Can’t Hide My Love (9 page)

Preston wasn’t sure what had possessed him to tell Alec that he was falling in love. It was the truth, but he wasn’t really ready to go that route. Love meant things like commitment and a future. How could he have a future with another guy when he couldn’t even commit to going out in public with him? So far, they hadn’t even had a real date. They’d gotten takeout, or picked up something on the way to the other’s place. Tonight, he was going to change that. He dialed Alec, afraid of the words he was going to say.

“Hey, how’s it going?” Alec’s voice was silky smooth and sexy as hell as it came over the line.

“Good. Tonight, I want to take you to Anderson’s for steak.”

Alec was silent and he wondered if he’d made a mistake asking. All of his fears came out and he almost told Alec to forget it, but then Alec cleared his throat.

“I’d love to. I just need to change. Can you pick me up from my place at six?”

He nodded and his heart flopped. Fear kept him from answering right away, but he forced the words out. “Yes. I’ll be there at six.”

“So dare I ask?”

“I’ll tell you later. For now, just get ready for a night out to be wined and dined.”

“Okay, I’d like that,” Alec said.

Preston’s office door opened and heat filled him. Soon, the guys in the locker room would know his dirty little secret, but he didn’t want Alec to be associated with anything dirty. He wanted them to have a future and for that to happen, he had to allow others to know. It seemed counter intuitive when he thought about it, but hiding in the dark wasn’t right.

“Someone just came in to talk, I’ll see you at six. Bye.”

“Oh, okay, bye. I’ll see you at six.” Preston hung up his phone and gave his attention to the player who was standing in his doorway, hoping he had the strength to deal with the blowback.

At six, he arrived at Alec’s place and was about to get out to go to the door when Alec ran out to the car. Alec jumped in and leaned over, planting a kiss on Preston’s cheek. He hesitated but shook off the uncomfortable feeling and drew Alec close, brushing his lips gently over his man’s mouth.

“Thank you,” Alec said.

“For what?”

“Kissing me in public. I didn’t think I’d ever see the day that you’d do that.”

“It’s not really public here. The street isn’t busy and no one saw.”

Alec beamed. “It’s a step and I appreciate it.”

They drove to the restaurant in the middle of town. It wasn’t a dead night at Anderson’s, and Preston wondered if he was strong enough not to bail. He was doing okay so far, but he feared his own reactions. He parked and hopped out of the car, going around the back, standing at Alec’s door as he climbed out. Alec paused before shutting the door.

“Are you sure?”

“No, but that’s what makes this exciting. I’ve got no clue what I’m doing, but I can’t lose you.”

“Once we start going out on dates, people will question.”

“I know, and I’m okay with it. I’m scared, but I won’t hide.” Preston shut Alec’s door and reached for his hand. They were at the back of the lot, hidden from view, but it was still a huge step for him. “Okay, I might hide a bit, but soon I won’t. Just give it time. Tonight, can we go slow and just be two friends out for some food? No kissing.”

“I’m fine with that. We’ll take it one day at a time. I’m not expecting you to strip naked and bend over in the restaurant.”

Preston barked out a laugh, unable to contain his shock and surprise at Alec’s words. His whole body went hot as he thought about doing just that. Alec laughed and squeezed his hand.

“We’ll play it cool and be friends in there, but once I get you home, you’re all mine.”

Preston squeezed Alec’s hand. “Deal. I like that idea.”

He dropped his hold on Alec’s hand, and missed the contact almost immediately. If he were out with a girl there would be no question about holding her hand. He stared at Alec’s profile and shivered. How had he grown so attached to this one man? The fear of losing him made Preston reach out and weave their fingers together. Alec stumbled and looked at him, cocking a brow before glancing at their hands.

He said nothing, just held onto Alec’s hand and squeezed before dropping it to open the door. Once inside the restaurant, he wasn’t brave enough to reach for Alec’s hand again, but soon he could see himself not being afraid to show his affection, even in public.

They were seated in the middle of the restaurant and Preston looked around, seeing a couple of professors he knew. He sat up and stared at the menu, not really reading a word. Alec’s foot tapped his under the table and he jumped.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. Just wanted to say I appreciate this.”

“I’m okay. I know there are some people here from the university, but I’m okay.”

