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turned and walked away. Blood pounded inside Scott’s head, each beat thrumming behind his ears. His fists were clenched and he ground his teeth as he watched Charlie retreat. It wasn’t until he felt a soft, warm touch on his shoulder that he began to calm down. “It’s okay.”
    Scott turned around and pulled Derek into a hug, squeezing him tightly. “Are you okay?” He felt Derek’s arms wrap around him, grounding him. “You want to get outta here?”
    “Is it because of that guy?” Derek’s voice was strong and sure. “Don’t let him ruin the evening for us. You were so awesome. I’ve never been so turned on as when you stepped between us and stood up for me like that.”
    Scott smiled and leaned in, his breath carrying the scent of the chicken fingers and burgers, the flavorful scents making Derek hungry once again. Leaning forward, he kissed Derek with a tenderness that caused his surroundings to blur and vanish, his world centering on Derek’s lips and tongue. It was a kiss of both possession and love and it sent fire through him and straight to his cock. When he pulled out of the kiss, he stared into Derek’s and saw the same fire burning inside him as well. “I want to…I’m thinking about…”
    Derek put down the pool stick and walked over to Scott. “What’s wrong?”
    “No. Nothing’s wrong. It’s just,” Scott scratched a spot on the back of his neck. He wasn’t itchy, but the action seemed to sooth the tension building up inside him. “I’m feeling really close to you tonight and with all the energy racing through my system 42
    D.H. Starr

    Wrestling With Love
    right now and how protective I’m feeling, I was hoping you might want to head back to Josh’s place.”
    “You want to go to Josh’s place. What for? The only thing there is the bedroo…”
    Derek’s voice trailed off and he stared at Scott, his eyes expressing a combination of surprise and questioning. “Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?”
    It amazed him how shy and demure he was being, but for some reason, being around so many other men who were all openly gay, was lowering his inhibitions. He was pretty sure he wouldn’t feel like this once they returned home, but here and now, it felt right. Although they had set a rule of waiting until they went to college before having sex, Scott didn’t want to wait. He wanted to continue exploring these new experiences, including intimacy that he had only allowed himself to fantasize about. Hooking his finger into one of the belt loops on Derek’s jeans, he pulled him closer.
    “I think I am.”
    Derek grabbed his pool stick and placed it back with the others, took Scott by the hand, and dragged him toward the door. Scott allowed himself to be led, trying not to trip over anything as he was pulled through the room.
    When they walked out of the pool hall, the evening had cooled, a soothing summer breeze lowering the humid heat from the daytime to a temperate, dry warmth. Scott put his arm around Derek’s shoulders and pulled him in close. ”Are you sure you don’t mind that I’m asking us to break the rules?”
    “Are you kidding? I’ve been begging you to break the rules ever since we made them.” Derek was still pulling Scott, excitedly, but suddenly stopped. “Just so we’re clear, we’re breaking the no sex until we get to college rule, right?”
    Scott chuckled. “I’m not sure yet, but maybe not that rule just yet. Can’t we just see what happens?” He took Derek’s hand and the two of them continued walking west on Sixth Street at a more leisurely pace.
    The sidewalks were still filled with people. Stores were still open. There were numerous cars driving on the streets. It seemed that everywhere he looked, the city was moving and glowing, as if the entire place was plugged in and humming. They walked in silence for a while. Finally, Derek broke the silence. “Scott, do you think it will be like this for us when we’re in