Up and Coming (Coastal College Football Book 1) Read online

  ***

  The steakhouse was set on the Intracoastal Waterway, the calm waters of the sound flowing lazily. It was late October and pitch black when they arrived Saturday night after the game. Another win for the Pirates. Still undefeated for the season.

  Walking across the asphalt parking lot, Jake was proud of Emmett, if he had any right to be proud. He had no claim on Emmett’s success. But it was amazing to see him on this streak, playing solid football week after week. He wasn’t a show horse like some of the stars at the bigger colleges. Just a reliable quarterback who got the job done in situations no one else would manage.

  A thrill rose in Jake’s chest as they walked close enough that their arms brushed against each other in their suits. It was their first real date, even though Emmett had made it clear that it couldn’t look like a date. He was well-known enough in the area that they couldn’t risk it. They’d have to look like two friends out for dinner.

  Emmett hadn’t said it in a mean way. He was gentle and apologetic. As much as Jake understood, it still hurt.

  The setting was beautiful and soothing, though, lights reflecting off the water. The nip of fall was in the air, and reeds swayed in the pleasant breeze. The air smelled clean, like fresh water and cut grass.

  Inside, the masculine space was dominated by white plaster and thick beams of weathered wood. The lights were muted but not dim, the feel more friendly than romantic. The irony tugged Jake’s lips upward into a crooked grin.

  Once seated, they didn’t waste time with an appetizer. Emmett ordered a huge steak. Football burned a lot of calories, he said, but it was strange watching someone so trim pack it away.

  And now Jake was thinking about Emmett’s waist, so perfect for resting his hands on, and Emmett’s miraculous abs, with ridges Jake liked to trace with his tongue.

  Pulling himself back to reality, he sliced into his petit filet. It made him feel delicate. He ran two miles every morning, but no way could he compete with Emmett.

  It wasn’t until Emmett was sated that he did much talking.

  “I decided that when I go home for fall break tomorrow,” Emmett said, “I’m going to tell my parents about us.”

  Jake dropped his fork, lips parting slightly. He tried not to react, because he didn’t want to influence Emmett’s decision. But a surge of happiness flooded his veins.

  “It’ll be a surprise,” Emmett continued, “but waiting longer makes it seem like I’ve got something to hide, and I don’t. Not from my family. They’ll support me no matter what. That’s the kind of relationship we have.”

  Jake nodded, glad Emmett was so sure of himself, glad he had that kind of family. It made it easier, knowing that Emmett wasn’t ashamed of him. Being in the public eye was stressful, and sometimes Emmett had to make difficult choices. Being a good boyfriend meant supporting Emmett in those choices.

  Jake cleared his throat to tamp down his emotions. “I appreciate that you’re willing to do that for me.”

  “It’s not just for you. This is who I am, my identity. Not going to keep that a secret from the people I love most. It’s complicated, and I’m still adjusting, but I know who I am.” Emmett leaned forward. “So are you going to tell your parents about us?”

  Jake readjusted himself in the chair, shifting his weight. “I’ve told them I’m seeing someone. I haven’t mentioned your name. Wasn’t sure how you’d feel about that.”

  Emmett raised his brows. “Unless you think they’ll go to the tabloids, I don’t see any reason to keep it quiet.” He gave a little smirk.

  “No, they wouldn’t do that.” He hated talking to Emmett about his parents when he hadn’t told him the whole story yet. He knew that by putting it off like this, it only made it seem like a bigger issue. When it wasn’t an issue at all, not really. He just… The relationship was so new. He didn’t want anything to get in the way.

  He wished he could reach out and take Emmett’s hand. He had to keep reminding himself not to touch him. Usually when they were together, they touched all the time. It was a reminder of the bond between them, and it often led to kissing. And then sometimes to fucking. Which was completely awesome.

  Well, maybe fucking wasn’t the right word. Because they hadn’t done that yet. Emmett hadn’t talked about it, and Jake was afraid to bring it up. Everything had been great so far, and Jake didn’t want to jinx it.

