Page 42 of Overtime Goal
He locked eyes with me and worked his mouth into a crooked smile. “Only with you.”
The jolt of excitement shooting up my spine was real. Some of my confusion had faded over the last couple of weeks, but there was still plenty to think about. Hopefully, things would clear up while we were on vacation.
17/
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“Can we plan our vacation now?”Riley asked.
We were eating a late breakfast by the pool, both of us still half-asleep. He’d put his T-shirt on inside out, and his hair was so messy I could barely see his eyes through the tangles. He was gorgeous no matter how he looked. I tried not to grin too hard. “I think we ought to. Does Italy still sound good to you?”
“For sure. I’ve always wanted to see it.”
We’d talked about vacationing together months ago, but I’d half-expected him to back out after what had happened in LA. Even now, I was sure he liked me, and it was obvious he enjoyed it when we had sex, but sometimes he got too quiet afterward. Learning he wasn’t only willing to go, but excited about the trip, made me incredibly happy.
“Did your family travel much when you were growing up?” It was always risky to ask about his childhood, but what I already knew made me so curious I couldn’t resist.
He froze, then sipped his coffee before answering. “No. We went to the beach a few times, and they took me to Six Flags once, but we were never gone more than a couple of days. How about you?”
I couldn’t decide whether he was actually interested or changing the subject, but he’d answered my question. That was more than he sometimes did when I asked about his childhood.
“We went on vacation every summer for about two weeks,” I said. “My brother and I liked the beach, so we usually went there, but there were always some historical sites or museums worked in along the way.”
Riley squinted at me. “Damn. You grew up with all that culture stuff you like.”
“Don’t know how much of it was culture, but?—”
“It definitely was. That’s why you’re so smart now.”
I laughed. “Smart? If I were smart, I’d retire and stop getting beaten up for a living.”
He waved me off. “Bullshit. You’ve got years left in you.”
“If you say so.”
He sipped his coffee again, then put on a smirk. “Did your mom read you poetry?”
“Nope.” I mirrored his smile. “That was my grandma. And don’t try to pretend you don’t like it. I see how you listen when I read out loud.”
His dramatic sigh was all eye roll and attitude. “Okay, okay. I’m learning to likesomeof it, thanks to you. But I’ll swear you’re lying if you tell the boys.”
“Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.”
He grinned again, making my heart soar. I loved him so much it hurt to keep it to myself, but I’d lose him if he ever figured out the truth. He’d pull back, shut down, and vanish behind whatever wall he thought would keep him safe. Riley clung to the idea of being straight like it was a shield, so honest, messy feelings from a man would probably be too much to deal with.
Italy would be good for both of us though. With no games or road trips, we’d have time to relax. Riles probably wouldn’tbe able to resist the beautiful women in skimpy bikinis, and I needed to prepare myself for that. There would be lots of guys too, many of them gay. Maybe I’d find someone, have a little fun, and clear my head. Riley and I could still have our adventures, maybe sleep together on the nights he came home, and enjoy an unforgettable trip.
“Let’s look up hotels,” he said. “We should book flights too.”
I shook my head, already reaching for my phone. “No need. My travel agent’s a wizard. She knows all the best spots and can pull strings I didn’t know existed. Let’s see what she can do.”
Riley’s eyes lit up like a cute puppy had walked by. “Is she fast? Because I was thinking maybe we could leave tomorrow. Do you want to do a tour around Italy or stay in one place? We can go to the beach, right? Since we’re both beach guys. And we’ve got to eat authentic Italian food because I grew up with spaghetti out of a can.”
I laughed. “Let’s see what she can find, and we’ll head out soon.” After I pulled up her contact info, I asked Riles, “Is there anywhere youwouldn’twant to go?”
“Nope. Send me anywhere.”
“You’ve got it. I’ll make the call, and then let’s swim for a while.”
