Chapter 1: Introduction
The sun hung around thirty feet above the horizon, bathing the university rugby field in golden light. Fresh-cut turf perfumed the crisp autumn air. White posts marked one end of the athletic battlefield, where warriors struggled to turn each battle for seventy interminable minutes. Warriors like Ryan.
I watched Ryan as he pushed himself to stay in shape, running sprints with a limp that never quite disappeared.
Perspiration gleamed on his forehead, and it wasn't just from exertion. He wanted to prove to me—actually, to himself—that he belonged on the pitch. It reminded me of how I felt when I played.
"Good job, Smith," I hollered, ensuring my voice carried over the rustle of leaves swaying trees and players chattering in the background. "You've come a long way."
He stopped, wheezing momentarily before cracking a smile that never reached his green eyes. A shadow of doubt danced behind them.
"Yeah?" he asked, that edge in his voice hinting at insecurity. "Sometimes I think I'm not making any progress at all."
I glanced at his leg, trying to discern where the pain lingered. "Your body might be fragile, but your spirit isn't." I grinned. "Trust the process and stay the course."
We finished for the day, and I found myself standing close to him—closer than before. My gaze locked onto his bright eyes, feeling my thoughts lose their way.
I took a step back, only to feel my hand brush against his firm pectoral. The electric shock of touching him shook me, forcing a guttural grunt from my lips.
Ryan's eyes darkened, and his breath grew heavy. The scent of sweat and earthiness washed over me as my heart raced. I cursed myself, wondering if this was the moment he and I both secretly craved.
Slowly, deliberately, Ryan reached for me. As our eyes locked, his hand caressed my chest, each muscle twitching with anticipation.
Both of us trembled, the sexual tension growing heavy between us. Ryan's hand snaked down my abs, past my belt buckle, and stopped as our hearts pounded in sync. He bit his lip, looking up at me—waiting.
Fuck, what was I doing? I hesitated, but lust robbed me of reason. Gone was the coach and the student; instead, we were two men, yearning for a connection neither could resist.
I gripped Ryan's collar and yanked him against me. Our lips crushed together, tongues wrestling for dominance.
My hands explored his chiseled torso while his fingers wrapped around my hardening length, squeezing with just enough pressure.
Ryan tore his mouth away, gasping for breath. "Coach Tom—I—I've wanted this for so long."
I growled, sliding my hand beneath his shorts, gripping the firm globes of his arse. "You think I didn't know that?" Our heads collided as a devious smirk curled across my face, feeling my need swell dangerously within my jeans.