Page 25 of The Jock
“Hey.” Colby put a hand on Taylor’s shoulder. “I’ve got you.”
Taylor took a deep breath and exhaled. “Okay. Okay, yeah.”
He shot Colby a half smile that tried hard to be brave. “Okay.”
Taylor got out of the car and was joined by Milo, who looped an arm around his shoulders. The two of them were a similar height, but Milo was all lean lines and Taylor was built thicker, like Colby was.
Colby fell into step on the other side of his brother.
Taylor glanced his way and scrunched his nose. “Can you not?”
“Not what? Walk?”
“Yeah, you’re like a fucking bodyguard, which is nice in theory but a little stifling.” Taylor gave him a friendly shove to put some distance between them.
“I’m wounded.”
“You can be Milo’s bodyguard.”
“I’ve seen Milo at the gym. He can hold his own.”
Milo scoffed. “Your brother exaggerates,” he told Taylor, while glancing back at Colby. “I don’t always do a great job of holding my own.”
“I don’t know about that. From what I’ve seen, you can handle your shit.” Colby recalled the way Milo had dealt with his ex that first time they’d been out together. But the haunted look in Milo’s eyes had Colby wondering if there was more to the story. Was there something Milo needed protection from?
Colby tried to shake that thought loose, but it was impossible not to think about Milo. Especially when he was right there, taunting Colby without knowing he was doing anything at all. All it took for Colby to be captivated by him was for Milo to exist. There was no way around it. No pretending or pretense or amount of posturing would change the fact that Colby was definitely attracted to Milo. Hell, it probably went deeper than simple attraction. Colby liked him. He was sweet and giving but strong and kind. He had a simple bravery about him that Colby wasn’t sure even he was aware of.
Colby walked into the bar after Taylor and Milo and it was immediately apparent how well-liked Milo was when his name came at them from different directions.
“Someone’s popular.” Taylor nudged Milo in the ribs with his elbow.
“We go way back.” Milo motioned to an empty table near the bar. He parked his ass in a chair and dragged Taylor down to sit next to him. Milo looked up at Colby. “You know what I like,” Milo stated.
It had to be Colby’s imagination playing tricks on him, because there was no way Milo’s tone was as suggestive as Colby had heard.
He retrieved the drinks, leaving Taylor and Milo to scoot closer together. He had the distinct feeling that they were conspiring together, but about what, Colby had no idea. His suspicion was further confirmed when he returned to the table and Taylor and Milo snapped apart like they’d been caught red-handed.
He set the drinks on the table and shook his head. “Whatever is going on, I don’t want to know.”
“Nothing is going on,” Taylor said, not at all innocently.
“Yeah, okay.” Colby rolled his eyes and scanned the room, mostly to keep himself from staring at Milo. But Milo was a magnet for Colby’s gaze and no matter how many times he tried to not look at him, he couldn’t help it.
“See, kid, you’ve been here for half a drink and no one has looked at you sideways.” Milo tilted his head slightly. “Well, that’s not true because I saw at least three guys check you out.”
Taylor exhaled a deep breath. “It seemed scarier in my head. Thanks for coming with me. Both of you.”
“I’d do anything for you. You know that.” Colby reached out and ruffled his fingers through Taylor’s hair. Taylor pulled away with a squawk and smoothed his hair with his fingers.
“Hands off the hair, man.”
“So touchy.” Colby rolled his eyes and his heart fluttered when he caught the soft smile on Milo’s face. He was thankful that he was sitting down because his heart wasn’t the only part of him that was affected by Milo.
Colby could admit to himself now that he was definitely not straight. Not if the mere sight of Milo had him thinking X-rated thoughts. Milo swayed gently in his seat, moving to the music. Colby was about to suggest that he take Taylor for a turn on the dance floor when Taylor’s phone went off.
Taylor frowned at the screen. “Hey, Colby, my friend is stranded. Can I borrow your car to go give him a boost? I’ll pay for the gas.”
“I can go with you.” Colby dug his keys out of his pocket, all set to take Taylor to help his friend, but Taylor snatched the keys from his hand. “Finish my drink for me and don’t wait up.”Taylor twisted the car key off Colby’s key ring and handed the rest of his keys back.