“Good. Now let’s order and eat. Friends do this sort of thing all the time.”

He nodded and glanced at the menu, picking a sirloin because it required little thought. During the meal he wasn’t particularly chatty, but did try to answer when Alec asked him a question.

“What are you doing for Christmas?”

Preston glanced around then rolled his eyes. Alec’s lips pursed together and Preston shook his head quickly.

“The eye roll wasn’t for you. I’m being paranoid. No one is paying us any attention. Anyway, about Christmas, I should be done with football before the fifteenth of December, then I’ll take a week or so cleaning up my office and after that I’ll relax. I hadn’t actually planned anything. Of course now it’s all changed.”

Alec paused his eating. “Changed how?”

“Silly, I’m going to spend it with you. Well, as long as you’re not going anywhere. You aren’t, are you?”

Alec shook his head. “No. I’ll be here.”

“Good. I guess this will be our first Christmas together.”

“And Thanksgiving?”

Alec nodded but he wasn’t looking at Preston. His gaze was over Preston’s shoulder, his focus on someone else. Jealousy wound through him, then fear came fast as Alec stood and held out his hand. “Lisa, it’s nice to see you. You know Preston Gentry, right?”

Preston was glad he didn’t have food in his mouth because he was sure he would have choked. He stood and turned to face the provost of the university. Sweat beaded on his brow and his hands immediately turned clammy.

“Lisa, it’s nice to see you again.” He wiped his palm on the napkin that had been in his lap before shaking her hand.

“Coach, it looks like fewer of your boys are going to end up on academic probation this year. Is Alec to blame, or maybe thank, for that?”

They all laughed and Preston flashed hot, knowing that his face was probably red. Lisa leaned in close and whispered so none of the other diners could hear.

“I like it. He’s a nice guy and you could do worse.”

The heat he’d felt earlier had been nothing compared to the flames licking his skin and turning his stomach. He feared he’d throw up. Lisa said goodbye and moved on, leaving the restaurant. Preston dropped into his seat and tried not to draw too much attention to his discomfort.

“Wow, of course you know the provost. I’m the new one here.”

“It’s okay. You have impeccable manners, you were just trying to be nice.”

“Thank you, I was nervous. You actually handled that very well,” Alec said.

Preston snorted, his heart still racing. “Are you joking?”

“No, you did good. One person knows and you didn’t deny it.”

“God, I’m going to freak out.”

“No, you’ll do fine. It’s all going to be okay. You survived the first person finding out and you didn’t drop dead.”

He drew in a deep breath and nodded, “I did survive.”

“Hey, let’s get a box for the rest of this and go home. I think both of us could deal with a bit of quiet time.”

“Sure.” Preston signaled the waitress and paid their check. They boxed up the rest of their food and went out to the car. Once in the car, Alec placed his hand on Preston’s leg, giving him a huge dose of comfort.

The drive to his apartment was quick and then they were alone inside. He put the food into the refrigerator and leaned against the counter, catching his breath. The provost knew he was dating Alec and hadn’t cared. He was sure rumors would spread, but at some point he had to start living his life for himself and forget trying to be politically correct and fit in. Alec moved to stand in front of him, toying with the buttons on Preston’s shirt. He looked up, loving the heat in Alec’s eyes.

“You okay?” Alec asked.

“Yes.” Preston placed his hand on Alec’s waist and drew him closer. “Would you make love to me tonight? I need to feel you, all of you.”

Alec moved even closer, his lips were by Preston’s ear. “I’ve been waiting all night to hear you ask me to do that. I’ll gladly make love to you.”

Alec tugged at Preston’s shirt, untucking it from his pants. They rocked against each other, slowly building a heat that wouldn’t be extinguished easily. Between kisses, Alec unbuttoned Preston’s shirt and pulled it off his shoulders, sliding it slowly down his arms. Next, Alec lifted his undershirt and tugged it up, removing it in one quick slide over his head. He watched Alec slowly trace patterns on his chest.

“I really like this,” Alec said.

“My chest?”

“Yes. Turns me on. I like everything about your body. You’re so sexy.”

Preston shivered as Alec skimmed his lips gently over Preston’s collarbone and lower, kissing one nipple then going to the other. He was hard, almost wishing he could hurry Alec along but loving the gentle seduction.

