my throat before I reply. “Your memory must be out of whack if you think that.”
“You’re crazy. I was always the fastest and the best basketball player. Remember?”
“I’ll let you think that. What’re you up to?”
He sighs. “Shit, nothing. Just hanging out at the hotel for now.”
“How was Sunday dinner with your brothers?”
“Good. Really good,” he replies, and I can practically hear the smile in his tone.
“Nice. I have to go back and visit my mom and sister soon. They always hound me in the summers if I don’t go see them every weekend.”
“So, you’ll be back in town soon?”
“You anxious to see me or what?” I flirt, then instantly regret it. We’re supposed to be friends. Only friends.
“Always,” he answers immediately. “We need to get to a basketball court so I can refresh your memory.”
“Oh please.”
“Oh, sounds like someone doesn’t want to be proven wrong,” he says with a chuckle.
“You’re crazy, and I need to get in the shower. I’m a sweaty mess.”
“Mm.” Merrick’s moan threatens to bring my cock to life. “It’s too bad we’re only friends, because we could definitely have some fun revisiting some other activities that turned you into a sweaty mess.”
My pulse races as my cock twitches. “Merrick,” I warn, though, I really want him to keep going.
“Ali.” He growls my name in the sexiest way. “I know we’re just friends, but a man can remember the past, can’t he? You’d never be able to wipe my memories of you even if you tried.”
“It’s okay to remember the past,” I say, making my way to my room where I remove my socks and shoes. “We did a lot of growing up together.”
“I don’t know where I’d be if it wasn’t for you,” he says, bringing me to a halt. “I worried I was the only gay kid in Gaspar back then, but I had you. I always had you, and you made everything better.”
My heart swells, and I take a seat on the edge of my mattress. “I was glad I had you, too.”
“Fuck, Ali,” Merrick breathes. “There’s so much I want to say to you.”
“So say it.”
He sighs. “It’s not the right time, but don’t give up on me yet, okay?”
I wonder what he’s talking about, but I don’t hesitate to reply. “Okay.”
“Now go take a shower, and let me know when you’re in town. I want to see you.”
“Okay, I will.”
26
Merrick
5 Years Ago
After recording our album, me and the guys came back home to enjoy some time with our friends and families before the album was released.
Royce invited us all to King’s Tavern so we decided to put on a little show by performing our single. With me on the guitar, Carlos on the bass, and Jay behind the drums, Sky grabs the mic and begins to sing.
When we’re done, cheers fill the room, and Sky tells everyone to go buy our album when it comes out. He and the other guys go straight to the bar, but I stop and talk to Elijah and Royce.
“Damn, man. Y’all seem to have gotten even better,” Royce says.
“Well, we’re always fucking playing,” I say with a laugh. “I can’t wait for y’all to hear the rest of our shit.”
Royce looks past me. “Is that Alejandro?”
My heart jumps in my throat. I had no idea he was going to be here. After glancing over my shoulder, I try to play it cool. “Well, shit. I think so. I’ll be back. Thanks for letting me perform.”
“Are you kidding? Go on, man,” Royce says, pushing me toward Ali.
He’s standing near the wall with Lexie. She smiles when I approach, but Ali remains stoic.
“Oh my gosh, Merrick. You guys are so good!”
I give her a grin. “Thank you.” My eyes cut to Ali. “Hey, Ali.”
Lexie looks between us before noticing someone at the bar. She places her hand on my arm and smiles. “I’ll be back, but congratulations. Don’t forget us little people when you’re rich and famous.”
I chuckle. “I won’t.”
Left alone with Ali, I slip my hands in my back pockets and watch him. “I didn’t know you were gonna be here.”
“I wasn’t planning on it. Lexie got me here. I guess she got wind y’all might show up and forced me to come along.”
“Oh.”
“So, how long are you in town for this time?” he asks, barely looking at me.
“Not long. Tomorrow is my last day.”
He lifts his chin in the air and looks to the side. “And then you’ll be gone forever?”
“You know it won’t be