Collision chapter 23
Chapter 23
The next match Luke and his team had to play was against Colombia. And just like Luke said after the match against Switzerland, they played a lot better this match. They were able to control their nerves and played as a solid team, which resulted in a 2-1 victory. There was little time to celebrate anything because the match against Romania was scheduled for two days later.
The morning of that game, the final game in the first round, Luke and Mike discussed game strategy in their room.
“We have to win this game; we can’t depend on the results of the other pools. We have to go through to the next round based on our own strength.” Mike said.
“I know. If we don’t win, we just have to hope we are amongst the best number 3’s of the pools. I really don’t want to let it come to that.” Luke agreed.
“Romania has some strong players, but we should be able to take them. even if we didn’t have you.” Mike said, looking at Luke.
“Why wouldn’t you have me? I’m here, I’m in good shape. There’s nothing to worry about.” Luke smiled. “I know we can take them and if I have anything to say about it, we will.”
“Well, if everything goes according to plan, we’re going out tonight to celebrate. You’re coming with us, right?” Mike asked, while moving across the room and throwing random items into his sports bag.
Luke laughed. “Sure, I’m coming. We have 2 days to recover, so we can celebrate a little.” Then he eyed Mike suspiciously. “Why? Did you plan something?”
Mike smiled at him innocently. “No, I didn’t plan anything! What on earth could I plan here? I don’t know anything or anybody.”
Luke wasn’t completely reassured, but decided to let it go after one last warning. “Well, don’t try to do anything either, nothing good can come of that.” He slid his shirt over his head and pulled on his shoes.
“Come on, party boy. Let’s go or we won’t even have anything to celebrate.”
*
“Fuck!!” Luke yelled barging into the locker room after the game. He tossed his cleats across the room and let out a frustrated groan.
“How did this happen? How?” He swivelled around to look at his team mates, who were all looking defeated and didn’t say anything back. “We worked so hard to get here, to play in front of our own fans and what do we do when it matters most? Right, we throw it all away because we don’t want to work for each other. We all just wanna be the man of the match, right, chasing after our own success. Well look where that brought us!” Luke was fuming.
“That’s easy for you to say! You’re always the man of the match!” A voice called out.
Luke swivelled around and looked in the direction of the owner of the voice. “What?! Are you kidding me? You think that’s what this is about for me? Let me tell you something; I don’t give a shit about any of that! And don’t be fooled, Jones, it’s most definitely not as glamorous as you think it is. It comes with a lot of responsibility too, I thought you knew that.” Suddenly Luke’s anger dissipated and he felt drained. “If you want it, I’ll give you the captaincy right now.”
Mike stood up, holding up his hands in a calmer manner. “Guys, come on now. This isn’t fair. Luke has worked his ass off for us, for the team. You all know that. And he’s right about the match today. But there’s nothing we can do about it right now. We just have to wait until the results from the other pools come in and if we are among the best 3rd places, we’ll still go through. All isn’t lost.”
He walked over to Luke and put his hand on his shoulder. “Now, Luke is the best captain any team could ask for, believe me. I have to walk in his shoes from time to time and it isn’t easy, I can tell you that.”
David Jones came forward and stood in front of Luke. “I know you’re right. And I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry. It’s just- I’m just disappointed, that’s all.” He extended his hand to Luke and Luke shook it. “Thank you.” Luke stated simply. He turned to head towards the showers, but David put a hand to his chest to stop him.
“I mean it, Luke. I know I speak for all of us when I say you are a great captain. I just hope we get at least one more match to prove to you we’re a great team too.”
Luke faintly smiled. “I know we are a great team, that’s why I was so disappointed, why we were all were so disappointed. We can do so much better than we showed today.” He sighed. “All we can do now is hope for the best.” He nodded at David before making his way into the showers.
*
The rest of the day was spent in the hotel. All the players huddled together in a large conference room, watching the other matches waiting and hoping and they would qualify for the next round. And when the last whistle of the last match sounded, they looked at each other in disbelief. Silently they were all calculating in their heads, verifying what they thought was true.
But no one was celebrating yet, they silently agreed to wait until the results were official. And when the screen showed the results, they all erupted into loud cheering, hugging and slapping each other on the back.
As it turned out, they were among the best number 3’s in the pools, so they were through to the next round. Mike grabbed Luke around the waist and lifted him up in a bear hug. Luke was laughing out loud and returned the hug with equal affection. Then Mike squeezed him while he cheered, “We got through!!”
