Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 116254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 581(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 581(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
It made no sense. Because, again, they weren’t together. It wasn’t Kai’s problem what Breck had going all up in his head. He didn’t care how Breck felt, either way.
Or, at least, Breck didn’t think he cared…
He pondered that deeper.
In hindsight, some of Kai’s actions did raise a few suspicions, this invite to The District to reassure Breck absolutely being one of them.
Exhaling, he ran a hand down the back of his skull. Kai was complicating his life at a time when he couldn’t afford it. And yet Breck’s dumb-fuck ass didn’t want it any other way.
His heart thumped. His stomach twisted and turned.
He shook off his thoughts—and found Tad quietly watching.
“Everything okay?”
“Sure.” Breck nodded. “Absolutely. Of course.”
“And you’re sure there’s not some person bouncing around inside your brain?” Tad was studying him now, suspiciously, his expression almost comical.
Breck’s lips twitched, even as he yearned to be straight with his friend. To tell him the truth. If only he knew what exactly that was. Was this thing with Kai just a phase? Just a part of him wanting to sow his wild oats while he could?
He didn’t think so, but then, he’d never been in this situation. No guy had ever affected him the way Kai had. But if he was wrong and it was just a phase? And he’d spilled all the sordid little details to Tad? Then all that’d do is underscore his promiscuity. That his dick was an equal opportunity provider. That he’d one-and-done virtually anyone, irrespective of their gender.
Yeah, not exactly the kind of light he wanted his buddy to view him in.
Forcing a smirk, he stretched his arms out to his sides. “Have you forgotten who you’re talking to? King Breck of the court. The only thing all up in my head is the fucking Draft. Besides, the pickings are always plentiful. The ladies come to me and, if I’m feeling it, I partake. Then I send them on their way. That’s how I roll.”
Tad’s lips quirked. “That’s right. What was I thinking? Breck the Unattainable. Nobody’s breakin’ your stride.”
“Damn straight.” Breck grinned, smoothing a hand along the side of his skull. “This man’s got plans. Head in the game. Eyes on the prize.”
Tad’s expression softened into the smile of a friend. “Yeah, but that prize… Will it hold you close and keep you warm at night? Will it love you?”
Breck looked at him, not sure how to answer. He sobered. “That’s not what I’m looking for. And the ladies warm my bed just fine.”
“Right.” Tad nodded. “Stardom. That’s your endgame. I get that. And you’ve earned it. But… are you sure that’s gonna make you happy? It might get lonely up there at the top. Groupies don’t count in that arena. Which I’m sure you know.” He dunked some fries in ketchup, then shoved them into his mouth.
Breck went quiet, unprepared for this turn in discussion.
“I’m just saying,” Tad continued as he chewed. “If I were in your shoes, I’d wanna take Scott along. Someone who matters to me, to share my life and successes with.”
Breck frowned, but didn’t reply. In all honesty, he was kind of at a loss for words. Tad had inadvertently just called him out, and every cell in Breck’s body knew it.
Feigning boredom, he shrugged again. “Who knows. Maybe. If the right person came along.”
A sentiment that felt awesome to say, but also really horrible. Because, sure, he could entertain that prospect, but that didn’t make it realistically attainable. Truth was—or rather, reality dictated—that even if he did want someone like Kai, it could never happen.
Hell, even Tad had just assessed as much in so many words. Someone as high profile as Breck? At such a critical time? He could never go public about his orientation right now. That’d incur the wrath of society. Which, by default and association, would also rain down on Kai.
Tad looked appeased—but then eyed Breck more closely. “You don’t look happy again. You sure you’re okay?” He glanced at Breck’s plate and frowned. “Dude. You haven’t even touched your food.”
Breck sighed and shook off his thoughts. Sat straighter and cleared his throat. “Nah, man. I’m good. Just a little hungover… And truth be told, all kinds of stressed the fuck out.”
“Basketball shit?”
“Yeah,” he muttered. “As soon as we’re back from Hawaii, it’s balls to the wall. Commitments and obligations out the ass. Won’t have a second to breathe.”
Tad nodded sympathetically, then pointed a fry at him. “Well then, you know what that means. You gotta pack in as much fun now, before the crazy begins.”
Tad was right. Yet again. And Breck knew it. The time to enjoy himself was right fucking now. He’d deal with all the crazy when the crazy arrived.
“You know what, Mitchel?” He smiled. “I couldn’t agree more.”
He’d earned what Tad was prescribing. One grandiose shebang. One last hoorah. And now, thanks to Tad and their talk, he knew exactly what he was going to do.