Page 137 of The Risk Taker

He’s really going to do it.

I can see it written all over his face.

I turn back around and breathe hard, trying to keep my cool as I push through the locker room door, my heart thudding way too fast. Austin’s already half-naked by the time I step inside, peeling off his jockstrap with zero shame.

“Shower time, bitches,” he says. “Try not to miss me.”

Ryan huffs out a laugh as he yanks off his jersey. “How are you this annoying this early in the week?”

Austin just winks. “It’s a gift. You’re welcome.”

He scoffs when Austin turns and heads toward the showers.

I hang back near the doorway, pulse thudding way too hard, pretending to dig around in my gear bag when really, I’m not doing anything except watching Nathan.

From the outside, he looks calm. But I know him. I know the way his shoulders lift just a little higher when he’s overthinking, the way he keeps his jaw locked tight when he’s trying not to let nerves show.

He said he was ready. But just because he’s ready doesn’t mean it’s easy.

And as much as I want us to stop hiding and to be able to kiss him and not feel like I have to glance over my shoulder, part of me aches at the thought of him feeling like hehasto do it.

I don’t want him to regret it.

I’d rather wait than have him regret it.

I take a breath and lean closer so only he can hear. “You okay?”

His eyes flick to me and he nods, swallowing hard.

I lower my voice even more, my chest tightening. “You don’t have to do this right now.” I run a hand through my hair, mostlyto keep from fidgeting. “Seriously. If you changed your mind, or want to wait until next week or?—”

“No,” he cuts me off with a shake of his head. “I don’t want to wait.”

And before I can react, he grabs the front of my jersey, pulls me toward him, and kisses me.

Right there.

In the middle of the locker room.

With all the guys watching.

“What the fuck?” I hear someone say. Don’t know who. Don’t really give a fuck.

“Did they just?—”

“Holy shit.”

There’s a split second of silence before the locker room erupts into whistles and cheers, but all I can hear is my pulse pounding in my ears as I slide my hand over the back of Nathan’s head and kiss him back.

My whole body’s buzzing with adrenaline and disbelief, like I just scored the game-winner in overtime.

His mouth is soft and sure against mine, and for a guy who’s usually nervous as hell, he’s kissing me like he’s been waiting forever to do it.

I don’t even care that we’re surrounded by twenty other dudes, most of whom are now freaking the fuck out.

“What happened?” I hear Austin say. “What the fuck did I miss?”

I pull back slightly, my breath caught somewhere in my chest, and when I open my eyes, Nathan’s staring at me like I hung the stars or something. His lips are pink and kiss-swollen, his eyes still a little dazed, and for a second, I just look at him.