Out in Time Read online

  “Well, I’m looking forward to hearing all about it. Do you boys have big plans tonight?”

  He covered the mouthpiece and mimicked, “Do we boys have big plans tonight?” He winked at Heath, and then they both fell out laughing.

  “I can hear you, son. And you better watch out—you will always be my baby boy.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Wade apologized. “I wasn’t making fun. I thought it was cute. Anyway, Heath and I are just veggin’ out in the room. Gonna call it an early night.”

  “I’m gonna get your son drunk,” Heath singsonged.

  “What was that?” His mom asked.

  “Oh, nothing, Momma. I’m gonna hop off here. I’ll call you when I get back to campus tomorrow.”

  “Okay, son. Love you. Oh, Dad says he loves you too,” she added quickly.

  “Love y’all too. Bye, Momma.”

  “Bye-bye.”

  Wade barely disconnected the call before Heath broke out into loud guffaws of laughter that had him sitting up before throwing himself backward on the bed.

  “What? You don’t tell your parents you love them?” he asked self-consciously.

  Heath wiped tears from his eyes and propped himself up on his elbow, instantly sobering. “No, it’s not that. God, you’re just so sweet and innocent, Wade. It’s refreshing. I wasn’t laughing at you, I promise. I was just laughing ‘cause I’m about to corrupt your sweet, momma’s boy ass.”

  Wade could feel his cheeks burning with that admission. He wondered if Heath knew exactly how tantalizing that sounded to him, even if he hadn’t meant the double entendre. Instead of responding, he reached for his own glass and downed it in one swallow, immediately choking a little and gasping for air to cool his heated throat. Heath chuckled and put out a fist, and after a second, Wade stretched his own out and bumped it.

  By his fourth shot, Wade decided he was done. The potent liquor had left him heated and relaxed. He felt like candle wax pooling at the bottom of a candelabrum. Somehow throughout the course of their shooting the bull, he and Heath had ended up lying side by side with their heads at the foot of the bed, their feet sliding under the pillows that they weren’t using up at the headboard. The now empty tray sat discarded on the floor next to them. Wade felt so good lying next to Heath, chatting about everything and nothing.

  He’d told Heath in great detail about his multimillion dollar deal, something he hadn’t shared with anyone outside his family. Then, he’d explained how his manager encouraged him to buy a home in a gated residence rather than the large condo he’d first thought on buying. His manager convinced him that it wouldn’t be too long before Wade would be seeking the solitude it offered. Wade admitted he didn’t feel comfortable spending all that money, but then he thought about how awesome it would be for his whole family to be able to visit at one time in a spacious place. So, he found himself the proud owner of what his manager called an “estate home” that he’d yet to fill with anything other than the bare necessities. All that had been bought online via the links his assistant had sent him. When he said assistant, Heath said, “You’re shitting me.” Nope, he certainly wasn’t. He felt like he went from tossing a football in his parent’s backyard to employing four people to help him sort out his now complicated life. Suddenly, one surreal moment followed after another these days.

  Wade sighed and stretched his arms over his head before curling on his side to stare at a much more serene version of Heath. Heath turned his head, facing Wade and giving him a lazy smile that had Wade grinning before admitting, “I feel positively melty.”

  Heath snorted. “Melty?”

  “Yeah.” He shrugged. “Just, like, so relaxed and warm.”

  “You tired?”

  “No, not really. I like hearing stories about you growing up and stuff.”

  “I think I’ve exhausted all those. You now know more about me than probably any other person on this planet. What happens in this hotel room, stays in this hotel room,” he threatened. Only, it wasn’t so intimidating since some of the words were slurred and he had a permanent grin on his face.

  Wade held up three fingers. “Scout’s honor,” he promised.

  His smile fell. “Truth,” Heath blurted.

  Wade tried wrinkling his forehead, but he wasn’t sure he was successful. “Huh?”

  “Tell me a truth.”

  “What truth?” Wade whispered, his formerly relaxed muscles tensed with apprehension.

  Heath waggled his eyebrows, and the playful look he shot Wade put him at ease a little. “You know? Truth or Dare? I’m asking first. And I want truth.”

