Six Pack Box Set

Chapter 2-7

Caleb was dog-tired. Sleep had eluded him the night before. Hell, sleep had not come easy for the last week. Thoughts of Lucas filled his mind. He had replayed that last kiss over and over until desire overwhelmed him.

He had been true to his word and called Lucas the next day. He’d even called again, but unfortunately, Lucas had been busy with assignments. The station had him doing interviews with different players, to be aired over the next few weeks. Basic get-to-know-your-home-team kind of interviews.

Caleb was set to be interviewed next week and was looking forward to it, if only because he would spend time alone with Lucas. He sighed, thinking back to that phone call the day after the kiss in the parking lot…

That night, he couldn’t sleep, his mind and body buzzing with electricity. All he could think about was how right Lucas’ lips had felt against his. He reached for his cell phone on the night stand.

It was a few minutes after midnight, so technically, the next day. His lips curved into a small smile. Was it too late to call? Before he talked himself out of it, he dialed and held his breath.

“Hello?” Lucas sounded sleepy. And sexy.

Caleb’s heartbeat picked up. “Hey, did I wake you?”

“Not really. Just watching a documentary on TV. Well, really just listening, to be honest.”

“Documentary? What’s it about?” Caleb asked, genuinely interested.

“Baseball.”

“That’s great!” Caleb grabbed his remote and turned on the television. “What channel?” he asked as he stuffed another pillow under his head to elevate himself.

“No, sorry, it’s not live. I rented it through On Demand.”

“Oh,” Caleb said, clicking off the TV. “Well, is it any good?”

Lucas was quiet for so long, Caleb thought he might have hung up. “It is,” Lucas finally answered, his voice a whisper, “but I’m having trouble concentrating on it.”

Caleb smiled. “Why?”

“Look, this is crazy. I don’t date closeted men. I just don’t do it,” Lucas proclaimed, then sighed.

“But?”

“But, I can’t get you out of my mind.” he hissed.

Caleb’s heart flip-flopped, and his breath came out in a whoosh. He hadn’t realized he’d been holding his breath. “Lucas?” His voice came out a little shaky, which surprised him.

“Yeah?”

“Why do you think I called you?” Caleb waited for an answer. When none came, he forged ahead. “I can’t sleep. I can’t stop thinking about that kiss, either. My mind is filled with you, Lucas.”

“Really?”

Caleb smiled again. “Really, Lucas. Look, I know this thing between us is undefined and we said we’d take things slow. But hell, I don’t really know what that means. This hit me hard and I know it’s not the best situation. I’m not asking you to change your stance on dating men who aren’t out, but…but can you give me a little time? Can we see each other…date each other and keep it quiet? For now? Until I get things sorted out?”

Lucas remained silent.

“Please, Lucas? I had planned on coming out after my baseball career, but…well this…this situation puts things in a different light.”

“It does?”

Caleb squeezed his eyes shut and lightly pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. How had his whole world been turned upside down in such a short time? “Yeah,” he admitted. f**k, he needed to think. And the more he talked with Lucas, the harder his d**k became, which would lead to things other than thinking.

“Okay, well, um…I’ll think about it. I know I’m probably giving you confusing signals and I don’t mean to do that. When I’m near you, I want more, but when I’m away from you…well, I try to look at things rationally. I think we could have something pretty amazing, to be honest, Caleb. If and when you are ready. I need time to figure things out, too.”

Caleb’s heart fell and he fought the urge to beg Lucas to come over. “I understand,” he lied.

“Okay. I need to get to sleep, then,” Lucas whispered.

“Sweet dreams, Lucas,” Caleb murmured as he listened to Lucas’ quiet breathing. It soothed him in ways he didn’t understand. Yet, Caleb felt he would go to great lengths to learn anything and everything about Lucas—about this man settling into his heart.