“So let them watch.”
Luke leaned down and kissed Jesse once more, slowly and deliberately. With one more squeeze of their hands, Luke headed back down to the court, grinning at his mother and friends as he passed, the eyes of everyone in the stadium on him. The cameraman was close behind, another waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs. Luke knew the clip of him running into the stands to kiss his boyfriend would be a top story around the world, and instead of feeling afraid, he felt proud.
A few boos contested the smattering of applause from part of the crowd, but most of the audience stayed quiet aside from a low buzz of whispering. The tournament officials and sponsor representatives waited on the court, which had been set up for the awards presentation. The line judges and ball boys and girls all formed an honor guard of sorts, standing in even rows. Everyone on the court looked shell-shocked, as if Luke had just murdered someone in cold blood before jogging back to collect his trophy. The tournament director cleared his throat awkwardly as Luke and Koehler took their places.
After the director made a strained speech thanking the sponsors, he introduced Luke as the new U.S. Open champion. Beside him, Koehler sneered with disgust, which only made the grin on Luke’s mouth grow wider as he hoisted the trophy high above his head.
EPILOGUE
Steve Anderson took a quick sip of water as Jesse McAllister motioned for a ball. “Here it is, double match point for McAllister.”
Jesse served, the ball flying up before he hit it over the net, perfectly placing it so the ball skidded up off the service line. His opponent stabbed at it, sending the ball into the net harmlessly.
“He’s done it! Jesse McAllister is Wimbledon champion!”
As Jesse sank to the grass, the crowd leapt to their feet, cheering loudly. Jesse, looking slightly dazed, seemed to take a few seconds to let it soak in before standing up and waving to the fans. He shook hands with his opponent and the chair umpire before letting out a great whoop of delight.
“This is Jesse’s first Grand Slam title, and you know he’s been dreaming of this his whole life.”
The camera cut to the player’s box, where Jesse’s family stood cheering, Luke and Stephanie at their side. “There are his proud parents, Bob and Julie; his sister Caitlin; and of course his longtime partner, Luke Rossovich, and his mother. I know Luke’s been a great mentor, and Jesse has said that he and Luke still play doubles together whenever they get the chance.”
As Luke embraced Jesse’s mother, Steve went on, “Hard to believe it’s been almost three years since Ross retired after winning the U.S. Open in most memorable fashion. It hasn’t always been easy for them, but Jesse’s shown here that he’s got the talent to match the press coverage.”
Jesse jogged across the court. “Looks like McAllister’s going to do a repeat of Rossovich’s performance at Flushing Meadows and…yep, there he goes up into the stands!” When Jesse launched himself into Luke’s arms, most fans cheered and Steve couldn’t help but smile.
As the network went to commercial, Jesse and Luke kissed joyfully, oblivious to the world around them.
BONUS EPILOGUE
It was late by the time Luke and Jesse made it back to their hotel. After showering off the red clay streaked across his body from his victory tumble onto the court, Jesse had done hours of interviews with the world media. Then, of course, it had been time for dinner with family and friends at one of the finest restaurants Paris had to offer.
Luke was more than ready to have Jesse all to himself again, and he tried not to let his impatience show as Jesse’s parents said an extended goodbye in the hotel lobby. Luke’s mother had already gone up to her room with her boyfriend, Harry.
Harry was an accountant who made model airplanes in his spare time and always smelled vaguely of glue. Luke teased him mother about finding the most boring man in America to fall in love with, but he was thrilled to see her so happy.
Once Jesse’s parents were safely on the elevator, Jesse turned towards the other wing of the hotel, his arm wrapping around Luke’s waist. “You up for some more celebrating?” Jesse whispered, giving Luke an exaggerated wink.
Luke’s cock twitched just thinking about it. With Jesse focusing on the tournament the past two weeks, the only sex they’d had, a few days before, had been rather rushed. “Oh, I’m up for it.” Luke stopped and steered Jesse towards the front doors of the hotel. “But not here.”
“What, you’re going through an exhibitionist phase? That’ll make for some great headlines tomorrow.”
Even though they’d been out for four years and most people were accepting—especially the people who mattered—Luke was still cautious. “No, we’re going to our room.”