Luke pushed at his shoulders, laughing. “Put me down, you idiot.” When Mike released him, Luke slung his arm around his shoulders, grinned widely and said, “You know what this calls for, right?”
Mike grinned back at him, then turned towards the rest of the team, raised his voice and boomed over the loud cheering. “Guys! We’re going out tonight! Everybody, be back here in half an hour!”
The whole team cheered again and the men all made their way towards their rooms to shower and change.
Mike and Luke were practically running upstairs, the adrenaline running high through their bodies.
When they got to their room, Mike pushed Luke towards the shower. “You go first; you take forever to get ready with that hair of yours.”
Luke opened his mouth to protest, but then figured that Mike was right.
*
Luke was busy fixing his hair and Mike was just getting out of the shower when there was a knock on the door. Luke looked at his reflection in the mirror and supposed it would have to do for now. He swung open the door and was faced with a familiar and handsome face.
Luke was shocked and unable to say anything. He stood frozen to the spot and his heart pounded in his chest. He took in Reid’s appearance, the tight black jeans, and the thin long-sleeved grey sweater and finally he looked in his eyes. Those blue eyes were gazing hotly into his, pupils wide.
Reid watched Luke’s facial expression turn from surprise into something he couldn’t quite define. That and the fact that Luke still hadn’t said anything, made him worry that maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. He opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by Luke.
Luke didn’t break eye contact with Reid, but turned his head a little towards the room and called out, “Mike!”
When Mike didn’t answer, Luke called out again, a little louder this time. “Mike!!”
Mike threw open the bathroom door, and stepped out hastily, fastening the last buttons of his shirt. “What?” He asked impatiently, before looking up and seeing Reid still standing outside the room, with Luke looking at him, both unmoving.
“Oh.”
“You’re gonna have to find another room to sleep in tonight. Pack what you need and leave. Please.” Luke said, never taking his eyes of Reid.
A slow smile formed on Reid’s face and his breathing just became a little shallower. Their gaze intensified and Luke stepped back a little to let Reid in. Reid picked up his bag and slowly walked past Luke, not breaking their connection until he was in the room and Mike came up to him to shake his hand.
“Doctor. What a surprise to see you here.” He smiled, while gripping Reid’s hand and shaking it firmly. “Listen, I won’t be long, but I have to grab some things. Just give me two seconds.” He grinned at Luke and disappeared into the bathroom again.
Luke stepped up to Reid and put his hand on his cheek. “You’re here.” He whispered. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
Reid put his arms around his waist and pulled Luke close to his body. He growled, “Believe it.” The next moment their open mouths met and their tongues found each other in a frenzied, hungry kiss. Luke’s other hand came up to Reid’s cheek and he held Reid’s head firmly in his hands while opening his mouth even wider to kiss him deeper. Reid’s hand slid down to Luke’s ass and pulled him even closer, trying to feel every inch of him.
“Whoa, guys! Come on, just one more minute.” Mike voice made them break the kiss and pull apart a little, but they didn’t let go of each other. They kept looking at the other, while Mike scurried around the room, throwing items in his bag.
“There, I’m done. Luke, I’ll make up an excuse for you not coming with us tonight. I’ll say you have sinus problems or something. That gives me good excuse to get another room, because you would snore ridiculously. Okay?”
Luke’s answer came immediately, but Mike didn’t think Luke heard everything he said. “Sure, Mike. Thanks. See you tomorrow. Bye.”
Mike sighed and muttered something unintelligible under his breath while walking out of the room.
And then they were alone.
Luke still had his hands on Reid’s face and he caressed Reid’s cheeks with his thumbs.
“I’m so happy you’re here.” He said, smiling a small smile.
Reid looked at him with soft eyes. “I wasn’t sure you would be, because you know… Last time I mentioned it, you weren’t too excited about it.” He said tentatively.
Luke cheeks turned pink and he ducked his head a little. “It was never about me not wanting to be with you, there was just… stuff getting in the way.” He looked at Reid through his eyelashes. “So…how long can you stay?”
Reid tightened his hold on Luke’s hips and leaned forward to nuzzle Luke’s neck. “Until tomorrow. We have the whole night and tomorrow morning.” He moved his hands up to slide under Luke’s shirt, feeling the soft skin of his back. He ran his hands all the way to Luke’s shoulders, pressing him close to his own body.
