Sex in the Sky

“Maybe I’d better do this alone.”

Dillon paused, his key poised in the Lumina’s ignition. “No way, Jamie. Ash more or less tried to ram his cock down your throat the last time. What’s he gonna do for an encore, strip you down and rape you?”

“Yeah, well, he was drunk last time, too.”

“Who’s to say he won’t be drinking this time?”

Dillon had a point, but Jamie wasn’t about to tell him so. Besides, he had to make sure of one thing before giving in. “You’re not gonna jump on the guy and start pounding him the minute we walk in are you?”

Dillon gave Jamie his most angelic smile and said, “Me? Never.” When Jamie made the “Yeah, right” face, Dillon said, “I promise, Jamie, I’ll be the soul of understanding and compassion.”

He sounded so sincere, but Jamie wasn’t buying a single word of it.

By the time they pulled up to Ash’s house, it was pushing seven o’clock. Jamie said, “He may not even be home. It is Friday night.”

“Then we track him down.” Dillon parked at one end of the circular drive and shut off the engine. “I want you to give him that damn letter and be done with it, Jamie. There’s no way you can move on and start putting Ben’s death behind you when you’re constantly getting dragged back in.”

That was one thing they were in perfect agreement on. Jamie wanted to end this, to settle it once and for all. He had a bad feeling about what was in that letter to Ash. He’d know that Ben had some fuzzy areas when it came to right and wrong, but he chose to remember Ben as the loving, devoted friend he’d been, not the desperate kid who often did whatever struck his fancy to earn a quick buck. Jamie didn’t want to know any more than necessary.

Ash’s house smacked of old money, from the cobblestone paths leading to the house from all directions, to the thirty room mansion itself. Jamie looked up, certain Ash’s father must be having some sort of party. Every one of the more than twenty windows at the front of the house was brightly lit, giving the red brick, colonial façade an eerie orange glow. Jamie stopped short of the massive, oak double front doors. “It looks like they’re having a party, Dillon. Maybe we should go.”

Dillon shook his head. “I don’t think so. Remember what Ash said at Ben’s memorial service? His father and his new wife have gone on a second honeymoon. It’s only been two weeks. I doubt seriously if they’d be back yet.”

“Maybe Ash is having a bunch of his football cronies over.”

Dillon looked around. “Then where are all the cars? Or the loud music? Hell, with that crowd Ash hangs around with, someone would be shit-faced and standing in the front yard crushing beer cans between his naked ass cheeks.”

Jamie could have gone years without having that visual image in his head. He gave in and rang the doorbell. He and Dillon waited, listening while the chimes echoed throughout the home. Jamie half expected one of those old English butlers to answer the door, but a red-eyed Ash came to the summons instead.

Ash took one look at Jamie and Dillon, turned white as death, and said, “What are you doing here?”

“We came to talk to you, Barnes. You gonna let us in, or what?”

“Look, Carver, if this is about what happened at that memorial thing–”

Jamie stepped in. “It’s not, Ash. We know you were drinking that night or none of that stuff would have happened.”

Jamie thought he saw Ash relax a little, but not much. “If you’re not here so Carver can kick my ass, then what are you doing here?”

God, this was hard. Jamie cleared his throat. “I, um, have a letter for you.”

Ash narrowed his eyes. “A letter? From who?” His eyes went wide. “You’re not suing me for assault or anything are you? Look, I know I was out of line there at the church, but I never really touched you. If you think you’re gonna make me pay just because I made a play for you, you can just forget it.”

Dillon didn’t have much patience to begin with, and Ash had just stretched it to its limit. “We’re not here to sue you, dumbass. We’re here to deliver a letter from Ben.”

“Ben, who?”

Jamie knew what was coming. He tried to signal for Dillon to stop, but it was too late. Dillon said, “Ben Lewis, Barnes. You know, the guy you were screwing?”

Ash looked first at Dillon, then at Jamie. After giving them both his best impression of a deer caught in the headlights, he promptly threw up.

Jamie glared at Dillon. “Help me get him back into the house so we can clean him up. Thanks so much, Mr. Understanding and Compassion.”

#

Dillon and Jamie sat in the family room at the back of the Barnes house, waiting while Ash finished showering. Dillon had cleaned up the mess in the entryway, while Jamie had gotten Ash calmed down enough to clean himself up. Now they were just waiting. Dillon cursed himself. He should have just kept his mouth shut, but that was damn hard where Jamie was concerned. Dillon couldn’t stand the thought of Jamie getting hurt, but it was more than that. Ash’s attitude, his total denial of the relationship with Ben–of even being gay–stung. It reminded Dillon far too much of the way he’d treated Jamie two years ago.

