“Hey, Coach, do you mind if I say something?”
“Not at all. If you have something to add, let’s hear it. Come on up.”
The room fell silent as Caleb stood next to the coach and smiled at everyone.
“Look, I…” He cleared his throat. “Wow, I’m not sure how to say this. I’ve thought about it for years, but this certainly wasn’t the plan.” He cocked his head and saw Lucas staring open-mouthed at him. “So, um, here’s the thing,” he said, raking his hand through his hair. “I’m gay. And I’m not going to hide anymore.”
The room stayed quiet, and he smiled wider. “Oh, yeah, and I’m a secret Trekkie.”
Brandon laughed and clapped his hands. “I always knew. I saw how your eyes lit up every time a new Star Trek movie came out.”
Everyone laughed, breaking the tension.
Lucas grinned and Caleb smiled back.
“Anyway, that’s all I wanted to say. Other than, I’m serious. I’m not going to hide anymore. If the media asks, I’ll be honest.” He sighed and shook his head. “I’m not even sure why I waited so long. Iguess it was just so ingrained in me.”
Coach Newberry shook his hand, then Caleb started back to his former seat, but veered around the group instead and plopped down into the empty seat next to a blushing Lucas.
For the first time in a long time, Caleb felt free. He knew everything wasn’t always going to be this easy, but at least he could be honest now.
4
Since Caleb arrived at the hotel a few minutes earlier than planned, he considered waiting in the parking lot a while, but he couldn’t keep still. He needed to see Lucas. They hadn’t had a chance to talk much after his “coming out” announcement, what with the baseball kids leaving, and him checking on Austin and Jamie.
Thank goodness Austin was fine. No broken bones, although definitely some bruising. Jamie had promised to take good care of him and they both broke into sappy grins. God, had he ever been so sappy? Did the boys really think they’d fallen in love at first sight? He chuckled. Here he was, ready to change his dream, if needed, just to be with a man he’d met only a few weeks ago, so who was he to judge?
Caleb skipped the elevator and raced up the stairs, arriving at Lucas’ apartment within seconds. He rapped on the door and Lucas opened it almost immediately.
He drew in a deep breath. “You…you literally take my breath away,” he whispered, unable to stop staring at the gorgeous man wearing nothing but a pair of tight gray boxer briefs. Caleb’s eyes traced that happy trail into Lucas’ waistband and he unconsciously licked his lips.
Lucas pulled the door open wider, and it shocked Caleb to see lit candles on the dresser and small table. Something smelled amazing, and he knitted his brow together as he tried to place the scent.
“Greek food,” Lucas said, as if reading his mind. “And no, I didn’t make it. I picked it up from thislittle hole-in-the-wall place I found downtown. Their food is amazing. I hope you don’t mind, but I’dlike to stay in tonight and celebrate.”
Caleb stepped inside and placed his hands on Lucas’ hips. “Celebrate?”
Lucas took a deep breath. “I’m just so proud of you. You not only came out, but you showed those teens that no one should be afraid to be who they are.”
Caleb leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you.”
Lucas smiled, pulled him further inside, and shut the door. “Welcome to Lucas’ Greek Diner, sir,” heannounced, sweeping his arm toward the table. “Please have a seat.”
“I see the dress code is pretty strict here,” Caleb said, his voice thick.
“Oh, yes, you must follow the dress code. There’s no dessert for guests who break the dress code.” Hewinked at Caleb. “Trust me, sir, I think you will want dessert.”
Caleb chuckled low and unbuttoned his shirt as he watched Lucas move around the mini kitchen area. He was so damn hot. Beautiful, really.
He caught Lucas’ gaze and his breath hitched in his throat as he slipped off his shirt and laid it on the back of the loveseat in the living area. He unbuckled his belt and toed off his shoes simultaneously, eager to rid himself of his cumbersome clothing. His pants eventually pooled at his feet, and he stepped out of them just as Lucas brought their plates to the table. He kicked off the pantsand tossed them on the loveseat.
Lucas grinned and eyeballed his plaid black boxers before setting down the plates. “Nice.”
“Oh, yeah?” Caleb asked, raising an eyebrow. “See something you like?”
Lucas only smiled, then asked if he wanted wine with dinner.