“God, you feel so good.” He murmured against Luke’s neck. He deeply inhaled Luke’s scent and it made him light headed. “You smell so good.” He started kissing his way up Luke’s neck until he got to his mouth. Reid pressed closed mouths kisses along Luke’s lips, before covering his lips with his mouth. Luke’s mouth opened immediately to let Reid’s tongue in and they kissed each other slow and deep. As the kiss went on, the fire between them ignited instantly and their mouths opened wider, eager for more and their breathing sped up. Out of breath they broke apart and they stared at each other for a few moments.
“I want you so bad.” Luke panted before lunging at Reid again. His hands roamed over Reid’s back, going lower to find the hem of Reid’s sweater. In one swift move he pulled Reid’s sweater over his head. Luke threw it aside and ran his hands through Reid’s hair to smooth it down. He travelled lower over Reid’s shoulders, down to his chest, flicking his nipples.
Reid arched into Luke’s touch and sought his mouth again, kissing him, all wet and tongue and saliva. His hands were tugging at Luke’s shirt.
“Off. Take it off.” He growled against Luke’s mouth.
Luke leaned back, a mischievous smile on his lips.
“You take it off.” He invited Reid. He walked backwards towards the bed, tugging Reid with him by his hand. He stopped when his knees hit the bed and looked at Reid expectantly.
Reid tilted his head and just looked at him for a while. This amazing, beautiful man had captured his heart in an instant without even knowing it. He took in Luke’s twisty hair, his sparkling brown eyes, inviting mouth with the full lips, now held in a small smile that barely showed off his dimples. Reid’s eyes travelled lower, down Luke’s neck, raking over his broad shoulders, down to his waist and further down where the low slung jeans covered slim hips. The tight jeans showed off Luke’s muscular legs and Reid couldn’t wait to take them of off him.
Luke’s body was amazing and Reid had wanted him for a long, long time. But now that he got to know the man behind the soccer player, he wanted him even more. But not just his body. no, Reid wanted everything Luke had to offer- his heart, his soul, his love ánd his body. And tonight Reid was going to give his everything to Luke, his own heart, soul and body.
Reid shook his head and stepped closer towards Luke and moved his hands towards the first closed button of Luke’s shirt. When he opened the first button, he bent down and licked the patch of skin that was revealed. Slowly his hands moved towards the second button, his mouth not far behind.
“Oh, I’m going to take my time with you, Luke Snyder. You’ll never be the same once I’m done with you.”
*
The next match Luke and his team had to play was against Colombia. And just like Luke said after the match against Switzerland, they played a lot better this match. They were able to control their nerves and played as a solid team, which resulted in a 2-1 victory. There was little time to celebrate anything because the match against Romania was scheduled for two days later.
The morning of that game, the final game in the first round, Luke and Mike discussed game strategy in their room.
“We have to win this game; we can’t depend on the results of the other pools. We have to go through to the next round based on our own strength.” Mike said.
“I know. If we don’t win, we just have to hope we are amongst the best number 3’s of the pools. I really don’t want to let it come to that.” Luke agreed.
“Romania has some strong players, but we should be able to take them. even if we didn’t have you.” Mike said, looking at Luke.
“Why wouldn’t you have me? I’m here, I’m in good shape. There’s nothing to worry about.” Luke smiled. “I know we can take them and if I have anything to say about it, we will.”
“Well, if everything goes according to plan, we’re going out tonight to celebrate. You’re coming with us, right?” Mike asked, while moving across the room and throwing random items into his sports bag.
Luke laughed. “Sure, I’m coming. We have 2 days to recover, so we can celebrate a little.” Then he eyed Mike suspiciously. “Why? Did you plan something?”
Mike smiled at him innocently. “No, I didn’t plan anything! What on earth could I plan here? I don’t know anything or anybody.”
Luke wasn’t completely reassured, but decided to let it go after one last warning. “Well, don’t try to do anything either, nothing good can come of that.” He slid his shirt over his head and pulled on his shoes.
“Come on, party boy. Let’s go or we won’t even have anything to celebrate.”
*
“Fuck!!” Luke yelled barging into the locker room after the game. He tossed his cleats across the room and let out a frustrated groan.
“How did this happen? How?” He swivelled around to look at his team mates, who were all looking defeated and didn’t say anything back. “We worked so hard to get here, to play in front of our own fans and what do we do when it matters most? Right, we throw it all away because we don’t want to work for each other. We all just wanna be the man of the match, right, chasing after our own success. Well look where that brought us!” Luke was fuming.
“That’s easy for you to say! You’re always the man of the match!” A voice called out.
