Page 146 of The Tryout

“Give me ten minutes?”

I sit on the couch in the living room, wondering whether setting a timer would be too eager. I figure I can at least lose some clothes, stripping down to my own underwear - the last pair of Andrew Christians in my drawer, purchased right before they went out of business. As I wait, I thumb through my messages, sending a few quick replies. Ethan and Jamie have sent a picture from Spain along with their congratulations for Finn, and Dad has sent me a reminder to bring some of the new third jerseys with Finn’s name on them when we visit next week.

Finally, I hear the door to our bedroom open, and I’m halfway there before I even realize I’ve gotten up. As I walk inside, Finn has dimmed the lights and is on all fours on the bed, the lace of the royal blue jockstrap displaying his ass perfectly.

I walk over, tracing a finger along the lace where it cuts slightly into his thigh. Finn moans, pressing his chest down to the bed, displaying himself wantonly.

“You look so good, baby. Why not the thong?”

The way I’d seen him caressing it, I’d thought for sure he’d be wearing it when I walked in.

“Wasn’t in the mood for any obstacles today. I was afraid we’d rip it.”

He’s got a point.

I grab a few pillows from the head of the bed, placing them under him for support. A thumb on each side, I spread his cheeks, showing off his hole.

“Mm…looks so sweet.”

I run a tongue from his balls all the way up his crack, circling around his hole at the top. Again and again my tongue makes the trip, until he is begging and his hole is slick and relaxed. I stiffen my tongue, pushing inside him as my hands grip his ass.

“Fuck, fuck, Avery. Get the lube, please get the lube.”

I’m surprised he’s so desperate to move this forward. He’s usually more than happy for me to rim him for as long as I like, and I’d planned to really spoil him today.

“Please, Ave?”

I head to the nightstand, opening the drawer. But when I look down, the only thing in the drawer is a small black velvet box.

My eyes widen, not sure what to think. I look at Finn, who’s sitting back on his heels now.

“There’s no lube in here.”

He gives me a look that’s hard to read – it might be saying Avery, you’re a big, dumb idiot.

“Is there maybe…something else?”

I nod, lifting the box out of the drawer.

“Do you maybe want to open it?”

I press my lips together, not sure what to say, what to expect. Finally, I lift up the lid of the box.

Inside, there’s a ring.

Before I can even give it a good look, I lift my eyes up to meet Finn’s.

“Is this…”

He comes over to me, giving me a gentle kiss.

“Do you remember when you told me you wanted to build a life with me? Well, I want to build one with you, too, Avery. Forever, if you’ll have me.”

My eyes well with tears. Maybe this shouldn’t surprise me – for two and a half years we’ve done everything we can to be together. Two hundred and fifty mile trips, shared holidays, the works. I tell Finn nearly every day how I love him, how I intend to keep loving him. But here, looking at this ring, I realize that he meant it too.

Realizing I haven’t spoken – maybe can’t speak, given the burn in my throat – I nod, leaning my head against his.

“Put it on me?”