Free Last Chance by Viki Lyn Page B

cappuccino and sipped the strong brew.

    Nick ate his bagel, picking the crumbs with his fingers. Stu felt comfortable with Nick, but did he feel more for his friend? No. As good-looking as Nick was, Stu was sure he didn't want the guy's dick in his mouth or up his ass. So did this mean he was straight, or that Nick wasn't his type?

    His own reputation amazed him. People claimed he bedded every available coed on campus, but between football and his studies, he had little time for dating. The million-dollar question was, why did his body heat up with just the thought of touching Aric's hard muscles sheathed in all that velvet skin? No girl ever made him that crazy.

    Nick leaned forward in his chair, licking off the last crumbs from his fingers. “Something you want to tell me? I've known you for a long time, Stu. A long time. I've seen things.”

    Anxiety struck at Stu's gut, making his stomach plunge. Had Nick discovered his family's secret? Nick had no fucking clue how many secrets Stu had stowed away in the attic.

    Stu chewed his lower lip, then spoke. “You've never bothered with subtlety before.”

    “You like this Aric dude, don't you?”

    Stu's heart leapfrogged into his throat. A tidal wave of fear drowned out all sounds. He frowned as the cup shook in his trembling hand.

    Nick aimed his gaze at eye level with Stu's. “I'm your best friend. You can talk to me.”

    A reminder, yes, but no guarantee of acceptance. Stu sipped his drink, buying himself more time. He'd never purposely lied to his friend, but this…this could change everything between them. “What are you getting at?”

    Nick blushed, much to Stu's surprise. The dude always kept his cool under pressure, even during the times on the football field when they had been behind twenty-one to nothing.

    “I saw the way you looked at him…and you don't seem too interested in chicks, not that…” Nick's rambling was worse than Nick's disapproval.

    Stu slammed his hand over his friend's drumming fingers. “I just like him. That's all.”

    Nick patted Stu's hand. “Hey, lighten up. So you're gay. I can handle it.”

    Stu shot back his hand. Being called gay didn't sit well with him. “I'm not a fag.” His brow furrowed. “I'm attracted to girls, I guess.” His voice faltered.

    Nick let out an exasperated breath. “Look, dude. You're not very convincing.”

    “It's not like I lust after any of our teammates.” His gaze darted around the patio as he lowered his voice. “Or other guys,” he repeated, more to convince himself.

    “Glad to hear it. Or else I'd have to beat the shit out of you.” Nick slouched in his seat, his mouth quivering in silent laughter.

    His friend was kidding, but it didn't ease his worry that everything might change between them. He said gruffly, “Like you could take me down.”

    Nick scratched his chest. “Maybe you're right, and it's just Aric that rocks your world. He's pretty for a dude. And as you said the other day, he's smart. You always dated girls with brains rather than with big breasts.” Nick leaned forward. “When you dated at all.” Amusement flashed across his face. “Have you done it yet?”

    A warm ache spread across Stu's chest. Would he have another chance to with Aric? His hand jerked, almost knocking over his cup.

    “Well…” Nick leaned back into his chair again, letting it teeter on two legs. “You're red as a tomato. A dead giveaway.”

    “It's none of your fucking business.”

    Light laughter cascaded across the table. “I guess that's a yes.” Nick sat up, reached for Stu's arm, and took it with a gentle squeeze. He lowered his voice, and his eyes were sincere. “I don't care who you choose to have sex with. You'll always be my best friend. Nothing you say or do can change that.”

    Stu was glad to be sitting down, because the relief he felt at his best friend's words left his knees weak. Nick had just accepted Stu's being attracted to a guy, without any