He looked around the Barnes house. He’d been here a couple of times before, for some of those raucous parties he mentioned to Jamie. One thing always struck Dillon. No matter how many people were here, be it ten or a hundred, the house always seemed empty. The furnishings were top of the line, and Ash’s father had obviously spared no expense with the decorating, but the place had a museum like quality, as if no one actually lived there.

Ash came back in a few minutes later. His hair was still wet, and he was wearing fresh clothes. The thing that got to Dillon the most, though, was the lost look in Ash’s eyes. He’d seen it once before, the night of Ben’s memorial. He hadn’t recognized it the first time, mainly because he hadn’t known about Ben and Ash, but he now saw it for what it was. It was the same look Dillon had worn for the entire two years he’d been without Jamie. Dillon’s heart immediately started to soften towards the guy. Ash had been in love with Ben.

Ash took the chair directly across from the sofa Jamie and Dillon shared. He was quite for several minutes before saying, “How much do you know?”

Dillon was gonna let Jamie handle it from here on in. He’d done enough damage himself. Jamie said, “Not much really. Ben told me that his boyfriend used to meet him at the old Tanner Mills, and that said boyfriend’s family owned the place. We tracked you down through that.”

“Why, though? What does it matter now? What, you wanna out me because of the way I’ve treated you? Go ahead. At this point, I don’t even care.”

“No one’s gonna out you, Ash.” Jamie pulled the thick envelope out of his coat pocket. “Ben left me the key to a safe deposit box in his will. There were two letters inside, one for me, and the other labeled, ‘To be revealed.’ In his letter to me, Ben’s last request was that I find out who his boyfriend was and give this to him. I’ve done that.” Jamie stretched out the hand that held the envelope.

Ash looked at it long and hard before reaching out to take it. Even then, he held it between two fingers, as if it was a poisonous snake about to strike. Ash looked to Jamie. “What’s in here?”

Jamie shrugged. “That, I couldn’t say. Ben asked me not to open it, so I didn’t. My job was to find out who you were and to deliver it.” He stood up, prompting Dillon to do the same. “I’ve kept my word. Now maybe Ben can rest in peace.”

Jamie turned to leave, and Dillon followed. They’d almost made it to the door, when Ash said, “Wait.” Then, a little quieter. “Please?”

Jamie turned. “What is it?” Ash lowered his head. “Could you stay with me while I open it? I . . . I’m all alone here. My dad won’t be home for another week, and–” He broke off, but not before Dillon heard the trembling in his voice.

Jamie trekked back across the room. “Is that why all the lights are on? Because you feel a little less lonely?”

Ash looked up. “Yeah. How did you know?”

“I used to turn all the lights on at Aunt Sadie’s, right after my mom left.” Jamie smiled. “Used to drive my aunt crazy, but I think she understood.”

Ash was so miserable, Dillon could feel it, even from where he stood. “It’s always been like this. My mom is busy with her new husband and their kids, and my dad . . . well, I know he loves me, but he’s got his own thing goin’ on. Know what I mean?”

Jamie nodded and reclaimed his seat on the couch. Dillon joined him, and then looked to Ash. “Where’s Chad? I thought you two always spent the weekends hangin’ out.”

“He wanted to, but I didn’t feel like it. I haven’t felt much like partying since, well, you know.”

“Since Ben died?”

The look Ash gave Jamie was heartbreaking, even to Dillon. “Yeah. Not since then.”

Dillon couldn’t stand it. “Look, Ash. You and I have sorta been friends most of our lives.”

“So?”

Dillon leaned forward. “So, friends tell each other stuff. Talk to us, man. Tell us what happened.”

Still holding the letter, Ash leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. “There’s not a whole heck of a lot to tell. I’ve known I was probably gay for a while now, but except for the occasional blowjob at one of those rest stop glory holes out on the interstate, I haven’t really done anything about it. When the urge got too bad, I’d go out there, get my rocks off, and be finished until the next time. That’s where I met Ben. Well, not met him, exactly. I mean, I knew him from school, but the rest stop is the first place we ever hooked up.”

When Ash paused, Dillon said, “Not to be an ass, but what about all those girls you’re always, um . . .”

