Trust

Prologue “Hey, Brit, shouldn’t you be watching your boyfriend play?” Justin Lowe didn’t glance up from the lined notebook he was writing furiously in. The sounds of the full-capacity crowd in the football stadium surrounded him. “He’s in the red zone,” the man sitting next to him, Rick Driver, said. It had taken Justin a few years after moving from England to California to get used to American football. It hadn’t made a bit of sense when he was thirteen but now as a freshman in college he actually liked it. Of course it was quite likely because his boyfriend of six months, Brad Callahan, was the quarterback on the team. Justin closed his notebook and shoved it in his backpack. Sure enough, Brad’s team was close to making a touchdown. Rick gave him a derisive look. “What are you writing in there, anyway?” He was jotting down notes about the mystery novel he hoped to have published someday, but he was hardly going to tell that to Rick. He couldn’t stand Rick, but he was Brad’s oldest friend. They’d known each other since kindergarten. Rick went on and on about it every chance he got too. Justin was of the opinion the slim blond man hung around them so much because he was in love with Brad himself. But Rick claimed to be straight. “Class notes,” he lied. Rick snorted and mumbled something that might have been “dork” but Justin ignored him. Brad threw a pass and the cheers in the crowd became deafening when the wide receiver caught it. He ran for the touchdown with only seconds left. Everyone stood, screaming. Justin found himself screaming as well. * * * * He and Rick waited at one of the stadium exits for Brad to come. Earlier he’d been surrounded by jubilant teammates. Justin always felt a jolt of anticipation at seeing Brad after a game. Brad was generally pumped up and as horny as hell. Brad came around the corner, holding his helmet, his dark hair plastered to his head with sweat, a big happy grin lighting his face. “All hail the conquering hero!” Rick yelled, and ran to him, embracing him. “Man, you were awesome.” “Thanks, buddy.” Brad ruffled Rick’s hair affectionately. He smiled at Justin. “Hey.” “Hey, yourself. You were awesome. Great game.” Brad nodded and pulled Justin to him in a brief hug. “I’m going to hit the showers. You guys wait for me in the parking lot out by the cars.” “Don’t take too long. I’m starving,” Rick announced. “I saw you eating two hot dogs in the stand,” Brad said. “Anyway, I won’t be long.” “Sure, but I’m getting something to eat if you are.” “Okay, okay. See you in a bit.” Brad headed down the path toward the lockers.