Red Zone

Vince Castro is everything I shouldn't want—my financial advisor, supposedly straight, and the son of Ohio's most powerful senator who's running for president on a "traditional family values" platform.

But every meeting feels charged. Every professional handshake lasts too long. And the way he looks at me when he thinks I'm not watching? Sure doesn't scream "I'm straight."

I'm Gabe Kelly, openly gay NFL player, and I've never been confused about attraction before. But Vince drops mentions of his girlfriend into conversation like breadcrumbs, casual reminders that he's supposedly taken. So why does every conversation feel like he's undressing me with his eyes?

When I finally corner him about the tension between us, the truth explodes. The girlfriend he casually mentions? They broke up months ago. He's been lying about still being with her to maintain his cover, even though she's desperate to get back together.

Vince has been living a lie so long he's forgotten what the truth feels like. But when his father's campaign heats up and his ex starts pushing for a reunion—complete with public appearances that would cement his "straight" image—our secret relationship becomes a weapon that could destroy everything.

I thought coming out was hard. Loving a man who can't afford to exist might be impossible.

Contains mature themes.