“The hot water sluiced over Ryan’s body and took away the sting from overexerting his muscles. Eight kicks in one game wasn’t his usual. But with Jason Eckles, the normal punter, out with a broken toe, Ryan had picked Jason’s punts in addition to his usual point after kicks. Thankfully the Dragons had won. He had something to be happy about. They had creamed the Griffins, beating them by more than twenty points.

He turned off the spray then shook the water out of his hair. His thoughts wandered to Paul. Every time he had looked over at the Griffins’ bench, Paul had sat staring in his direction. Ryan covered himself with a towel then palmed his crotch. The nice thing about being the last one in the showers was that the rest of the team had vacated the locker rooms by the time he finished. The alone time enabled him to settle down and plot out what he wanted to do for the next game.

Footsteps slapped on the concrete and the sound grew closer. Ryan poked his head out of the shower room. His breath hitched and his grip on the towel loosened. Paul Toth in the flesh…in the opposing team’s locker room.

Paul tossed his bag on the floor. His eyes blazed with anger and frustration. “There you are.”

“Here I am,” Ryan replied. He retied the towel and hoped his erection wasn’t obvious. Then again, what did he care? “You’re in foreign territory.”

“I get by.” Paul levelled his muscle-corded shoulders. “You never answered my question.”

Ryan’s heartbeat hiked up and blood surged through his veins. He’d fucked things up before by succumbing to his shyness. No more letting the past get in the way of his future. Besides, talking with Paul wasn’t going to lead anywhere, was it? But if it did, Ryan would take every advantage.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t.” Ryan stepped toe to toe with Paul. He kind of liked craving a man who stood a couple of inches taller than he did. “I don’t have anything against you. You’re a very sexy guy.” He measured his words. “Caught me off guard when you remembered my name at the school. We don’t talk much, you being on the opposing team and all. I’m glad you came in here.”

“Oh.” Paul’s lips parted and his gaze softened. He wobbled a bit on his feet. “Thought maybe we could go for coffee.”

“That’s a possibility.” The heat from Paul’s body radiated over Ryan. He breathed in the scent of Paul, sweat and deodorant…and something pine. If Ryan bounced on his toes, he’d be able to kiss Paul.

Paul’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “Um…”

“Are you going to kiss me or just stand there?” Ryan assumed his role as the dominant. He didn’t give Paul time to answer and captured his mouth in a kiss. Paul softened and gripped Ryan’s arms. His tongue tangled with Ryan’s and his cock pushed against the tent in Ryan’s towel. Ryan swallowed Paul’s groan, then broke the connection.

Pink tinged Paul’s cheeks and his eyelids drooped. “Whoa.”

“I’ve got you down to one-syllable words. Nice.” Ryan sidestepped Paul and opened his locker. “Guess that also answers your question.” He yanked his shirt down past his head then hiked his boxer shorts past his hips.

“Can we go somewhere and talk?”