“Screwing? Cause that’s all it ever was.” Ash opened his eyes. “Sure, I’ve had lots of sex with a lot of girls, but I never used any of them. Every single one knew that I wasn’t gonna make a commitment. And I wasn’t using them as a cover. I like girls–even like the sex–just not as much as I do with guys.”

Jamie nodded. “You’re probably bisexual, then, with a preference for men.”

Ash closed his eyes and leaned back again. “Probably, but none of that really matters, anymore. I don’t want to be with anybody, male or female. All I wanted was Ben. Then he dumped me, and before I could make it right, he died.”

Jamie’s whole body went rigid. “Wait a minute. What do you mean ‘Ben dumped you?’”

“Just what I said. We met that night, after the dance. I’d seen that kiss he gave you. I got so pissed, I ended up telling Ben I wanted him to make a choice: me or you.” Ash opened his eyes again and glanced at Jamie. “I know that was the wrong thing to do, especially since I’d just gotten done feeling up Blair Dees on our way into the gym. But Ben was the one who wanted to keep things light. He suggested that I keep dating girls–keep sexing them up–so no one would get suspicious. Hell, I guess I was using girls as a cover, after all. Nothing like fucking a woman at your boyfriend’s request.” Ash laughed, but the sound held about as much joy as a public execution. “After I saw him lay that kiss on you, I realized just how much I had to lose if I lost Ben. I begged him to stay with me, to make some kind of commitment. I even told him I was ready to come out, to tell everyone about us, my father included. He freaked out when I told him. Said he didn’t want that with me. He walked away from me, but not before telling me he never wanted to see me again.”

Jamie looked more confused than Dillon had ever seen him. “Ash, are you sure about that, about what he said, I mean? Think real hard. Ben told me the exact opposite of what you’re saying now.” Ash looked at Jamie like he was crazy, but there was no malice in his voice when he said, “Of course I’m sure. It’s not everyday a man loses the only person he’s ever really loved. Why do you think I spent the next twelve hours calling him every thirty minutes, begging him to meet me at the foreman’s house so we could talk? He finally gave in somewhere around call number twenty-three. I guess he was on his way to meet me when he was hit by that car.”

Jamie looked like he wanted to say something, but Ash must not have noticed. Dillon saw it, though. It took him a minute, but the pieces eventually clicked. If Ben was on his way to meet Ash, what was he doing out on Tully Road, in the opposite direction from Tanner Textile?

Ash picked up the envelope again, holding it with a firmer grip this time. “You really don’t know what’s in here?” When Jamie shook his head, Ash said, “Might as well find out,” and tore into it.

Dillon watched as Ash pulled a folded piece of white paper and what looked like an envelope from one of those twenty-four-hour photo places out of the larger envelope. Dillon remembered Ben’s words from the letter Jamie had read to him over the phone. I took something from him I had no right to take or something like that. He had a bad feeling about what could be in that photo package. Dillon was about to suggest that Ash go for the letter first, but it was a moot point. Ash reached for the paper first, anyway.

Ash didn’t even make it to the first line before he started tearing up. He held the paper out in front of himself. “Would you read it? I don’t think I can.”

Dillon wasn’t sure if Ash was talking to him or Jamie, but judging from the look on Jamie’s face, he was in no better shape to read it than Ash. Swallowing hard, Dillon leaned over and took the letter from Ash’s hand. Clearing his throat, Dillon began to read.

“Dear Ash, I’ve done a lot of really bad shit in my life, but I can honestly say I’ve never felt guilty about any of it. Not until now, that is. Most of the guys I screwed over had it coming. The way I see it, they got what they deserved. But not you. The only real crime you committed was getting mixed up with a hustler. Yeah, that’s me. I was a hustler, Ash. A whore. I was pretty damn good at it, too, if I do say so myself. Where do you think I learned all those little tricks I used on you? Come on, admit it. That ass flexing thing I used to do drove you wild.” Dillon stopped long enough to wince. Definitely too much information. He sighed and continued reading. “I can’t take all the credit, though. I learned from the best, a guy named Burke Carpenter. Burke was my foster father/pimp. Hell of a guy, let me tell you. Actually, as far as pimps go, he wasn’t so bad. He started me early, and by the time I was fifteen, I was pulling in the cash. Not that I ever saw any of it. Burke gave his boys just enough for clothes and food. At first it seemed like an okay deal, but the older I got, the more I got tired of sucking cock and bending over just to make some guy who’s supposed to be taking care of me rich. That’s why I finally ran away. I was picked up and sent to Nora’s, and from there, you know the rest. Just thinking about how much money I lost to that guy makes me mad, so I’m gonna shut up about him. Before I do, though, there’s one more thing I have to tell you about good ole’ Burke.”