Luke swivelled around and looked in the direction of the owner of the voice. “What?! Are you kidding me? You think that’s what this is about for me? Let me tell you something; I don’t give a shit about any of that! And don’t be fooled, Jones, it’s most definitely not as glamorous as you think it is. It comes with a lot of responsibility too, I thought you knew that.” Suddenly Luke’s anger dissipated and he felt drained. “If you want it, I’ll give you the captaincy right now.”
Mike stood up, holding up his hands in a calmer manner. “Guys, come on now. This isn’t fair. Luke has worked his ass off for us, for the team. You all know that. And he’s right about the match today. But there’s nothing we can do about it right now. We just have to wait until the results from the other pools come in and if we are among the best 3rd places, we’ll still go through. All isn’t lost.”
He walked over to Luke and put his hand on his shoulder. “Now, Luke is the best captain any team could ask for, believe me. I have to walk in his shoes from time to time and it isn’t easy, I can tell you that.”
David Jones came forward and stood in front of Luke. “I know you’re right. And I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry. It’s just- I’m just disappointed, that’s all.” He extended his hand to Luke and Luke shook it. “Thank you.” Luke stated simply. He turned to head towards the showers, but David put a hand to his chest to stop him.
“I mean it, Luke. I know I speak for all of us when I say you are a great captain. I just hope we get at least one more match to prove to you we’re a great team too.”
Luke faintly smiled. “I know we are a great team, that’s why I was so disappointed, why we were all were so disappointed. We can do so much better than we showed today.” He sighed. “All we can do now is hope for the best.” He nodded at David before making his way into the showers.
*
The rest of the day was spent in the hotel. All the players huddled together in a large conference room, watching the other matches waiting and hoping and they would qualify for the next round. And when the last whistle of the last match sounded, they looked at each other in disbelief. Silently they were all calculating in their heads, verifying what they thought was true.
But no one was celebrating yet, they silently agreed to wait until the results were official. And when the screen showed the results, they all erupted into loud cheering, hugging and slapping each other on the back.
As it turned out, they were among the best number 3’s in the pools, so they were through to the next round. Mike grabbed Luke around the waist and lifted him up in a bear hug. Luke was laughing out loud and returned the hug with equal affection. Then Mike squeezed him while he cheered, “We got through!!”
Luke pushed at his shoulders, laughing. “Put me down, you idiot.” When Mike released him, Luke slung his arm around his shoulders, grinned widely and said, “You know what this calls for, right?”
Mike grinned back at him, then turned towards the rest of the team, raised his voice and boomed over the loud cheering. “Guys! We’re going out tonight! Everybody, be back here in half an hour!”
The whole team cheered again and the men all made their way towards their rooms to shower and change.
Mike and Luke were practically running upstairs, the adrenaline running high through their bodies.
When they got to their room, Mike pushed Luke towards the shower. “You go first; you take forever to get ready with that hair of yours.”
Luke opened his mouth to protest, but then figured that Mike was right.
*
Luke was busy fixing his hair and Mike was just getting out of the shower when there was a knock on the door. Luke looked at his reflection in the mirror and supposed it would have to do for now. He swung open the door and was faced with a familiar and handsome face.
Luke was shocked and unable to say anything. He stood frozen to the spot and his heart pounded in his chest. He took in Reid’s appearance, the tight black jeans, and the thin long-sleeved grey sweater and finally he looked in his eyes. Those blue eyes were gazing hotly into his, pupils wide.
Reid watched Luke’s facial expression turn from surprise into something he couldn’t quite define. That and the fact that Luke still hadn’t said anything, made him worry that maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. He opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by Luke.
Luke didn’t break eye contact with Reid, but turned his head a little towards the room and called out, “Mike!”
When Mike didn’t answer, Luke called out again, a little louder this time. “Mike!!”
Mike threw open the bathroom door, and stepped out hastily, fastening the last buttons of his shirt. “What?” He asked impatiently, before looking up and seeing Reid still standing outside the room, with Luke looking at him, both unmoving.
“Oh.”
“You’re gonna have to find another room to sleep in tonight. Pack what you need and leave. Please.” Luke said, never taking his eyes of Reid.
A slow smile formed on Reid’s face and his breathing just became a little shallower. Their gaze intensified and Luke stepped back a little to let Reid in. Reid picked up his bag and slowly walked past Luke, not breaking their connection until he was in the room and Mike came up to him to shake his hand.
“Doctor. What a surprise to see you here.” He smiled, while gripping Reid’s hand and shaking it firmly. “Listen, I won’t be long, but I have to grab some things. Just give me two seconds.” He grinned at Luke and disappeared into the bathroom again.
