Page 38 of The Jock
Colby made Milo believe in people again. Believe that they could be good and selfless and caring. That there were still people out there who gave a damn about other people, who were willing to go the extra mile to make someone happy for no other reason than they wanted to see them that way.
Watching how Colby cared about those around him made Milo want to burrow into his life bit by bit until he was one of those people. He felt like a plant leaning toward the sun, soaking in every last bit of warmth and light that it could.
When his break was over, he returned to the bar and Randy immediately gave him a serious case of side-eye.
Milo knew that he’d have to give up the details eventually, so he didn’t resist when the next lull came and Randy cornered him again.
“Seriously, Milo. You have to tell me.”
Milo took a deep breath. “You know how Neville and I broke up, right?”
“Oh, God, you’re not back with that soulless son-of-a-fuck, are you?”
“No. God, no. But I… I met someone new.”
“Oooh.” Randy smiled at him, bright and genuine and sweet. “Where did you meet him?”
“Well, when things with Nev ended, I had to switch gyms, obviously.”
“Obviously.”
“He’s a CrossFit instructor and personal trainer. And he’s one of the managers.”
“That’s hot.” Randy sighed. “So what’s this guy like? He must be nice if you’re looking all sappy and shit.”
The difference between Gino’s reaction and Randy’s were night and day, and it didn’t go unnoticed. But Gino was protective of his friends, Milo told himself. He’d only been looking out for him. Randy’s enthusiastic acceptance lifted Milo’s spirits even more. It was nice to talk to someone who seemed happy for him, who could be happy for him without needing to throw in words of caution and worry.
“He’s a great guy. He’s good to his family and everyone at the gym speaks so highly of him. I’ve liked getting to know him.”
“God, you’re so lucky.” Randy sighed. “I bet he’s hot too.”
“He’s definitely easy on the eyes.”
“Do you have a picture?”
“No. We’ve only gone out once. Well, sort of twice. Both times were as friends, but then we did go back to his place once. So…once. Yeah.” Milo knew he was babbling, but hecouldn’t seem to stop. It was like he hadn’t realized how badly he’d wanted someone to talk to about Colby until Randy asked. Because he couldn’t talk to Gino. His friend had made it clear what he thought of Milo’s current choices.
“I’m happy for you. Now if only I could replicate your luck. I’ve been striking out all over the place lately. You’d think it would be easier to date, being a pansexual and all. Like you can date anyone. Yay, right?” Randy made apfffftsound similar to a deflating balloon. “More options only mean more rejection.”
“You’ll find someone.” Milo gave Randy’s shoulder a friendly squeeze.
Randy shrugged. “Eh. It’s fine.”
Milo guessed that it wasn’t, but it wasn’t a problem for him to solve. His problem was how he was going to make it to the end of his shift without vibrating out of his skin. The prospect of seeing Colby so late at night felt illicit in a way that thrilled him to his bones. He was a freshly-wound toy, jittering around in circles waiting for the energy to wear off, only it didn’t.
The nervous sort of flutter under his skin didn’t abate until Colby pulled his door open shortly before 1:30 in the morning looking deliciously sleep-rumpled. Milo stepped over the dark threshold into Colby’s apartment. Without hesitation, he grabbed him, one hand on each cheek and pulled him down into a kiss.
Colby startled, letting out anoomphsound, followed by a sleepy moan. Even when he wrapped his arms around Milo, he was still pliant, like he was an ethereal creature made of soft sounds and gentle touches. Something that only existed in the dead of night.
“Come to bed,” Colby said, his voice thick and raspy.
Milo toed out of his shoes and let Colby take him by the hand.
“I should’ve swung home for a shower.” Milo realized with horror that he probably smelled like a brewery.
Once inside the bedroom, Colby tugged Milo’s shirt off over his head. “Don’t care.”
Colby pulled him closer, proving his point of how little he cared by dragging his wet, open mouth up the curve of Milo’s neck. “You smell good. Like?—”