“Burke might have been a sleaze, but he was damned smart for a piece of slime. Burke always said, ‘Diversify your interests.’ I had no idea what that meant when I was fifteen, but now I know that it’s the same thing Nora means when she says, ‘Never put all your eggs in one basket.’ Anyway, Burke’s idea of diversifying his interests was to tape his boys having sex with their clients. We aren’t talking your average clients here, either. Some of the guys were city leaders, police officers, trust fund babies. Burke had a stable of wealthy regulars. Why do you think no one’s ever been able to shut him down? He has too many satisfied customers in high places for that to ever happen. Like I said, Burke is smart. He never counted on just the income he made from whoring us out. He’d tape these guys having sex with us, and then use the tapes for leverage. Not only would he get the fee they paid him to ‘do’ us, but he’d have something he could use against them later on. Like I said, sometimes he’d flat-out ask for money, but most of the time it was favors he was after. I may have hated the guy, but he was a good teacher, and I’m a quick study. I decided to diversify my own interests. That’s where you come in.”

Dillon felt like he was gonna throw up. He knew what was coming. Apparently, Ash did, too. Dillon looked across the coffee table. Ash was a sickly shade of white, but it was his expression that chilled Dillon to the bone. Rather, his lack of expression. Not a single one of the thousand emotions Ash had to be feeling was written on his face. In a dry monotone, Ash said, “Keep reading. Finish it.” Dillon looked to Jamie. The pain on his face was evident, but Jamie only nodded, giving Dillon the signal to do what Ash said. With little choice, Dillon picked up where he’d left off.

“J was always telling me that I was better than most people thought, but I knew that wasn’t right. I know myself for what I am, well, was: a hustler who’s always looking out for the bottom line. You deserve to know the whole truth, so I’m gonna tell you, as bad as it is.”

“Our little meeting at the rest stop was no accident. Oh, the first time I saw you there, I had no idea you were gay, but I soon found out. I saw you and another guy sucking each other off in one of the bathroom stalls. Those glory holes do come in handy. I knew you were rich, so I staked you out. Took me about two months of ground work, but I finally engineered a run in with you. I built our relationship slowly, and the minute I had your trust, I knew we were ready for phase two: fucking. You helped by choosing the Mill for our meeting spot. Lots of places to hide a camera in that old foreman’s house. I’m not as high-tech as Burke was, so I went for one of those time lapse thirty-five-millimeter cameras, the kind that can be set to take pictures every few minutes. I’d set the timer before you got there, get you all hot and bothered, and by the time we were both naked–slide show city.”

“I took the pics to one of those one-hour-photo places and trotted them down to your dad’s office. Told him unless he wanted to see his son’s ass plastered all over the Net and beyond, he’d pay up. Since I didn’t need any favors, I asked for cold, hard cash. Your dad forked it over without even putting up a fight. My plan worked better than I’d ever dreamed. The only problem was, I grew to like you too much.”

“I’m what Nora always called a one-man-man. She claimed that no matter how much I screwed around, there would always be one special guy who held my heart. She was right about that. I wish that guy could have been you, but the truth is, James Walker had me wrapped around his finger from day one. Just because I couldn’t love you, though, doesn’t mean I didn’t care. Okay, I didn’t at first. To me you were just a red-hot fuck/meal ticket. But as I got to know you–as a person, not just as a wallet–I realized that what I was doing was seriously fucked up. When you started telling me you loved me and begging me not to break up with you, I lost it. That’s why I broke things off. Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t feel bad enough to give back the money, but I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing. Who knows? Maybe doing that one decent thing will get me into Heaven. I used to believe that if there was a God, he wouldn’t waste his time on me, but meeting J changed all that. Only God could send someone like him to a guy like me. Anyway, in the inner envelope you’ll find the only copies of the pictures I took. Well, besides the ones I gave to your dad, but I’m sure he destroyed those the first chance he got. Just so you know, your father didn’t seem to be upset by the fact that you were gay, Ash. He was mad as hell that I was using you, but the gay thing didn’t seem to enter into it. He may have a hard time showing it, but the guy really does love you. He said he’d do anything to protect his son. When you read this letter, try to remember that someone really does care about you. Even if I was never able to. I’d say I’m sorry, but you’d never believe it after all this–Ben.”