  Which was kind of ridiculous, because he and Emmett had been friends first, and had a strong base of respect between them. Emmett wouldn’t drop him like some of the guys Jake had hooked up with just because Jake said something that harshed their vibe.

  Emmett squinted at him. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I…” Jake wasn’t sure what to say. He didn’t want to lose Emmett, but it seemed like holding on too tight would only make Emmett slip through his fingers.

  “Come on,” Emmett said, “talk to me.”

  “I really don’t understand what we’re doing here. I don’t mean here at the restaurant. I mean with our lives. With all the secrecy, it feels like a game to me. Like it isn’t real. And I don’t want to sound demanding, because that’s not what this is. I’m not asking you to do anything differently. I understand your situation. I’m just having a hard time committing to something that feels so tenuous.”

  Emmett nodded. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I wish I could do something to reassure you.” His words were businesslike, but his voice quivered. Jake could see the emotion hiding behind Emmett’s eyes. Maybe he was being unfair, but he wasn’t sure how to get over these feelings.

  “I’m sorry. It’s not you. It’s the situation, and I don’t want to let that ruin our night.” He started to reach out for Emmett’s hand, then pulled back. Damn it.

  “Would it help to set a date for when I’ll come out? So you know I’m serious?” Emmett took a pen out of his pocket and wrote on a white cocktail napkin. Then, he handed it to Jake. “Day after the championship game my rookie year. Deal?”

  Jake looked at the paper and smiled, then stuffed it into the inside lapel pocket of his jacket. Not only was it a commitment, it was in writing. It took a weight off him to know that Emmett cared as much as Jake did. And the fact was, when they were alone, Emmett was completely attentive to him. In the outside world, all that changed.

  But now, Jake could see the future. With a firm endpoint for all the hiding and frustration, he could move forward.

  ***

  Back at Jake’s room, Emmett slipped out of his suit and into a pair of sweats. He’d started leaving some of his things at Jake’s place.

  He spent more time there than he did in his own room, so it just made sense.

  His frat brothers were getting suspicious—not that it mattered. They just assumed Emmett had a girlfriend he wasn’t talking about. He wouldn’t deny it. He felt shitty about it, but that was life. He didn’t create this world, but he had to live in it. Sometimes, you had to take the path of least resistance for the sake of your sanity.

  Every day couldn’t be a struggle. Every day couldn’t be a fight for justice. He was entitled to grab as much happiness as he could from this world, and sometimes that meant finding a way to live in peace.

  Jake eyed him, his gaze raking up and down Emmett’s body. “Are all those clothes necessary?”

  “It’s still early—and in case you didn’t notice, it’s damn cold in here. I think they turned down the heat, since most of the students have left for fall break already.”

  “Okay then,” Jake said, stepping toward him, still wearing his dress shirt and trousers. “I guess I can settle for some kissing for now.”

  Emmett was happy to oblige. He pulled Jake close and cupped his hand over that round ass. He couldn’t help squeezing. Jake’s body felt so good to his touch. He couldn’t remember ever feeling this way with Tawna, this high like the rest of the world had completely fallen away. Everything was Jake.

  He wasn’t sure when it happened, but Emmett was definitely in love. He hadn’t said tho
se words yet, not exactly, even if he’d implied them. Jake had said the words. They seemed to come easily to him, which made Emmett wonder whether they were less meaningful. But that wasn’t really fair, because Jake had always been more honest with his feelings than Emmett had. There was no reason to think this was anything different.

  Then Jake bit down on Emmett’s lip, and all Emmett’s thoughts gave way to the sensation of Jake’s touch, Jake’s kiss, Jake’s moans of pleasure as Emmett’s tongue explored his mouth. They ground together as their hands explored.

  Emmett led him to the bed and sat while Jake straddled him. This was their favorite position for kissing, because their dicks aligned perfectly. It was the single best feeling in the world, Jake’s body in his arms, the pleasurable sensations building in his cock.

  They stayed that way a long time, kissing and touching, their movements easy. The rhythm between them was familiar yet exciting, still too new to have lost its luster.

