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Kane nodded, breathing hard and toweling his hair dry while his coach continued to detail how he had failed the morning’s session.
“And I hope you aren’t planning to make a habit of bringing girls to training; it’s a distraction you don’t need. Especially with state trials coming up. You can guarantee Xavier Greene won’t be chasing pussy. He’ll be putting the hours in and getting results.”
Kane’s ears reddened as he cast a quick glance at me. I immediately became interested in the Fankirth Frogs banner hanging on the back wall, going as far as to hum in interest and nod as though puzzling through the artistry of a frog in a red speedo and goggles waving a small Fankirth flag.
“She’s doing an article, Coach. It’ll be good publicity. That’s it,” Kane muttered.
“I’ll wait outside,” I told the smiling frog loudly as I hustled toward the exit before anything else could be mentioned about my nether parts and the pursuit of them.
The dawn air was cool on my face as I stepped outside. I had managed one calming breath when the doors crashed back open behind me and Kane jogged out.
“I’m sorry about that,” he said, catching my elbow in a gentle grip. “It was uncalled for.”
“It’s ok,” I said, pulling free and backing up a step. He really was overwhelming when he stood so close. Especially when he wore nothing but his swim shorts and pool water. I could smell the chlorine on his skin this close, and I had to admit, I was starting to enjoy it.
To clear my head, I took another step back, trying to find my focus.
“No, it isn’t. He’s protective—I mean, he’s the only father figure I’ve got, but that doesn’t excuse what he said. You’re just trying to do a job here. You don’t need to listen to that shit, so I’m saying sorry for him.”
In that moment, on the quiet school grounds, standing face to face with a half-naked boy who was almost a man, I felt my resolve to keep my distance weaken. Maybe I wasn’t as alone as I thought.
“You’ve lost your father too?” I asked quietly.
His brow wrinkled. “Too?”
“I lost mine a few years ago. Heart attack. It… it’s not the easiest thing to talk about, which I’m sure you know.”
He frowned. “I—”
“No, it’s ok,” I interrupted quickly. “You must be really cold. Go grab a shower. Are you still up for coffee?”
At his nod, I shooed him toward the doors and leaned against the building, enjoying the beautiful sunrise.
CHAPTER 3
“You like him.”
I had been so immersed in watching Kane joking with his friend, Cody, that Allie’s accusation made me jump, knocking my Algebra textbook off my desk.
“Do you need anything, Miss Rowsthorn?” our substitute teacher asked, barely glancing up from the notebook she was writing in. I shook my head and retrieved my book, pausing as Cody cackled loudly. When I glanced over at their corner of the room, Kane was already watching me. With a wink, he waved toward the empty chair in front of him.
He had spent the whole walk to first period trying to convince me I should sit with him in classes to get the full “Bryson experience.” I declined, pointing out the experience of a classroom varied very little regardless of where I sat in the room, and I would meet him after. I had sworn to myself it was purely in my best academic interest, and had nothing to do with being seen in public with the captain of the swim team, and the captain of the football team. Kane and Cody together were too much athletic talent in one strong friendship. I wasn’t intimidated. Much.
The sharp jab of a ruler to my back made me question why I let Allie keep the title of my best friend.
“What?” I asked, trying to keep my voice down as I glared at her over my shoulder.
“Don’t give me what. You’ve got the hots for your interviewee. Give us the scoop. Does he look as delicious up close and all wet as I imagine?”
I rolled my eyes and snatched her ruler away when she attempted another poke.
“I am interviewing him for the paper. That’s it.”
Her smirk was less than comforting. I knew I would to have to give her something later. The trouble was, I didn’t know what to tell her. Did I like Kane? We had attended the same school for three years now, and yeah, he was hot, but yesterday had been our first ever conversation. Sports stars didn’t generally notice anyone outside their social circle. Kane had said it himself: I was interviewing him. That’s it.
Students pushed and laughed, talking loudly in the chaos of exiting the classroom at the end of the lesson. I took my time packing my books away to avoid the crush, and was surprised to see a large hand pass me my last book.
“Bryson’s too much of a pussy to ask, so consider me your fairy godmother. There’s a party tonight. Come keep him company so I don’t have to listen to his lame ass moan.”
