But it reminded Isaiah how much hurt, disappointment, and wariness Darren kept bottled up. He wanted to siphon all that negativity away. Darren deserved a happy life.
His brothers stormed the bleacher railing to scream his name at the end of the game. The initial shock on his face surprised Isaiah. They clearly wanted the world to know he was one of them.
When he asked, Jack told him the fraternity hadn’t really supported him until recently. Being in Harper’s orbit had turned off most everyone. Now, however, uncoupled from the negativity, Darren had earned their support and friendship.
Singing and joking, they arrived at the frat house. Jack and Marcus barked orders, and the brothers ran around setting up for an impromptu party in Darren’s honor. Isaiah sat on an out of the way bench as they worked swiftly and with a practiced ease putting up tables and setting large plastic bowls on the ends. The ubiquitous red cups appeared, and Jack gave Marcus some cash before he and three brothers took off.
“Food run,” Jack said when he sat next to Isaiah. “So, you and Darren?”
“It sort of just happened.”
“Yep, it does.”
“I mean, it’s crazy. We’re fighting each other for the program, but . . .”
“I get it. Ed broke some of my most basic rules and I still couldn’t walk away.”
“Rules?”
Jack held up his left index finger and tapped it with his right. “He wasn’t out. There were places I had to pretend I was straight—that was a huge no-no for me. Third, I didn’t want to be someone’s first boyfriend.”
“That’s cracked. Someone’s gotta be someone’s first.”
“I get it, but I want to be someone’s forever. Firsts rarely last.”
Isaiah kinda understood that, but it happened all the time that people spent their life with their first love. “Yet you went out with him anyway.”
Jack shrugged. “Like I said, I couldn’t walk away. You staying to celebrate?”
“I don’t want to interfere with bonding time.”
Jack put a hand on Isaiah’s shoulder before he could stand. “I’m reasonably certain Darren would rather have you here than anyone else.”
“I’ll be the only one who isn’t in the fraternity.”
“Nah, it’s a party, not a secret fraternity ceremony. Ed’s coming too. Any minute.”
“You sure I can stay?”
“Absolutely.” Voices trailed from the entranceway, and Jack’s gaze cut sharply across the room. A brilliant smile hit his face. “There’s my man.”
Jack shot across the room, and Isaiah grinned as Ed caught Jack’s lunge and laughed into a kiss. Their affection was palpable from across the room, and Isaiah hoped he might be so lucky.
Chapter Nineteen
Isaiah
Isaiah was nervous.
What if Darren didn’t want him inserting himself into this part of his life? What if hanging out here was moving too fast?
Music blasted through the room, and Isaiah suddenly wished he could melt into the wall. He was assuming too much.
Shit, he should have left.
Darren entered the room and halted. Confusion crossed his face as he took in the common room.
“Dar-ren Gage! Dar-ren Gage.” The house filled with the chant.
A blush crept up Darren’s neck. He smiled broadly as his brothers surrounded him. Through the press of bodies, Darren poked his head up and flashed those hot-as-fuck dimples at Isaiah.
One of the guys noticed, and suddenly Darren was being shuttled toward Isaiah.
Darren chuckled. “Should I apologize for you getting dragged into the chaos?”
Isaiah laughed. “My mistake was sitting with Jack at the game. I can’t escape now. Not that I want to.”
Darren grinned and dropped his bag against the wall. “I’m glad you got swept up with the pack.”
“You were great out there today.” Isaiah wanted to kiss him, but he had no idea how it would go over with all his brothers around. “I can’t believe they sent that guy in to hurt you.”
“It happens.” Darren inched closer, gaze flickering to Isaiah’s mouth. He leaned in and his breath tickled Isaiah’s cheek. “Am I allowed to kiss you?”
Isaiah swallowed. He hadn’t expected Darren would be into public displays. Particularly in a house full of frat guys.
Isaiah tilted his face to Darren’s. Their gazes caught, and Darren brushed a kiss over his lips.
A cheer erupted from the room, and Darren slowly pulled back. His eyes twinkled with a smile.
“How long do you need to stay?” Isaiah whispered huskily.
Darren’s eyes flashed. “Give me half an hour.”
Darren
It took an hour before Darren could break free and sling himself into the shower.
He scrubbed himself head to toe—twice—in record time, and dressed without preamble. He packed a bag, freed Isaiah from some mundane conversation, and snuck out of the house.
Darren linked their fingers and tugged Isaiah close. Their shoulders bumped, and Isaiah squeezed his hand gently. “You’re okay walking like this?”
Darren slowed his step. “I’m sorry, Isaiah. I just assumed you’d be okay with it.”
He tried to get his hand free, but Isaiah gripped it tighter. “It’s more than okay, it’s awesome. I was just surprised, I guess.”