Page 46 of Floored By Love

Okay, interest piqued.

“I...I just wanted to thank you for what you said to me in Brisbane. You were just so...you. I never hid in the closet again after that trip. I kind of feel like I owe that to you. Well, I know I owe it to you. I feel like I should’ve said something a while ago, but...” He shrugged.

I didn’t know what to say. “Wow. I’m...glad I helped.” I ran my hand through my hair. “I-”

“You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know that if it weren’t for fearless athletes like you, it would be harder for the rest of us.”

It surprised me when he stood up and opened his arms, offering a hug. He was taller than me and a row up. It felt like hugging a bear. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“What?” he asked, standing up straight.

“You’re a lot bigger than I remember. Taller too.”

“I may have spent some time in the gym.”

“It shows,” O added.

Austin glanced his way, and damned if the boy didn’t bite his lip and start blushing. “Orion, was it?”

O nodded.

Austin extended his hand, and he and O shook. “Cool name. Nice to meet you, Orion.”

“You too. Nice to meet you, I mean. Not that your name isn’t cool. It is. I’ll shut up now.”

Austin laughed, but kept staring at O. For their benefit, I added, “Orion’s an out-and-proud gay athlete as well.”

O was too bashful to see Austin’s eyebrows shoot up, and if my dick-sense was as accurate as it used to be, I swore I saw him adjust himself through his sweatpants pocket.

“Is that so? Well, good for you. We could always use more handsome dudes repping out there.”

“Ha-handsome?” O looked up at Austin.

“I...uh...should get back to Erika. It was nice seeing you again, Luke. Orion.” His lips curled a little with his last word. He made his way back down the stairs, joining Cam and Erika in mid-conversation.

“Jesus fuck,” O whispered, slumping down into his seat.

I joined him. “I think someone has a new crush,” I whispered back.

“Was I that obvious?”

“No, I meant Austin has a crush on you.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah, the evidence...seemed large.”

O gave me a quizzical look.

I motioned with my head and widened my eyes. “And hard.”

“What? No…” He didn’t believe me.

“The VPL appeared while he was standing there. And you should’ve gotten a good look, your face was at the right level.”

“I was trying not to die of embarrassment. I thought I was too obvious. There’s no way he was interested. You’re just trying to make me feel good.”

“What are y’all whispering ‘bout back there? You’re like two little schoolboys.”