Just the thought of getting lucky with Hayden was enough to make the front of Leo’s jean shorts swell up. He carefully shifted his growing problem, and he hoped that Hayden hadn’t noticed. Leo was starting to get worried about the effect that Hayden was having on him. Maybe it was time for him to talk to Lexie about some things.

?

“Lexie, I don’t see what the big deal is, baby.” Noah said for the thousandth time.

Lexie was so angry she just wanted to hit something, hard. She had brought Noah back to her dorm room, and almost immediately she confronted him about the conversation he had with Hayden. Lexie expected him to deny the entire thing, so it was a surprise to her when he not only admitted it, but also gave her a detailed account of what was said.

“Of course you don’t see what the big deal is, Noah.” Lexie tried to keep her voice down, but it was becoming very difficult. “You’re used to manipulating people and putting them down. How DARE you imply to Hayden that Leo and I wouldn’t hang out with him because of how he dressed! Who the fuck gave you the right to speak for us?”

“He’s my best friend, and you’re my girlfriend, Lexie. That gives me every right to speak for you both.” Noah shot back at her.

“Not when you know we don’t feel the same way that you do. It’s not like you were defending us or anything. You made it seem like we were a bunch of obnoxious snobs like…” Lexie’s voice broke off and she turned away from Noah. She was too close to saying things she could regret.

“Like me.” Noah finished for her. Lexie spun around to say something. “That’s what you were going to say, right? That the two of you aren’t a bunch of spoiled little rich brats like me?”

“Baby, I didn’t…” Lexie said with a sigh.

“Fuck that, Lexie!” Noah’s voice rose as his face turned red. “I’m so fucking sick and tired of hearing you and Leo bash me for my opinions. Do you realize that makes you as bad as me? You and Leo always getting down on me and acting like you’re so much better than I am. How is that any different from what I say or do?”

Lexie again attempted to respond, but still wasn’t able to. Noah’s words sunk into her mind, and she contemplated what he said. Could he even be right? Was it possible that she and Leo were just as bad as Noah? No. Lexie told herself that they weren’t like Noah at all. They may tease him about his opinions or ignore him, but they never once said they were better than him.

“Don’t you even dare to try and turn this around on me!” Lexie finally spat back. “YOU were the one that practically told Hayden he wasn’t good enough. Leo or I have NEVER done that to you.”

Noah realized that there was no way in hell that he was going to win the argument with Lexie, and if he didn’t change his tactics, and fast, he would probably be single at the end of this fight.

“I’m sorry, baby.” Noah quietly replied. “I just…I just see so much potential in Hayden, and I felt bad for him. I knew that people on campus would talk shit about him, and I didn’t want him to get any more hurt than he already is.”

“I’m sorry too, Noah. It’s just so frustrating sometimes.” Lexie replied with a sigh. She didn’t want to give in so easily, but she hated fighting with anyone. “You just need to think before you say things like that. You really got lucky, Noah, that what you said didn’t hurt Hayden.”

“I know, Lexie, and I promise to try harder in the future. Honest.” Noah gave Lexie a puppy dog face that he knew would get her. Noah walked over and hugged his girlfriend and gave her a kiss. “I know what might brighten your spirits up tonight. How about a party?”

“What party?” She asked.

“Beta Kappa Gamma is having a rush party tonight.” Noah said with a smile. “Leo and I were thinking about rushing this year, and if we are going to be in any frat, then BKG is THE frat to be in.”

“Are you going all Greek on me, baby?” Lexie asked with a wink.

“I just might be if they take me.” Noah said with a grin.

“Don’t get your hopes up, Noah.” Lexie put her hand up to stop his response. “All I’m saying is that you know BKG is VERY exclusive, and I’ve seen the smartest, richest, hottest guys on campus get rejected. I’m just trying to keep you grounded, that’s all, sweetie.”

“What would I do without you, Lexie?” Noah asked and kissed her again.

“God only knows.” Lexie said with a laugh. “Do you think we should invite Hayden to go with us tonight?”

“Absolutely!” Noah said with a grin. Lexie was being more and more helpful in his winning the bet, and she didn’t even know it. Hopefully, she would never find out. “I think he’d have a blast at his first college party, and a frat rush party at that.”

