls out his phone to figure out dinner.
Me: Looking good, sexy. But why aren’t you and Stu on the same team?
Princess: It’s against the rules. The other guys are worried we’ll use our best friend mind powers and trample them all *eye roll emoji*
Princess: Greg and his boyfriend weren’t allowed to be on the same team either. Which is working out real well for everyone *image attached*
I chuckle at Steve’s sarcasm and at the image of two guys clearly off in their own world, the shirtless blond straddling the other one, who’s flat on his back on the ground. Before I can reply, another text comes through.
Princess: Alright, the love birds are done making heart-eyes at each other. Time to play *football emoji*
Me: Kick ass, Princess. If you need something to do after you win, you’re more than welcome to come join movie night
Princess: Thanks, handsome. I just might take you up on that offer *heart emoji*
I give a fist pump at his answer, and Blake laughs.
“I take it Steve is coming over later?”
“Yeah, if that’s okay?” I turn to my best friend, realizing I didn’t think to ask if he minded. It’s been a long time since anyone but my family has been a part of our movie nights.
Blake shakes his head, soft smile on his face. “Dude, of course that’s okay. I want to meet this guy.”
Relief courses through me, and I nod. A few hours later, we’re just finishing up our first movie when the buzzer sounds.
“I got it!” Blake says, bouncing up off the couch before I can react. He gives me a cheeky grin when he presses the button and singsongs into the microphone, “Hey, Stevie!”
“Hi, person I’m assuming is Blake,” Steve’s voice replies, a clear smile in his words. “Want to buzz me up?”
Blake does, and soon after, he tugs the door open, and my best friend and my boyfriend are face-to-face.
“Holy shit,” Steve says, green eyes sweeping over Blake, “The girls told me you had long hair, but they didn’t tell me it was absolutely gorgeous.”
I stifle a laugh as Blake visibly preens at the compliment. He’s been growing it out since high school, so it’s a point of pride for him. “Yours isn’t so bad either. I don’t think I could maintain curls that well. And the color? Did you sell your soul for that or what?”
Steve shrugs, an overly nonchalant look settling over his features as he lets his light jacket slide down his arms. “What’s a little deal with the devil in order to look good, am I right?”
Blake spins on his heel, massive grin on his face. “I like him. He can stay.”
Taking that as my opening into the conversation, I stand and open my arms toward Steve. He slips into them without hesitation and hugs me tight. “Hi.”
“Hi,” I reply, bussing a kiss to his lips and breathing in his citrusy scent. It’s overlaid with a faint hint of grass and fresh sweat, like he came here as soon after his football game as he could. I smile at that thought.
All three of us settle back onto the couch, me in the middle with Steve curled up next to me like we’ve gotten accustomed to.
“So, what are we watching next?” Steve asks, eyeing the credits rolling across the TV screen.
Blake leans forward to grab the remote off the coffee table, then switches to a different app. “I hear you likeLord of the Rings?”
Against my side, Steve stills. He peeks his head around me to address Blake. “Are you sure? You don’t have to change your whole plans just because I’m here.”
