Page 11 of Keeping Kyle

“Of course. As long as the winner doesn’t mind.” Kyle winked at me, as if I might actually object.

“Sure. I’ll even take it.”

Tom handed over his phone, and I snapped a couple.

“Hey, perfect.” David showed up with his phone in hand. “Can I get a couple with the three of you? Kyle with the guys who battled over him.”

The briefest flash of irritation crossed Kyle’s eyes, and then it was gone. I hoped I hadn’t done something wrong.

“If these guys are okay with it,” Kyle said.

Neither of us minded, and David put Kyle between us. The woodsy cologne Kyle wore filled my nostrils, and I subtly breathed in deeply to ensure I’d remember it. Did I miss that yesterday or was it just for the event?

Kyle held us close, arms across our shoulders. I focused on smiling as the warmth of his hand cut right through my light sports coat. He exuded energy and warmth, and combined with his wonderful smell, I was a little lightheaded.

After the photos, Kyle signed Tom’s auction program before Tom disappeared back into the crowd with his friends. David took another couple of pictures of just me and Kyle to commemorate my winning bid, and then he left us alone.

“Congratulations, Austin. Wow. I had no idea when you said you’d be at the auction that you’d do that. Thank you for putting so much into the charity. That was incredible.”

“Um…. Well… It’s the least I can do for my favorite player.” Nervous laughter escaped before I could stop it. I tried to turn it into a groan. “I sound like such a fanboy now. I suppose I should pay so they don’t think I tried to run off with you.”

His sweet smile reappeared, even bigger. “I’ll come with you so I can get those matching funds in. I’m guessing you already have game tickets for tomorrow, perhaps better ones than the suite for the auction winners.”

“Yeah.” I could do better than one-word answers. Luckily, I found some quick. “I’m not a fan of the suites. I only use our sponsor access to one if I need to impress clients. I prefer to sit in the crowd, which is where I’ll be tomorrow.”

“I’m the same. The suites are too closed off from the energy.”

“Exactly.”

I didn’t encounter many people who felt the same way I did. Most thought the suite was swanky. Sure there was food and a bar and stuff, but I’d take a good seat in the crowd anytime.

We got in line at the cashier.

I couldn’t remember ever having this kind of feeling over a guy. Being near him got my heart racing, set off some butterflies, and made it more difficult for me to form words than I usually did in social settings. It wasn’t nerves, although I had that too—but the good feelings outweighed everything else.

Since college, Tamara periodically encouraged me to get out and try to find somebody even though it didn’t rank high on my to-do list. Getting all into a guy I’d only see this weekend wasn’t ideal for a number of reasons.

As Kyle handed over his credit card to make his donation, I took the moment to study him up close and once again admired how he looked in the suit. It fit just right everywhere—accentuating his broad shoulders, and the shirt fit close enough, I imagined strong pecs. The coat was at the right level where I could admire the lower half of his ass too. I admit I’d kept up with Kyle’s online pictures to see if he ever showed much skin.

He didn’t.

While some may go shirtless—or guys like Garrett end up the cover guy for ESPN’s body issue—Kyle kept it modest.

“Hey, where’d you go?” Kyle flashed that smile again and stepped aside so I could get to the counter.

I’d zoned out thinking about his body. Not good. Shouldn’t be going there. Especially around him.

I stepped up, handed over my card, and filled out the auction info.

“Hey bro, you had that walk down perfect, and damn what an amazing bid. Super cool of you to match too.”

“Thanks.”

Kyle mentioned his brother yesterday. I turned to say hello as I continued to fill out info on the tablet I’d been given.

“Bobby, this is Austin Murray, the guy who, for some reason, decided I was worth all that money.” Kyle’s bit of self-deprecation added still more to his charm. “He’s also one of the team sponsors and is in town for the game. Austin, this is Bobby.”

I held my hand out to Bobby, and we traded shakes.