Luke stepped up to Reid and put his hand on his cheek. “You’re here.” He whispered. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
Reid put his arms around his waist and pulled Luke close to his body. He growled, “Believe it.” The next moment their open mouths met and their tongues found each other in a frenzied, hungry kiss. Luke’s other hand came up to Reid’s cheek and he held Reid’s head firmly in his hands while opening his mouth even wider to kiss him deeper. Reid’s hand slid down to Luke’s ass and pulled him even closer, trying to feel every inch of him.
“Whoa, guys! Come on, just one more minute.” Mike voice made them break the kiss and pull apart a little, but they didn’t let go of each other. They kept looking at the other, while Mike scurried around the room, throwing items in his bag.
“There, I’m done. Luke, I’ll make up an excuse for you not coming with us tonight. I’ll say you have sinus problems or something. That gives me good excuse to get another room, because you would snore ridiculously. Okay?”
Luke’s answer came immediately, but Mike didn’t think Luke heard everything he said. “Sure, Mike. Thanks. See you tomorrow. Bye.”
Mike sighed and muttered something unintelligible under his breath while walking out of the room.
And then they were alone.
Luke still had his hands on Reid’s face and he caressed Reid’s cheeks with his thumbs.
“I’m so happy you’re here.” He said, smiling a small smile.
Reid looked at him with soft eyes. “I wasn’t sure you would be, because you know… Last time I mentioned it, you weren’t too excited about it.” He said tentatively.
Luke cheeks turned pink and he ducked his head a little. “It was never about me not wanting to be with you, there was just… stuff getting in the way.” He looked at Reid through his eyelashes. “So…how long can you stay?”
Reid tightened his hold on Luke’s hips and leaned forward to nuzzle Luke’s neck. “Until tomorrow. We have the whole night and tomorrow morning.” He moved his hands up to slide under Luke’s shirt, feeling the soft skin of his back. He ran his hands all the way to Luke’s shoulders, pressing him close to his own body.
“God, you feel so good.” He murmured against Luke’s neck. He deeply inhaled Luke’s scent and it made him light headed. “You smell so good.” He started kissing his way up Luke’s neck until he got to his mouth. Reid pressed closed mouths kisses along Luke’s lips, before covering his lips with his mouth. Luke’s mouth opened immediately to let Reid’s tongue in and they kissed each other slow and deep. As the kiss went on, the fire between them ignited instantly and their mouths opened wider, eager for more and their breathing sped up. Out of breath they broke apart and they stared at each other for a few moments.
“I want you so bad.” Luke panted before lunging at Reid again. His hands roamed over Reid’s back, going lower to find the hem of Reid’s sweater. In one swift move he pulled Reid’s sweater over his head. Luke threw it aside and ran his hands through Reid’s hair to smooth it down. He travelled lower over Reid’s shoulders, down to his chest, flicking his nipples.
Reid arched into Luke’s touch and sought his mouth again, kissing him, all wet and tongue and saliva. His hands were tugging at Luke’s shirt.
“Off. Take it off.” He growled against Luke’s mouth.
Luke leaned back, a mischievous smile on his lips.
“You take it off.” He invited Reid. He walked backwards towards the bed, tugging Reid with him by his hand. He stopped when his knees hit the bed and looked at Reid expectantly.
Reid tilted his head and just looked at him for a while. This amazing, beautiful man had captured his heart in an instant without even knowing it. He took in Luke’s twisty hair, his sparkling brown eyes, inviting mouth with the full lips, now held in a small smile that barely showed off his dimples. Reid’s eyes travelled lower, down Luke’s neck, raking over his broad shoulders, down to his waist and further down where the low slung jeans covered slim hips. The tight jeans showed off Luke’s muscular legs and Reid couldn’t wait to take them of off him.
Luke’s body was amazing and Reid had wanted him for a long, long time. But now that he got to know the man behind the soccer player, he wanted him even more. But not just his body. no, Reid wanted everything Luke had to offer- his heart, his soul, his love ánd his body. And tonight Reid was going to give his everything to Luke, his own heart, soul and body.
Reid shook his head and stepped closer towards Luke and moved his hands towards the first closed button of Luke’s shirt. When he opened the first button, he bent down and licked the patch of skin that was revealed. Slowly his hands moved towards the second button, his mouth not far behind.
“Oh, I’m going to take my time with you, Luke Snyder. You’ll never be the same once I’m done with you.”
*