  “Nuh, uh …” he chided. “I’m pretty sure that’s not how that game works, and I’m also pretty sure we’re too old to be playing it anyway.”

  “We’re not too old. You just turned twenty-two, and I’m right behind you,” Heath dismissed. “So … are you gonna tell me the truth, Mr. Truman?” he quipped.

  Wade barely resisted humming with approval as his every muscle contracted with desire at the sexy-as-sin way Heath had said his name. He had even taken on a little bit of Wade’s accent, as he was inclined to do. “Sure,” he barely breathed.

  Heath’s eyes lit up. “How come you’re so nice?”

  He laughed with relief. He was ready to tell Heath, but he it was still a huge step for him. “That’s your big, truthy question?”

  “Yeah.” Heath sighed and blew the hair off his forehead. “I know I was kinda an ass the first time we met. Stereotyping you and all, but there is something to it, you know? A lot of guys in your position use their bravado to intimidate and make others feel like less than they are.”

  “Faith.”

  “Faith?”

  “That’s the only way I can explain it. I’ve had difficulties like everyone else, but something inside me—bigger than my fears and doubts—allows me to push that down and have hope and think positive. I mean, it’s not perfect, but it helps a lot. Is that what you mean?”

  “Yeah, I guess. You’re just so good with people and so good to people.”

  “And you’re not? Everything about your chosen career focuses on bringing awareness. And what about all those causes on campus you’re always rallying around?”

  “It’s different though. It’s like …” He paused and scrubbed a hand over his face. “I want to make the world a better place, but you reach people on an individual level. I can see the immediate impact you have on people just by you being you. I envy that.”

  Wade processed that a moment, considered how much of an impact he would have once he was in a position to be completely honest with people. He felt almost like a fraud accepting Heath’s compliments. But, then he reminded himself that he was much more than just his sexuality. That was a part of him, but it wasn’t everything there was to him. The role he played now mattered too, and when the time came for him to allow people to know that aspect of him, he wouldn’t be ashamed. He would remain hopeful and optimistic, no matter how much crap they threw at him.

  “Hey,” Heath called to him. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m good,” he smiled. “My turn. Truth.”

  “‘K.”

  “How come, despite how much you want to improve the world, you’re so jaded?”

  Heath gnawed on his lip for a minute. Wade could see the warring emotions plain as day. He wanted to tell Wade, but did he trust him enough? “Have you ever seen the effects on someone you love from bullying? I don’t mean just getting picked on from time to time. I’m talking hardcore, relentless attacks. Had to convince that person they weren’t less than human time and time again?” Wade shook his head, the bullying he’d seen had been much more covert and never to anyone close to him. “That’s the shit my big brother’s had to endure. Things are better now that he’s older, of course. But, for years, when we were kids, it was terrible. I never let that shit stand when I was around. Neither did my oldest brother, but we couldn’t be everywhere all the time. We were just kids too.”

  “I wil
l never understand it. Even though it’s wrong on every level, I can see how differences bring about negative opinions from people who are ignorant or have low self-esteem, ‘cause that’s where that all stems from. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s ever gonna go completely away. But, to harass someone who has a medical condition. That’s just unbelievable and disgusting.”

  “The thing is Trent, my brother, has more talent and more love in his pinky finger than any of those fuckers have in their entire body.”

  “They’ll never get that because they’re too close-minded.”

  “Yeah, so on the heels of all that, I turn eleven and realize I’m gay.” Heath’s brow bunched up, and his lips pursed. “So, there I am watching my brother get treated like shit for no good reason, and I know. I just know I’ll do anything to keep that shit from happening to me.”

  “Pre-emptive strike. A defense mechanism. You push others away before they can hurt you.”

  “Yep,” Heath admitted.

  “I get it.”

  They both got quite for a moment before Heath gave a nervous laugh.

  “That got serious quick.”

  “Dare,” Wade ventured.

  “Nope, my turn. Dare,” Heath demanded. “I dare you to show me something embarrassing. Something stupid you do that no one knows about.”