Lexie walked over to the phone in her room and quickly dialed Leo’s cell phone. She was hoping that he had his cell phone on for once. Most of the time he left the dang thing in his room. After a few rings though he finally answered the phone. She quickly explained their idea of going to the rush party, and Leo quickly agreed. Hayden was with him, and after checking, Leo said Hayden would go as well. That night was definitely going to be memorable, but none of them realized just how memorable it would be.

?

Later that evening the four of them found themselves outside of the Chatham House. The Chatham House was the local chapter house for Beta Kappa Gamma. It was a beautifully renovated house that was donated by one of their rich and powerful alumni. From the music that was pounding in the night air, the party had definitely started.

Hayden had put on a tight pair of black button down jeans and added a hunter green silk button down shirt over it. He glanced at the rest of the group and knew that the four of them definitely looked impressive together. As they walked onto the porch there was a frat brother there checking out the people going in. As his eyes met Hayden’s his face lit up in a smile.

“Hey…” Hayden slightly shook his head, hoping that guy would catch his meaning. The frat brother obviously did as he continued. “Hey everyone! I’m Patrick, welcome to Beta Kappa Gamma. I hope all of you have a great time tonight.”

Hayden breathed a quiet sigh of relief as they entered the house. He was mentally beating himself up for not asking what frat was hosting the party tonight. Hayden knew that there was no way to avoid the secrets that would be revealed tonight. He wanted to turn tail and run, but he knew that it just wasn’t a possibility. Hayden was going to just have to take a deep breath and hope for the best.

They walked through the spacious first floor and took in everything that was going on. One of the rooms, which was a dining room, had been cleared out as a dance floor. There were a lot of people dancing and enjoying the awesome dance music. The surprising thing was that there were not only hetero couples dancing, but there were quite a few guys paired off together dancing as well.

“This campus has a zero tolerance for any type of discrimination.” Leo leaned over towards Hayden to be heard over the music, and it gave him a reason to be close to Hayden. The smell of Hayden’s cologne drove Leo crazy. “I hope that doesn’t bother you.”

“Not at all.” Hayden replied with a grin. “To each their own, ya know?”

“Let’s go show these people how to bust a move, Hayden.” Lexie walked up to him and grabbed his hand. “Let’s spice up the floor a bit.”

“You two go ahead.” Noah said. “We’ll grab some drinks.”

Hayden and Lexie were already moving onto the setup dance floor before Noah even finished talking. They immediately found the rhythm of the music and began to move in beat with each other. It was only a matter of moments before the two of them were getting down with some hot dirty dancing. A lot of people at the party took notice of the two of them bumping and grinding against each other.

After a few songs played through Hayden noticed someone trying to get his attention from the kitchen area. He discreetly nodded his head and finished out dancing the song with Lexie.

“I’ll be right back.” Hayden said into her ear. “I’m gonna run to the bathroom. You find the guys and I’ll meet back up with you.”

Lexie nodded and headed in the opposite direction of the kitchen, which Hayden was thankful for. He waited for a few moments and headed off to find the person who was calling him. Hayden found the guy in the hallway that was connected to the kitchen. The guy motioned for Hayden to follow him. The pair walked down the hallway and into an office that was located three doors down, the office of the Chapter President.

“It’s good to see you, Hayden. We weren’t expecting you to rush until next year.” Adam Packard was a tall, blonde Adonis, and was one of the smartest guys on campus.

“I hadn’t planned on it either to be honest with you, Adam. I had planned to spend most of the year just getting acquainted with the college.” Hayden replied with a smile as he sat down in the chair Adam offered. “Some unexpected friends that I made decided to come to the rush party, and they hadn’t told me which frat the party was for.”

“Otherwise you probably wouldn’t have come.” Adam said with a knowing smile. “I am glad though that you didn’t know because it would have been hard for the brothers not to interact with you this year.”

“I know that, and I’m sorry that I had to ask for that favor.” Hayden sheepishly replied. “It’s just that…”

“You don’t have to explain, Hayden. It’s cool. I totally understand your reasoning, and to be honest, I would have most likely done the same in your situation.” Adam grinned at Hayden. “As a senior I would most likely have left this year, so I’m glad to have the chance to see you.”

“I am too, though I think my cover is going to get blown tonight.” Hayden said with a sigh.

“I’ll do whatever I can to help you out, but let me give you a piece of advice.” Adam leaned back against the desk that was in front of Hayden. “Leo Warner and Lexie Covington are two of the coolest people on campus, and I don’t just mean that they are popular. You got very lucky to run into them, and I think that they are going to be very good for you.”