  But eventually, Emmett wanted more. Wanted Jake naked and underneath him. Wanted to know him in a way he hadn’t before. Between gentle, nipping kisses, Emmett said, “Want you, babe. Want to fuck you. For real.”

  ***

  Emmett’s words echoed in Jake’s head. He’d dreamed of this moment for years, and now that it was here, it was impossible to believe. The thought of Emmett inside him swelled his dick to aching.

  “You sure about this?” Jake forced himself to ask.

  “Why wouldn’t I be sure?” Emmett unbuttoned Jake’s shirt.

  “It’s your first time fucking a dude.”

  Emmett slid the shirt off Jake’s body and held him loosely around the waist. “I don’t think fucking you makes me somehow more gay.”

  Jake opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it again. He couldn’t argue with that, and the feel of Emmett’s touch was wearing down his defenses.

  The man was all muscle. Jake’s hands roamed over that skin, and he couldn’t think of anything but how Emmett would feel inside him. Jake might have to guide him through it to help him get the rhythm and the angle right, but Jake’s body was ready for this.

  They undressed quickly. Then, Emmett moved over him, kissing his chest while Jake took out the supplies.

  Emmett grabbed a pillow and slid it under Jake’s hips. Taking the lube from him, he poured some onto his fingers. “Tell me what you need, babe, because I don’t want to wait for you any longer than I have to.”

  “I don’t usually need much prep, but you’re well above average, so…”

  “Hell yeah I am. I’m Emmett fucking Cross, scholar and star athlete, hung like a fucking stallion.”

  “You don’t take compliments well.”

  Emmett wrinkled his brow. “What are you talking about? I take them very well.”

  “They give you a big head.”

  Stroking Jake’s perineum with his thumb, sending shivers through Jake’s body, Emmett said, “Your hot ass is what’s giving me a big head.”

  “That’s a terrible double entendre.”

  “Maybe so, but it’s true.” Emmett slid two slippery fingers inside him. “Tell me how to touch you.”

  Jake moaned at the stretch, at the pressure on his sensitive flesh. “More forward.” His voice was gravelly. “Aim for my belly button.”

  He did, and Jake had to bite down to keep from crying out.

  “Found it,” Emmett said, giving him that sexy laugh again. “Ready, babe?”

  “Hell. I’ve been ready for years.”

  Emmett grinned and suited up, slathering himself with lube. Jake couldn’t take his eyes off that thick cock, imagining how it would feel inside him. He groaned at the thought, desperate for Emmett’s touch, for the hardness of his body.

  Emmett wiped off his fingers with a tissue, then leaned over and kissed him. “You know this is real for me, right? I’m not just some dude who’s hot for your ass.”

  “I know.”

  “Because you mean a lot to me. This means a lot.”

  Jake swallowed, his mouth growing dry. “It means a lot to me, too.” His voice sort of squeaked as he said it, and he wanted to pull a pillow over his face to hide, but Emmett went for his mouth again in a lingering kiss.

  The slippery dick rubbed his hole as Emmett lined himself up. Jake exhaled and bore down, the tip breaching him. Emmett moaned.

  Carefully, Emmett entered him. He lifted Jake’s legs onto his shoulders. “So hot, Jake. So tight. I want every inch of you.”

  As Emmett picked up the pace. Jake couldn’t even register the sensations as pleasure or pain—they were so intense, he just wanted more. Everything Emmett had to give. Harder, faster, more everything. More Emmett.

  ***

  Emmett trembled with the exertion of breaching Jake’s body. The sensations were so much more than he expected, the deep, bone-satisfying pleasure of it all. And it wasn’t just physical. The intimacy with Jake was a new experience for him, and he never dreamed it could be this good.

  Sex with his ex-girlfriend was…okay. Enjoyable, but not necessarily better than getting off alone. Until the first time he’d kissed Jake, he’d never had this insatiable desire to be with another person.

  He could not get enough of Jake’s firm, muscular body or his bright, intoxicating scent, like bergamot and pepper. Emmett leaned forward and breathed him in, nuzzling his hair and kissing his lips.