  Wade thought for a moment. He didn’t do anything stupid. Well, he didn’t think he did. “Like what?”

  “Hmm … well, you can’t use this against me later, but something stupid I do is dance around in my room. Wearing just my underwear.”

  “A lot of people do that. That’s not stupid.”

  “To One Direction?” Heath added with a wry grin.

  Wade burst out laughing. “Uh, maybe not.”

  “Shut up. They’re fun. Makes me feel good.”

  A lock of that soft, brown hair fell across Heath’s forehead, and Wade longed to brush it away. “See, that makes it not stupid.”

  “You’re deflecting. This is your dare. Not mine. Whatcha got?”

  He thought about it for a moment and then nodded. “I have to show you? Can’t tell you?”

  “That’s what makes it a dare.”

  “’K.” Wade heaved his large frame from his comfy spot and moved to the space between the beds. Heath sat up quickly and spun around, sitting Indian-style with a huge grin on his face. “I don’t want to disappoint you. It’s not all that impressive.”

  “Go on, quarterback. Show me what no one else has ever seen,” he taunted.

  “Fine. I’m too buzzed for this to be graceful. Just remember that.”

  “Do your worst.” Heath lifted his glass, toasting Wade before slamming back another shot.

  Wade turned and faced the nightstand that divided the room. At least he wouldn’t have to look into Heath’s face as he did this. He took a deep breath and released it slowly as he bent at the waist and dropped his arms to the floor to support his upper body. He let his feet slide back and his head dangle before rotating it side to side between his arms, slipping into what had become second nature for him over the years. “Downward dog,” he announced. Wade stared at his feet for a moment before breathing deeply again, bringing up his head, dropping his hips and forearms, and rising onto the tips of his toes. “Plank.” He started to feel a little weirded out since Heath hadn’t made a peep. So, he moved quickly by dropping the rest of his body to the floor but arching his spine and neck toward the ceiling. “Cobra.”

  “I can’t believe you do yoga. That’s fucking awesome. Show me some more,” Heath finally encouraged. Wade could hear the awe in his voice, so despite how ridiculous he probably looked, he found himself complying. He did a couple more poses on the floor before moving into a standing position.

  Then, he did his favorite. He figured out why that was long ago. It made him feel graceful, at a time in his life when his size made him anything but. He balanced himself on one leg and brought the other up to rest one foot on the inside of his thigh. Now, he was facing Heath, so he grinned a little at the wide-eyed look he was giving him. Finally, he brought his arms over his head much like a ballerina would do but kept moving his hands until his fingers locked together. He opened his mouth to speak, the self-deprecating comment that had sprung to mind died on his tongue, though, as Heath launched himself at Wade.

  Before he could move to defend himself from the incoming fingers, Heath wedged them into his ribs and wiggled them hard. Wade’s breath whooshed out of him, and he lost his balance, throwing his arms around Heath to catch himself from falling. Instead of steadying him, Heath’s momentum sent them both toppling backward onto the other bed.

  Wade grunted when Heath’s elbow came down to hit him in the stomach. He tried to laugh at their suddenly awkward position, but it ended up coming out like a bark. Heath didn’t stop tickling him, so instead of letting him go, he squeezed his arms tighter around Heath. Heath’s entire body rested against his—their chests, their stomachs, their hips, their—oh, lord, help him—their crotches, even Heath’s toes stretched out on top of Wade’s bare feet.

  Heath finally exhausted all his laughter and relinquished the torturous tickling, although he made no move to extract himself from Wade. He finally looked up at him, and his eyes practically glittered with mischief. “I’m sorry,” he laughed. “I couldn’t resist.”

  “You don’t look sorry,” Wade mock-complained.

  “You’re right. That was a lie.” Heath grinned, and his eyes darted to Wade’s lips.

  “Dare me,” Wade blurted before he could doubt himself any further.

  Heath gave a nervous laugh before asking, “Dare you to what?”

  “Dare me to kiss you.”

  Heath’s green eyes widened and shot back up to Wade’s before tightening at the corners. “Why would I do that?”

