Official Description: Callan has always hated his teammate and rival Nick because he seemed like an arrogant ass whose only purpose in life was to beat Callan and then rub it in. He calls the guy "Nick the Prick" for a reason.
Then something causes Callan to leave the team before his final meet, and Nick is knocking on his door to find out what happened. Nick is the one willing to stand by him and help him out, forcing him to realize there may be more to the 'Prick' than he's been shown.
For years, Callan used to survive on one night stands. Now, he won't. His life has changed permanently, so can the new Callan find romance and maybe, eventually, a forever?
Original Prompt:
Dear Author,
I have always hated him cause he seemed like an arrogant asshole who's only purpose in life was to beat me and then rub it in. I mean we have been on the same team for years but we are still rivals. But then something terrible happened to me (you can decide what) and I was forced to realize there was more to him than I thought. He was the only one willing to stand by me and help me out. I have been surviving with one night stands for years and I am ready for some sweet romance and maybe a forever. Do I get it with him?
Photo Description: A smooth-bodied swimmer stands in racing gear: blue tight trunks, black cap and goggles. His pale skin is wet and a few glistening drops fall from one hand. Face grimacing in an odd smile, he raises the other arm to point and gesture at something unseen.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Download the story from the Author's website or Goodreads, read it online or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 2.
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Genre: contemporary
Tags: gay m/m, hurt/comfort, swimmers, rivals to lovers, university, jocks, first love
Word Count: 5,277
