It wasn’t that hard to find the right court, and soon Jesse came into sight, practicing with Jeffrey Sears—a coach who’d been around the block a few times with some champions. Jesse hadn’t mentioned anything about him before.
When Jesse noticed Luke watching, he tensed up and his forehand went long. He swore and returned to the baseline, but Jeffrey caught sight of Luke leaning against the outer fence.
“Hey, Rossovich. How’s it going?” Jeffrey smiled and nodded his head in greeting. He was getting up there in years, his hair thinning and stomach spreading a bit more every time Luke saw him.
“Jeff.” Luke walked towards him and stuck his hand out. “It’s going fine. You?”
Jeff pumped his hand and grinned. “Couldn’t be better. Got a new pupil, and I’m sure I’ll have him whipped into shape in no time.”
Jesse shuffled over, stayed a few feet back. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
“Is there something you needed?” Jesse could barely look him in the eye.
“I just wanted to set up another practice time. You know, for doubles.”
Jeff glanced back and forth between them before addressing Jesse. “Doubles? Kid, you never mentioned anything about that.”
“It was just an idea, but I don’t think it’s going to work out.” Jesse shrugged.
“Hell, I think it’s a great idea! I’ve only been your coach for two days, but I think it’ll do your volleys a world of good.”
“So it’s settled,” Luke said.
“No.” Jesse glared at him. “It’s not settled. I don’t think I have time right now. I need to focus on my own game.”
“Look, let’s just see how it goes at Indian Wells in a few weeks. One tournament. Besides, this was your idea in the first place,” Luke reminded him.
“Hey, Luke, how about you suit up now,” Jeff said. “I’ll find you two some competition.”
“Sure, my stuff’s in my car. Gimme ten minutes.” Luke could feel Jesse’s eyes burning into his back as he left for the parking lot.
Soon, he was back on court and they were facing off against a couple of the club’s pros. Despite the fact that he and Jesse barely looked at each other, much less spoke, they won handily. They shook hands with their competitors and Jeff jogged over.
“Nice work, but you two are like singles players out there. If you’re going to win against the guys on the tour, you’re going to have to play as a team. You have to talk out there, come up with signals—you know, communicate. You’ve both been playing alone for too long by the looks of it.”
“Yeah, I think you’re right,” Luke said. Jesse murmured and nodded.
“Okay, let’s call it a day, huh?” Jeff slapped Jesse on the back. “Get some rest tonight; I’m working you hard tomorrow! And I’m signing you both up as a doubles team for Indian Wells, so no backing out now.”
They headed to the locker room, Jesse speeding ahead. Inside, he quickly opened his locker and shoved his stuff into his gym bag.
“You’re not showering?” Luke asked.
“No,” he replied, turning to go.
Luke blocked Jesse’s path. “Look, I just wanted—”
“To humiliate me?” Jesse lowered his voice, glanced around quickly. They were alone. “I don’t know what you’re trying to prove, so just leave me alone.”
“Jesse, I—”
“Look, I thought you were like me. I was wrong. Now just leave me alone.” He tried to brush past, but Luke grabbed his arm.
“I am. Like you.”
“What?” Confusion creased Jesse’s face. “Bullshit. You couldn’t shove me away fast enough.”
“Look, you were right. I’m gay,” Luke whispered.
“So then…oh. You just…don’t like me.” Jesse paled. “Right. Okay. I understand.” He started to walk away again.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Luke ground out as he dragged Jesse into the bathroom. He pushed him into a stall and closed the door behind them. For a long moment, they stared at each other, their tense bodies inches apart.
Then Luke grabbed Jesse’s head, tangling his fingers in his hair as he pulled him close. Jesse’s lips parted beneath his, and Luke slid his tongue inside as they kissed each other, mouths hot and demanding. Jesse clutched him, his fingers digging into Luke’s back.
Luke moaned low in his throat. It had been so long. Too long.
When they were both gasping for air, Luke moved to Jesse’s neck, the salt of his sweat tangy on Luke’s tongue. He slid his hands down to Jesse’s ass and squeezed before grinding their growing cocks together.
Luke spun Jesse around and pressed him back against the stall door before he kissed him again, his tongue stroking Jesse’s. They rocked their hips together and Luke groaned when Jesse’s hands snaked up under his shirt, his fingernails scraping Luke’s skin, making him quiver.
Suddenly there was a bark of laughter from the locker room, and they both froze.
“If you think you’re going to beat me again next time, you’ve got another think coming.”
“We’ll just see about that, pal!” The two men bantered back and forth, for what seemed like forever, until their voices faded into the shower room.