  “Because I know you want me to,” Wade boasted before swallowing hard. “More than that—I want to.”

  Chapter 6

  Heath glanced nervously around the room before shaking his head with an uneasy laugh. “Are there hidden cameras? You’re straight. Are you setting me up to get my ass beat?” he joked.

  “There are a lotta things I want to do to you. Beating your ass is not one of them,” Wade rasped.

  Heath trembled upon hearing those words.

  And then wonder of all wonders … the six foot five, two-hundred and forty-five pound man’s pupils dilated, his brow glistened with sweat, and his powerful muscles quivered. He saw it all. He saw the heat and the want in his eyes. Felt it vibrating throughout his entire body. Fuck, felt Wade’s dick hardening against his own.

  No way was Heath strong enough to resist all that.

  “I think you may be the devil,” Heath whispered.

  Wade didn’t say anything more, just nodded once and licked his lips.

  And Heath—powerless against this man and his own misgivings—answered Wade’s call to insanity. “I dare you to kiss me, Wade.”

  Wade grinned like he’d just been granted access to heaven, despite his devilish ways. The hands that had come to rest on the middle of his back grasped him tightly and shifted his entire body until his face was aligned with Wade’s. Heath heard a whimper, and he was pretty sure it came from him.

  Wade licked his lips again and tilted his head. And even though Heath wanted to squeeze his eyes shut and lose himself in Wade, he kept them open and wary, still not sure if this was some cosmic joke that would come down on him hard in the end.

  Then, that face that was surely chiseled by the gods themselves was moving toward his. Those full, oh-dear-god-delicious lips were on his. They were soft and tentative and searching, as was the look in Wade’s eyes. This was stupid. So stupid. But when Wade looked at him like that, tasted him like this, none of that mattered. And even though this kiss would rank as probably the most innocent he’d ever received, Heath felt his eyelids flutter closed when Wade’s lips began to move over his like they owned them.

  He stopped thinking.

&nb
sp; He stopped breathing.

  He became that kiss.

  Nothing existed outside of that moment.

  Nothing existed … except for the sweet, sweet taste of Wade.

  Nothing was sweeter … except for the sweet moans trapped in Wade’s throat.

  Heath went soft and let himself fall. His hands splayed wide against Wade’s impressive pecs, and he thumbed the sparse hair lying between them. He didn’t brace for the impact as he’d been doing all his life. He just let go and let Wade ravish his lips. Even though he’d never felt anything better than this, he wanted to taste Wade. Wanted their tongues to tangle. Wanted Wade inside of him in some small way. Heath opened his lips slightly, a silent dare for Wade to take it further.

  Wade broke the kiss abruptly, and Heath’s eyes flew open. That was it. That was all he would ever have of Wade. And while he felt his heart break a little with that knowledge, his mind grabbed the memory and wrapped it tightly to savor later. He wouldn’t regret it. He wouldn’t look back and think dumb, dumb, dumb for allowing himself this moment. No, Heath would cherish it forever.

  Wade’s hands finally moved, and Heath pushed his palms into the mattress, ready to make a clean break. But he couldn’t move because one of Wade’s big hands came up to tangle in his hair and the other rested on his shoulder.

  “I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do,” Wade explained. “But, I want this. Is that okay?”

  “What is this, Wade?”

  “You. Lying on top me. Giving me that sweet mouth. Going boneless from my touch. But, if it’s not okay, now’s the time to tell me.”

  Heath wanted to scream—Go for it. Make me yours. Ravage me. Fuck, yes—and a litany of other things, but good sense was starting to make itself known. He didn’t want a quick hook up with Wade. He didn’t want to be that crazy thing Wade did that one time. He didn’t want to be the guy Wade couldn’t look at in the morning.

  “I can’t, Wade. As much as I want to, you’ve become my friend. And I value that above a quick means to getting off.”

  Heath watched as Wade’s passionate stare morphed into … what? Misery. Loss. It practically killed Heath, and he longed to press his lips to Wade’s and chase all that away. He never wanted to be responsible for putting that look on Wade’s face.