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In California, I helped with a different minor league team each season. It was a lot of fun and I learned so much, but every year, I had to spend weeks putting these guys in their place until they finally respected me and saw me as more than a pretty face.
“On that note, let’s keep going on our tour and leave these horny teens to work out.” Owen pins them each with a glare and places a hand on the small of my back, leading me to the next room.
I don’t miss the murmured comments about me or my body as we leave. I’m fully aware of the challenges I'm going to face in this job and I'm not looking forward to it.
“Ifanyone gives you trouble, I want to know about it, Charlie. Do you understand me?” Owen glances down at me as we stop inside another room.
I look around and find a bunch of tables. This will be where I’ll be working. All of the equipment in here is new. From what Dad’s said, Owen has completely renovated this clubhouse and bought the best of the best for his players.
“I’ll be fine, Owen,” I groan. I love him for caring, but I don’t need to be treated like a little kid. I can take care of myself. I already have Dad and Blake being little mother hens, I don’t need Owen doing it too.
“Nope. That’s not going to work for me. Especially with Wyatt on my team. That idiot will punch every one of these assholes in the face if he thinks they’re not treating you right. I don’t doubt Leo and Cord would do the same.” Owen folds his thick arms over his chest and stares me down.
I’ve known him long enough to know when he isn't going to budge on a topic. This is one of those topics. As much as I want to get angry, how do I fault him for trying to protect me?
“Fine. I’ll tell you when one of the little boys thinks they have a chance with me and won't back down.” I mirror his position and fold my arms over my chest.
“I'm going to be honest with you. I have three other physical therapists. Gary is the lead and basically your boss, but he told me last week he doesn’t think he’s going to make it through the season.I don’t think the others have what it takes to run this place and I need someone I can trust as the lead.” Owen scrubs a hand down his face and looks around.
“What are you saying?”
“I'm saying, I want you to work closely with Gary. Learn everything you can from him as quickly as you can. When he leaves, I want you to take over.”
“Owen, I'm not qualified for that!”
“Yes, you are, sweetheart. I spoke to every team you’ve worked for. Every single one said you were better than their top physical therapist. I need you to take care of my players because no one else will do a better job than you.”
I open and close my mouth, unsure of what to say to that. I'm honored Owen thinks so highly of me, but I'm terrified I'm going to disappoint him.
The door opens behind us and I turn around to find Leo standing there. He glances around the room and sighs.
“Do you know if Gary or one of the other physical therapists is here? My shoulder is really tight and I want to get some pitching practice in today before I go home.”
“Gary’s supposed to be here, but he had a doctor’s appointment. No one else is supposed to start back until spring training.”
“I can help you,” I offer. It isn't weird to help Leo. I’ve known him almost as long as I’ve known Wyatt. He’s like a brother to meand if I can ease any of the stiffness in his shoulder, I'm happy to do it.
“Thanks, Charlie. That would be awesome… Do you want a pair of sweats and a hoodie so you don’t have to wear that?” Leo motions to my skirt and blouse. “I'm not sure it would be a good idea for you to be dressed like that when rubbing any of the guys down.” He grimaces.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I chuckle at how uncomfortable he seems.
“Those guys,” he points over his shoulder at the workout room, “any one of them would complain about being stiff if they thought you’d bend over in front of them in that skirt or if they thought they’d catch a glance down your shirt.”
“And you’re not one of those guys?” I raise a brow. I'm totally screwing with him. I know Leo doesn’t think of me like that and I'm glad.
“Ew, no! You know I see you as a sister to me. There is zero attraction here.” He motions back and forth between us, looking more than a little disgusted.
“Wow, I can feel the love.” I stick my bottom lip out in a pout.
“Oh, shush. You don’t think of me as more than a brother either. Now, do you want the sweats and t-shirt?
“Do you have some shoes too?” I wink as I show off my heels.
“I’ve got stuff for the kid to wear. You get comfortable and I’ll bring Charlie back in a few minutes.”
Owen takes me into his office and grabs a box out of the corner. Inside are pants, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and everything else I could possibly need with a Pit Bulls logo on it.
“I don’t have sneakers, but here’s some socks and slippers.” He chuckles.
