Page 45 of His Secret Santa
Holden swallowed as the quarterback’s hurtful words plagued his mind. “He was mad because of how it would look for him to have a naked gay guy in his bedroom. He was worried about the rumors that might start up.”
Jamie huffed. “Then I’m glad I hit him. What a dick.” He shook his head. “What did he do? Did he say anything to you?”
“He got my clothes back and told me to get dressed. Then he left the bedroom.”
“And he didn’t apologize for what his friends did?”
“No.”
Jamie’s face pinched. “I should’ve hit him a few more times.”
As all the pieces of last night fell into place, Holden agreed. I wish you had. Still, Holden didn’t tell him everything. There were some things he wasn’t ready to share with anyone, not even his best friend. Maybe because it still hurt too much and keeping it to himself prevented the wound from bleeding out.
“Fuck him,” Jamie said. “Fuck them all. Not one of them is good enough to lick your boots.” He smiled small. “I mean that. They’re all just a waste of space. Don’t let them live in your head rent-free. Boot them out and focus on better things.”
“Like what?”
Jamie sank to his elbow and grinned. “Like the hot stripper waiting with bells on to usher you into manhood.”
“Yeah.” Holden sighed.
“What? Don’t you dare cancel your date because of this other bullshit. Don’t let them rob you of that experience. You have to go.”
Yes, he did. “I’ll go,” he mumbled.
“Good.” Jamie smacked his leg. “Get excited. It’s going to be a blast. I’m excited to go back and I’m not even gay.” He laughed.
Holden smiled despite himself. “You’re so strange. Is Abby aware of this side of you?”
“No.” He chuckled. “But she’ll love it. It’s all part of my charm.”
“She’ll love that her straight boyfriend likes going to gay strip clubs?”
“First, we’re not officially dating yet. And second… yeah, I think she will.” He grinned. “She seems like an open-minded kind of girl.”
“Let’s hope so or you’re doomed.”
“Once you snag that sexy stripper and she meets him, she’ll be cool with it all.”
Holden sobered. “I doubt I’ll be dating a stripper any time soon.”
“Don’t be so sure.” Jamie winked. “I think that hottie has a real thing for you.”
“If you say so.” Holden believed he had a thing for him, too—just not the same thing that Jamie imagined.
Chapter 13
“I feel sick.” Holden slowed as they walked through the outer entrance doors of the club and into the short entryway. He remembered everything in vivid detail from the last time he was here. Not much had changed in two years.
“You’re just nervous,” Jamie said. “It’s going to be great. Once you see him again, your nerves will calm. Remember—he asked you to come back. He even sent you a birthday card. He remembers you and he wants to see you. Please come back. Please?” Jamie smiled. “That’s the plea of a man who wants you.”
Holden would have taken comfort in Jamie’s reassurances… if not for the events at Lincoln’s birthday party. His queasiness was real, not simply a bout of nervous excitement. As they passed by the restrooms, Holden nearly bolted that way because he was sure he would puke. Somehow, he controlled his stomach and walked on by.
They paused at the entrance to the main room, and it was like walking into the past. Except for this time, the thrill and excitement of that night two years ago weren’t present. There was nervousness now, but not the good kind.
Why are you even here? Nothing good will come of this.
“Holden, isn’t it?”