“Thanks, Adam. That makes me feel even more comfortable hearing that from you.” Hayden realized something about what Adam had just said. “I notice that you didn’t mention Noah before.”

“Ah, Mister Radcliff.” Adam said with a deep sigh. “He’s not that bad of a guy once you get to know him, but he’s definitely the type of person that you were trying to avoid.”

“I’ll definitely keep an eye out on him. I appreciate all your help, Adam.” Hayden stood up and gave the man a hug. “You’re one of the few true friends I’ve ever had, even though I’ve only met you like twice.”

“Don’t worry about it, Hayden. Once you’re inducted into the brotherhood, there will be plenty of time for us to hang out and get to know each other better.” Adam replied as he hugged Hayden back.

“I better get back out to my friends. I’m sure they are wondering where I’m at.” Hayden said with a smile.

“I’ll make my way over at some point tonight and introduce myself. That will give us a chance to hang out more.” Adam patted Hayden on the back as they made their way to the door.

“That sounds awesome, Adam.” Hayden grinned at him.

Hayden checked the hallway before stepping out of the office. He walked down the hallway away from the kitchen and towards the bathroom. Hayden waited in line and then quickly used the facilities before looking for his friends. He found them on the upstairs deck. It looked like they were having a good time, and Hayden rushed over to join them.

It was almost two hours later, and Hayden was definitely having a great time. If frat boys know how to do anything, it’s drink and throw a wicked party. Hayden lost count of how many drinks he had, and from the way Leo and Lexie were giggling, he was sure they were as buzzed as he was. Of course something would come along to ruin that buzz. Hayden had gone to get himself another drink, and on his way back to the group he saw a new guy standing there. Hayden hung back for a moment to hear what he was saying.

“I was hoping I’d find you here, Leo.” The new guy said to the group.

They turned to see who the newcomer was, and Leo’s face went a bit white. Hayden inspected the guy that made Leo nervous. He was about five foot eight with jet black hair. Hayden noticed that the guy wasn’t overly muscular, but he had a pretty nicely toned body. There was one thing that irritated Hayden though. The guy’s attitude seemed to be a replica of Noah’s.

“Hey Jared.” Leo said with a small, but fake, smile. “I didn’t know you were rushing Beta Kappa Gamma.”

“I heard through the grapevine you might show up here tonight.” Jared’s smile could have been pleasant, if he didn’t remind Hayden of a weasel that is. “I thought since you weren’t calling me back I’d just have to talk to you in person.”

“Now’s really not a good time, Jared.” Leo quickly said. “Look, I’ll call you tomorrow, and we can talk then. Okay?”

“I don’t think so, Leo. You’re just gonna blow me off again.” Jared’s smile faded a bit, and his voice hardened. “We both know that you want me. So let’s just cut with the fucking games, okay?”

“What do you mean he wants you?” Noah asked as he gave Jared the evil eye.

“He wants you to go away, that’s for sure.” Lexie’s voice was as cold as Noah’s.

“That’s funny. He didn’t want me to go away when we danced together at the Inferno over the summer.” Jared’s face was a mask of false confusion.

“What’s the Inferno?” Lexie asked.

Hayden was almost afraid to hear the answer as he saw Leo’s face turn even whiter. Leo and Hayden’s eyes met, and fear shot through Leo’s body. He didn’t want Hayden to find out his secret, at least not this way.

“It’s one of the hottest gay clubs in South Beach. I guess Leo didn’t realize we went to the same school.” Jared’s smiled returned, but this time there was a hint of evil and malice there.

Leo’s eyes closed, and Hayden heard a very deep and heavy sigh escape his friend. If there was any doubt in what Jared was saying, Leo just blew that all away. The triumphant grin that appeared on Jared’s face made Hayden sick to his stomach. Jared obviously knew that Leo wasn’t out to anyone, and since he got turned down, he wanted to get a little revenge.

Hayden didn’t give a flying rat’s ass if Leo was gay. It seemed that the two of them had much more in common than they realized. Hayden quickly glanced at Lexie and saw that she wasn’t as shocked as Hayden was. In fact, the only emotion she was showing was a very intense anger. Their eyes met, and Hayden knew that he had to do something before Lexie lost control. Hayden took a deep breath and prayed he was doing the right thing.

Hayden set his drink down on a table that was nearby and completely unbuttoned his shirt. He pulled it open a bit to show off his taut muscular body. Hayden was glad that no one in the group had acknowledged his presence. It would give him the element of surprise.