Alec pulled at Preston’s belt, sliding it free from the loops. Then he undid Preston’s zipper and button, letting his slacks fall to the ground. He stood in wonder as Alec dropped to his knees and looked up, his blue eyes not questioning, just stating a fact—Alec was going to suck him before they went to the bedroom.

With his underwear around his ankles, Preston watched as Alec licked his lips before sliding his tongue over the tip of Preston’s cock. The explosive release of air allowed him to relax even more. He’d give up everything for this. Not just the sex, but Alec loving him. He’d never felt so wanted or loved before. Alec was the person for him and if someone had a problem with the fact that Alec was a man, they’d have to just get over it.

He rocked his hips forward as Alec opened his mouth, taking him into the delicious heat that left Preston’s knees shaking. Getting a blowjob from Alec was heaven and he closed his eyes, memorizing the feel of Alec’s lips on him.

The heat was gone and he felt Alec’s hand on his hip as he stood. Preston opened his eyes, half drunk with passion and lust. Alec said nothing as he led Preston to the bedroom and pulled back the blanket and sheets.

“Lay on your back, I want to see your face.”

Preston nodded. He didn’t trust his voice at the moment and he sure as heck didn’t want to interrupt the magic. Alec undressed quickly and grabbed a condom. He was on the bed beside Preston, kissing him. Their legs tangled together and Alec wrapped his arms around Preston, holding him close. The kiss ended and Alec pulled back, love shining in his eyes.

“I have something to tell you, Preston Gentry.”

“What?”

“I’m falling in love with you too.”

Tears filled his eyes as he smiled up at Alec. “I love you.”

“Babe, you’re mine, that much I know.” Alec rose above him and rolled on the condom, spreading lube quickly before lining up to slide in. He relaxed as Alec pressed in. Pain flashed and he arched up as he breathed out. Alec went deeper and hit his prostate. This he could do.

Sometimes they went at it hard and fast, other times they went slow and steady. This time Alec moved slowly, almost reverently as he kissed and made love to him. The slow slide of Alec’s cock drove his need, and the little touches from Alec’s lips and fingers brought even more pleasure. His own dick was swollen and throbbing, ready to burst with just one touch.

Preston held off for as long as he could, letting his fingers roam over Alec’s back to his ass, straining to get closer as he fought to remember everything. Alec’s rhythm changed, his strokes in faster. They both were breathing hard, their bodies covered in sweat. He reached between them and cried out as he touched his overly sensitive prick. Alec slammed in, clutching at Preston’s shoulder.

“God, Preston, I love you so much,” Alec growled.

“Love...you.” Preston tried not to come, tried to hold off as long as possible by holding his breath, hoping he didn’t burst. But he lost the fight to maintain control and came hard. Blood roared in his ears and his eyes rolled up in his head. His heart raced so hard he wondered if he would survive. Then Alec was kissing his cheeks and nose, his lips sliding softly over Preston’s skin. He felt that Alec was softening inside of him before he pulled out. They lay together, side by side, both of them breathing hard as they floated back to earth. He would put up with anything to be with Alec, even other people knowing he was gay, because nothing other than being with Alec mattered.

Preston laughed as Alec struggled to tie the tree to the top of his car. They were losing the war against the tree and it looked like they were going to need more help.

“Coach,” Danny yelled from across the tree lot. “Hey Coach, do you need help?”

“Sure,” Preston called out.

He moved to stand beside Alec and didn’t budge when Danny shot him a strange look. “Oh, I didn’t realize Professor Harper was here.”

“We’re spending Christmas together,” Preston said.

“Oh.” Danny helped them tie the tree to the top of Alec’s car. After the tree was secure, Preston moved to stand in front of Danny, no longer afraid of what people said. If he lost his job because of who he loved, he’d find another job.

“This is mine and Alec’s first Christmas together. We kind of went for a bigger tree than we should have.”

Danny nodded and glanced at the tree then back to the coach. “Do you need help getting it inside your house?”

“I think we can manage,” Preston said.

“It’s just that, well, I was wondering if I could come by to talk to you two later.”

“The semester is over, Danny, and you passed. There’s no need to ask about grades.” Alec had moved closer, his hand on Preston’s back.