Page 93 of The Forever Vault

Noah stood behind Woodward, arms crossed, but smiling. I had no idea what these two were up to.

“Dmitry’s gone-”

Dmitry?

“-which leaves a spot open for a coach on Team USA. If Luke wants it.”

Wait. “What?!”

“Seriously, Coach?” Luke asked.

“Yup, we’ve already discussed it with the powers that be. I spoke to Tyler already because of his Olympic coaching experience and because I thought you’d ask, but he politely declined. His future Olympic experiences will be as a spectator, his words. Luke, you can be a team coach, like Cassandra, but Noah and I are fine if the two of you work together with Cam. Obviously, I’d appreciate any help you can give the other guys, but I assumed-”

“Yes! He’ll do it!” I yelled without thinking. “I mean, if he wants to.”

“Of course, I want to! You’re okay with it?” Luke put his hand on my thigh.

“Fuck yeah! It’s not the best scenario, but we’ll be together,” I answered, pulling him closer, my arm around his shoulders.

“At the Olympics,” Luke added.

I wanted to take him right there on the picnic table. I was so happy and my hormones were clearly all over the place if my thoughts were any indication.

“Excellent. We’ll get the team photographer to take a photo of the two of you in action at this afternoon’s practice, so we have it for the official announcement.”

“Official announcement?” Luke and I asked.

“Yes, of course,” Noah answered. “USA Gymnastics was very excited about this possibility. You guys are - let’s face it - media darlings at this point. San Francisco has been eating you up already, according to Cassandra, and honestly, Cam, after the Today Show bit, I don’t wanna say you’re the favorite, but you’re the favorite.”

Woodward continued, "And with Luke’s injury, bringing him back on the team is a PR win for USA Gymnastics. Now I know that sounds utilitarian, but it was my idea from the start. It just happened to coincide with their assessment of the situation.”

“Oh, we get that, Coach,” Luke said.

“Yeah, I don’t really care about the reasoning behind it,” I added. “I mean, I care that you put the idea out there. But if it means Luke and I can do this together, we’ll do it.”

“Bring on the photo ops.” Luke gave his best fake smile.

Christ, this day had turned around.

Luke wasn’t competing - it would’ve taken Wolverine’s healing powers for that - but this was the next best thing. We’d be together.

It was the first time since pissing in that cup that I thought we still had a shot.

* * *

After Woodward gave us all his signature pep talk, and the guys welcomed Luke back with multiple sets of open arms, we finally had a few minutes alone.

“I can’t believe I’m your coach,” Luke said, waiting for me to finish taping my hands. “Now, I can fulfill all my fantasies.”

I scoffed. “Were all your fantasies not being met before? I seem to recall a few orgasms from this last week as evidence contrary to your statement.”

“Well, now I get to boss you around.”

“I’ve got news for you, Luke. You’re already a bossy bottom.”

“Maybe I have a few ideas that might surprise you?”

“I’ll be sure to stay on the lookout, semi-hard dick at the ready.”