“Hey babe. Who’s your friend?” Hayden asked as he walked up to Leo and slid his arm around Leo’s waist. “Sorry it took me so long. The lines in the bathroom are fucking insane.”

Hayden covertly glanced over at Lexie, and he saw all the anger drain completely from her face. A dazzling grin took the place of her frown, and as she realized Hayden was looking at her, she winked. Hayden also knew he was doing the right thing as he felt Leo’s arm wrap around his waist. Hayden’s body flushed with excitement as he felt Leo’s cool hand slip under his shirt and rest on his lower back. Jared’s face, on the other hand, went from a happy smile to a confused frown.

“That’s interesting.” Jared practically spat. “You didn’t mention that you had a boyfriend when you were all over me, Leo.”

“I’m sure that wouldn’t have stopped you, Jared.” Hayden’s voice became as hard as a rock. “In fact, I’m willing to bet that it was you that was all over Leo. You’re obviously trying to get some revenge because I’m sure Leo told you that he wasn’t out at school. It’s a bit unfortunate for you that he came out when he got back this summer. So why don’t you do us all a favor and leave.” Hayden gave Jared a confused look before continuing. “I don’t even know how you’re out by yourself. Aren’t there leash laws in this state?”

Jared’s face turned a deep shade of red, and his mouth flapped noiselessly up and down. To Jared’s further embarrassment Lexie started to giggle, and that of course made Leo laugh. Within a few seconds the whole group was laughing. Jared finally shot Hayden one final evil look before stomping off.

Hayden’s laughter stopped in his throat as he glanced at Leo. Their eyes locked, and Leo’s green eyes sparkled in a way Hayden had never seen before. Hayden felt Leo’s arm tighten around him. As Hayden continued to look into Leo’s eyes he saw tears building up behind Leo’s dark lashes. Leo’s body began to shake against Hayden. He realized that the truth of what just happened hit Leo full force. Leo had just come out of the closet.

“It’s okay.” Hayden said for Leo’s ears only. He reached up and placed his hand on the back of Leo’s neck to comfort him. “You don’t have anything to worry about. Do you understand me?”

“I don’t know how to thank you.” Leo’s hushed voice was raw with emotion.

“Jared’s watching us from across the deck.” Lexie quietly informed them.

“You can thank me by not kicking my ass for this.” Hayden quickly said.

“For what?” Leo’s eyes became dark with confusion.

“This.” Hayden quietly said.

Without even thinking about the consequences of his actions, Hayden leaned forward and pressed his lips against Leo’s. Right before their lips touched Hayden felt Leo’s warm breath wash over his face, and Hayden’s eyes instinctively closed as he felt Leo’s arm loosen its hold on him.

The initial moments of the kiss sent electrical shockwaves through Hayden’s body. Suddenly Leo’s arm tightened around Hayden, and he pulled their bodies closer together. Hayden could feel the heat of Leo’s body as it pressed against his bare chest. As their muscular bodies pressed together Hayden felt Leo’s tongue press against his lips. Hayden’s lips quickly parted to allow Leo to claim him.

An indescribable feeling exploded through Hayden’s body as Leo’s tongue swept into his willing mouth. Hayden soon responded, and their tongues battled for dominance against each other. It was a moment that burned itself into Hayden’s memory for eternity. The memory would have to last that long because it was the only kiss they would ever share because Hayden knew that once Leo found out the truth, everything would be over.

Chapter Six

A passion that he had never knew existed swept through Leo’s body as he felt Hayden’s tongue slide into his mouth. It felt like every inch of his body was on fire, and Leo didn’t know whether to enjoy the feeling or be afraid of it. His mind was screaming at him that this was all a cover to throw Jared off, but his heart refused to believe that for a second. Leo was reluctant to end the kiss, but his lungs were burning from lack of oxygen.

As Leo broke the kiss he leaned his forehead against Hayden’s as he gasped for air. Leo couldn’t stop himself as his eyes drifted downward and took in the beauty of Hayden’s exposed flesh. He could see the goose bumps that had broken out over Hayden. Leo wasn’t sure if that was from excitement or from fear.

The realization of his coming out broke through the euphoria that Leo was feeling, and it took all of his energy to hold back his raw emotions. He felt his body begin to tremble again, and Hayden quickly engulfed him in a tight embrace.

“You befriended me when probably nobody else would.” Hayden whispered in his ear. “I owe you and Lexie so much for that. I’m not going to let you down. I’ll be by your side throughout all of this.”