Page 58 of Riding Pine
That’s only a small lie. I’m pretty sure I was trying to tell him I wanted to raise more plants with him and share burnt toast. I’ll have to unpack that by myself later. Missing him, though? That’s the truth.
“I miss you, too. And I stored those photos on my phone. Very motivating.”
My chest puffs. “Yeah? I’m quite proud of my creativity, and no plants were harmed in the photos.”
Lukas laughs, and I close my eyes, letting the brief sound of it bathe me.
“I trust you with them. I had no doubt. I’ll be home tomorrow, and the first thing I want to do is kiss you. Fuck, I miss kissing you.”
The way he says that makes me breathless, like I’m already lost in a kiss with him while he's still hours away.
“I can’t wait. Oh, did they tell you about the welcome home rally? I just had a call from Christine.”
“Not yet. What’s going on?”
After relaying the same info Christine gave me, Lukas sighs. It’s drenched in disappointment.
“So the first time I see you, I can’t even touch you.”
“I know. It’s not how I wanted to welcome you home at all.”
My way definitely didn’t include a beaver suit and a crowd of people. But I rearranged a few classes to be free that evening, so at least we have that.
“If I weren’t about to board the bus, I’d ask you for a more detailed answer of how you’ll welcome me home.”
“Oh, is there no Wi-Fi on board?”
Lukas laughs softly. “I have to sit next to someone. Please don’t send any more naked photos until I’m home.”
Laughing, I send him the one I took just before bed with the warning of incoming. “Too late.”
Lukas growls, and it’s just the way I want him when he gets back. Sexually frustrated and ready to maul me.
“Ben, I swear…”
“That you’ll fuck me into next week when you get home?”
“You have no idea.”
“Lukas?”
“Yeah?”
“I can’t wait to find out.”
seventeen
Lukas
During our long ride home, Coach briefed us on the rally that would be waiting when we arrived home. Then he shared something odd.
For the first time since I’ve been playing at this level, our coach read off sales figures. It made little sense, and most of the guys shrugged it off and ignored it all, but a few, including me, wereconcerned.
We’re all aware that new owners came in this season, and most of us are here because of that. But sharing ticket sales numbers and merch sales? We have enough to worry about in our game.
Eventually, when everyone was sleeping or otherwise entertained, I excused myself from Burnsy and went to the front of the bus to speak with Coach.
“Hey, Lukas. What can I do for you?”
