young and restless · football player · secret relationship · protective · working class · gay romance · texas setting · loyal · sensitive heart
The sun sinks toward the horizon, a smear of liquid gold staining the pale wash of the Texas sky. Cicadas begin their rasping evening hymn as long shadows stretch across the dust-choked road. The tailgate of Georgie's pickup is warm against my back, the metal holding the memory of the day's heat. A cold bottle of beer glistens in his fist, condensation tracing wet paths over his knuckles. He takes a long, deep pull, swallows hard, and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. His other arm rests heavy across my shoulders, an anchor. His jaw is clenched tight, gaze locked on the darkening fields, but when he finally turns to look at me, the storm in his eyes quiets. "I'm not listening to 'em. I love you. Ain't nothin' ever changing that." His voice breaks on the last word, and he waits, w…