Incoming Freshman Read Free Page B

nude expansive chest. Chet’s gaze slowly worked its way up to the face attached to such a gorgeous body. Oh, damn. Amused emerald green eyes met Chet’s.
    “May I help you?”
    Chet untwisted his tongue and held out his hand. “I’m Chet Sloan, football coach here at the university. You must be Lockwood.”
    “Yes, but please call me Locky,” he said and shook Chet’s hand. Locky gestured towards his bare chest, glistening with sweat. “Not the best first impression, I guess, but the air conditioning’s acting up.” He took a step back and ushered Chet into the house.
    The moment Chet stepped foot in the foyer, he was met with a blast of warm air. “Whoo, you weren’t kiddin’. How long’s it been this way?”
    “Just today. Demitri has someone coming out tomorrow to check it out. Charlie said the system isn’t used often, but with these unseasonably hot temperatures we’ve been running it almost every day.” Locky shrugged. “We’ve decided to make the best of it and have a camp out in the backyard.”
    “Is that where Charlie is now? I have an incoming player I need to speak with him about.”
    “Nope. He’s in the kitchen helping Jack with the dishes.” Locky started to lead Chet towards the kitchen when laughter from outside the open French doors caught his attention. “I’d better go see who’s having all the fun and put a stop to it,” he said with a wink.
    “It was nice to meet you.” Chet wanted to apologise for ogling the man, but he didn’t want to embarrass Locky anymore than he already had.
    “You too,” Locky replied on his way outside.
    Chet knocked on the swinging kitchen door. Walking in on Charlie and his partner Jack in a compromising position wasn’t on the agenda. “Hello?”
    “Come in, Chet,” Charlie called out.
    Although blind, Charlie Salinger had quickly learned to recognise the sound of Chet’s voice. It was just one of Charlie’s skills that fascinated Chet. “Hope I’m not intruding,” he said, entering the kitchen.
    “Not at all.” Charlie settled a stack of plates in a cabinet before turning towards Chet. “Jack and I were just talking about the food order he needs to place in the morning. We’ve got six new freshmen and your senior transfer coming in this week.”
    “Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Chet took a seat at the kitchen island. “I’m trying to find alternative housing for Bobby Ray Sikes.”
    Charlie’s sightless eyes narrowed. “You have a problem with him living here?”
    “To be honest, yes. Bobby Ray’s not out of the closet to anyone but a handful of people. I think moving into BK is his way of declaring his sexuality, but I truly believe it’d be the worst move he could make. He’s so close to getting drafted by a pro team.”
    “You think he should live a fucking lie just to play football? That they won’t want him if they know he’s gay?” Jack Hershie asked, throwing the dishcloth in the sink.
    Chet held up his hands at the accusing expression on Jack’s face. “Hey, I’m gay, remember? I’m not saying they won’t want him, but he needs to learn discretion. If he plays his cards right, he’ll be able to go pro and still enjoy his personal life, but not if his sexuality is shoved into the faces of fans and the media.”
    Jack turned back to the sink, but Chet could tell the former Marine still wasn’t convinced. The last thing he’d wanted was to make his friends angry but frankly, protecting Bobby was his top priority. “Anyway, I came by to see if either of you have a suggestion for alternative housing.”
    “Ask Demitri,” Charlie said. “If anyone can find you a place, it’d be him.”
    “Thanks.” Chet hated the thought of leaving with hard feelings between them. “It’s nothing against BK House. I just want what’s best for Bobby Ray.”
    “Sounds like the kid means something to you,” Charlie replied.
    “Yeah. I recruited him out of high school for UA. I gave his