Page 10 of Serve
Tyler took the cowboy hat he’d been wearing and placed it on the seat between them. He’d been unable to speak since he’d left Grant’s office. They’d spent the first part of the ride in silence, but Chip finally broke the ice.
“If you don’t want to answer, just tell me to shut up.” He paused, giving Tyler enough time to refuse. When he remained silent, Chip spoke again. “Did you make a decision? You going to retire and become a normal person again?” Chip flushed, embarrassed to ask such a personal question. The change in his skin color fascinated Tyler, and how it brought out the blue in his eyes. He forgot about the question for a moment, then remembered to reply.
“Nope, as much as I’d like to hang up my racket, I can’t. Most players retire at my age, but aside from my bruised ribs and ego, I’m in perfect health. Doctor says I can resume practice in a few days.” Tyler sighed and looked out the window, staring at the barren landscape.
“You don’t seem thrilled about it.”
“It’s hard to explain. On the surface, I have everything. Money, fame, a fabulous house, you know, the American Dream, but the only time I’m happy is when I’m on the tennis court. Wait, let me take that back. The only time I’m really, truly happy are those few seconds right after I win a match. Everyone I know gets to be themselves twenty-four seven, while the only time I can is when I’m playing. I’m not ready to give it up. Playing tennis is the only way I feel free to be myself.” It took half his session with Grant to articulate his feelings. The other half he spent wondering how he was going to keep the closet door shut.
“Sometimes you have to take risks.” Chip stated, then he turned on to their exit.
“Yeah, you do. Life is short, and you never know when everything you love will disappear.” Tyler couldn’t stop staring at Chip. His intense blue eyes fascinated him. The wavy blond hair poking out from beneath his hat was thick, and he imagined how it would feel slipping between his fingers. Could Dixie’s nephew be gay? Knowing his luck, definitely not.
This was a distraction. He knew that. Thoughts of Chip in his arms made him cross his legs and place his hands over his lap. His sex life was practically non-existent, with only the occasional, anonymous partner he’d pick up while on tour. What made Chip even sexier wasn’t his looks, it was his attitude and his generous smile. He’d definitely have to keep his distance, especially with his aunt being so central to the running of his life. Mixing business and pleasure was never a bright idea.
With relief, he spied his street coming up. His nerves were shot, and he wanted nothing more than to hide in bed and forget about tomorrow’s news conference. If only Chip could be persuaded to join him under the blankets. When the truck parked in front of his house, he was prepared to bolt, not wanting to give in to temptation. Knowing his luck, Chip was straight, and he didn’t want to be humiliated.
“Well, here we are.” Chip hopped out of the truck. Tyler’s eyes followed the younger man’s round ass as he walked toward the house. Beads of sweat collected on his upper lip, and he wiped them away with the back of his hand. He unlocked the door and eased himself down to the pavement. Chip was already at the front door, waiting.
He opened it and had stepped one foot inside when he felt Chip’s hand on his arm. He turned to see what he wanted and felt Chip’s strong arms pulling him into his body. His heart raced, and time stopped as Chip’s lips came down on his. They were soft, yet firm. It had been so long since he’d kissed anyone. He placed one trembling hand on Chip’s cheek, and with the other, he gently pushed him back. That was the rational part of his brain in action, but his heart made him nibble on Chip’s full lips instead. Chip responded with a groan, and pulled him in tighter, until Tyler didn’t have a choice but to stop pushing him away, and surrender to the moment.
Seconds later, Chip stepped back. His eyes were wild, and his hands pushed Tyler from him. He fell against the door frame, his ribs on fire from the embrace.
“I’m sorry.” Chip muttered and ran back to his truck.
‘What the hell just happened?’ Tyler asked himself, then looked up and saw Chip staring back at him through the windshield. Tears streamed down the younger man’s face. The truck backed down the driveway, almost to the street, then abruptly stopped. Chip drove the truck back up the driveway, jumped out of the vehicle and jogged toward him. He kicked the pavement with his boot, then looked toward Tyler, but was unable to meet his gaze.
“I’ve never kissed a man before. I know there’s nothing wrong with it, but I’m afraid.” He stopped a foot away from Tyler and looked at the ground. “I’m sorry, that was a shitty thing to do, running away like that.”
Tyler stepped forward, hoping all of the reporters were gone. He’d seen none as they drove in, and felt guilty even worrying about it. Then, he took Chip’s arm and led him into the house.
Chapter Six
Chip
He wondered if his heart could keep beating as fast as it was. Tyler took his hand and led him to the couch.
“You really meant it about taking risks. What I mean is, how did you…?” Tyler began, but Chip placed his finger against his lips.
“This is already scary.” He took Tyler’s hand and placed it on his chest. They both sat still for a moment, then Tyler pulled him into an embrace. They held each other for a moment, then Chip pulled back.
“I want this, I really do. When I closed my eyes last night, I couldn’t sleep, because all I thought about was you. If I’m reading this wrong, tell me, but otherwise, I’m risking this, because I have nothing to lose.” Chip leaned in and kissed Tyler’s cheek. They sat still for another long moment, then Tyler turned his head and placed his lips firmly on Chip’s. He lifted his hand, knocked his hat off, and laced his fingers through his thick, dark-blond hair. He kissed him hard, with a passion he hadn’t felt before.
“Oh God, this is what I’ve been wanting, all day long.” Chip murmured, then resumed his assault on Tyler’s lips. He was so hot, so sexy, his mind was overwhelmed by the older man and his scent, taste, and touch. He wrapped his arms around him tight.
“Oh, damn it.” Tyler groaned, and pushed him back.
“What’s wrong?” Chip asked, then realized the problem. “Oh shit, I forgot about your ribs!”
“It’s not your fault. I kissed you back, trust me, I want to kiss you. I want to do even more, but...” Tyler leaned back and closed his eyes, grimacing in pain.
Chip sighed, a sound filled with frustration. He didn’t want to hurt Tyler, wouldn’t dream of it. He stood, got on his knees, then laid his head on his lap.
“Trust me, that’s not going to help.” Tyler laughed, then groaned as his ribs protested.
“I understand, I’m sorry. I just want to make you feel good.” He put the palm of his hand against Tyler’s erection and pressed. The older man placed his hands in Chip’s hair, ignoring the little jolts of pain that felt like a vice grip on his chest. Encouraged by the response he rubbed harder, and soon elicited a moan of need from Tyler.
“Oh yes.” He whispered, then Chip leaned in to nibble his lips, holding Tyler’s shoulder with one hand, while the other unzipped his jeans. Pulling his cock out, Chip felt his length burning heat in his palm. Tyler’s sizable girth throbbed as he slowly worked it up and down. It was familiar, yet strange at the same time. Chip might be new to men, but he knew how to work his own dick. He bent over, and licked the head. He’d never tasted another man, and the act itself felt both natural and taboo. The skin was smooth, and seconds later he had the entire head in his mouth. He swirled his tongue around, and felt Tyler tense up. Moments later he felt the man’s fingers on the sides of his face pulling him off of him.