  Jake moaned into his mouth, the sound so sexy that Emmett wanted to lift him off the bed and hold him tight. But the angle wasn’t right for that, so instead he ran his fingers along Jake’s calves, kneading and kissing them. He wanted to nip at Jake’s ankles, lick behind his knees, explore every inch of his body. But right now, his urgent need was to pound out the rhythm that kept Jake begging, that ratcheted up his own pleasure.

  He didn’t want to come, didn’t want it to end, because this was everything sex was supposed to be but never had been before. The union of two souls, not just two bodies.

  He rubbed his palm over Jake’s balls, giving them a light squeeze. Jake cried out. Emmett grabbed Jake’s cock, sliding his hand over the steely shaft, swiping his thumb across the head. Precum lubricated the delicate skin, and it felt so fucking good.

  Emmett could tell Jake was getting close, and so was Emmett. He picked up the pace on Jake’s cock. Jake swore as cream spurted over Emmett’s hand, and Emmett rode him through the orgasm to his own climax, sparks shooting through his blood and lighting up his brain. They breathed heavily, and Emmett collapsed on top of him, boneless, dropping lazy kisses on Jake’s skin.

  Reluctantly, they cleaned up and disposed of the condom. Emmett held Jake in the crook of his arm, and Jake rested his head on Emmett’s chest.

  “I never knew it could be like that,” Emmett murmured, “never knew I could feel so close to someone. You’ve been in my life all this time, and it took me this long to figure it out.”

  Jake’s fingers traced Emmett’s hip bone. “Sexuality isn’t always straightforward. You had a girlfriend, so you thought of yourself as straight.”

  Emmett nodded. “I should have let her go sooner than I did. In retrospect, I think she was ready to break up after our freshman year of college. A long-distance relationship was hard on her. But we cared about each other, and I swear her family was already spending my pro paycheck. I think she felt trapped.”

  “What!” Jake mocked. “Trapped in a relationship with the great Emmett Cross?”

  “I know, it’s hard to believe everyone doesn’t want a piece of this.” Emmett kissed Jake’s nose. “As long as you want a piece of it.”

  “I don’t want a piece, I want the whole thing.”

  “You’ve got it.”

  “Yeah? Is that a commitment?”

  “I guess so. Because right now, I would break anything that tried to come between us.”

  “You’re such a brute.”

  “You like that?”

  “Hell yeah.” Jake ran his hand down Emmett’s arm, and that light touch warmed him i
nside.

  Chapter 11

  “I want to meet him.”

  Jake, getting his bags together to leave for fall break, looked over at his mom. She was sitting on the bed, her straight blond hair brushing against a raspberry cardigan. “What?” he asked.

  “Emmett. I want to meet him.”

  He shook his head. “I’m not sure what his schedule is today. His parents are picking him up—”

  “You’re ashamed of me.”

  His face heated. They’d had this conversation many times. “Of course not.”

  “You haven’t told him, have you.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, even though he knew exactly what she was talking about.

  “Down syndrome.”

  Jake turned away and pursed his lips. “It hasn’t come up in conversation.”

  His father and grandmother entered. “That’s one bag in the car,” his grandma said. “Can we get the rest in one trip?”

  His mother looked at his father. “He hasn’t told Emmett about us. He doesn’t want us to meet him.”

  “That isn’t true!” Jake protested. “If you want to meet him, I’ll invite him over. I thought Grandma was in a hurry to get on the road.”

  “It’s entirely up to you, Jake,” his grandma said, her accent the farthest thing from a Southern drawl. More Northeastern aristocrat. She was tall and thin, her short silver hair flawlessly coifed. “But I have to say, I’m a little disappointed. I got the impression you were serious about this young man.”

  “I am serious.”

  “Then you should have told him about your parents before they got to campus. They get enough awkward stares from strangers. They shouldn’t have to deal with that from your boyfriend.”

  “Grandma, Emmett wouldn’t do that.”

  “It’s all right,” his father said. He was shorter than Jake, his blond hair starting to gray. He didn’t have typical Down syndrome features, and the resemblance between him and Jake was strong. “We don’t have to meet Emmett now. Another time.”