“Worth it,” I say, drawing back.
Her fingers jump up to touch her lips, so I kiss those too before making myself turn away, and this time, I go straight to the locker room.
Getting involved with Cecilia Russo is going to bite me in the ass. I can already feel it. But, I won’t waste time regretting that kiss. There’s not an ounce of remorse inside me. Not even when I catch sight of Holt loitering just outside the locker room door.
He frowns when he sees me, his eyes flicking over my shoulder to where I know Cecilia still is.
Right away, I know he saw us kissing, and judging by the look on his face, he isn’t happy about it. I try and fail to find it in me to care.
Don’t get me wrong, I like the guy. Sort of. But Holt’s problems are his. Not mine. Just because he had issues with Cecilia before, doesn't mean I will. I don’t make a habit of taking on other people’s petty drama so if this is going to be an issue for him, he’ll have to find a way to get over it.
Besides, the more and more I think about things, the more his story doesn’t add up. I get the feeling he’s leaving something out, chasing me off her for his own reasons and not because of some bullshit story about looking out for a friend. He made it clear he’s attracted to her. And I wouldn’t put it past him to lie. Make up some bullshit story just to make sure I don’t get in his way.
I’m going to follow my gut here. If Cecilia is trouble, I’ll figure it out on my own. I grin. And, I will enjoy myself while doing it.
CHAPTER 12
GABRIEL
“Bro, what the fuck?” Austin storms after me, but I ignore him.
I’m riding a high and I sure as shit don’t need him souring my good mood. I find my boys, Julio and Felix, inside. Both have already changed into their practice gear and are lacing up their cleats before heading outside.
Knowing the two of them, they’ve taken their time, waiting for me so we can step out on the field like a unit, the way we always do. Doesn’t matter if it’s a game or practice. We always show up together.
It wasn’t intentional at first, but it didn’t take long for us to realize that moving as one draws a certain kind of attention. It also demands a level of respect from our teammates, because together, we’re lethal on the field.
I drop my bag beside them and open my locker as I make quick work of tearing off my shirt. I pull out a pair of shorts and a sleeveless practice tee, doing my best to ignore Holt when he steps up beside me. This isn’t going to end well. The fucker needs to get his ass on the field, not waste time harassing me over a chick he thinks screwed him over.
“What the hell, man? You were all over her.”
I don’t spare him a glance, but I know Felix and Julio’s interest is piqued when both stop what they’re doing to give Austin their full attention. They’re not even slick about it. Nosy bastards.
I pull out my cleats and shove my backpack in my locker before slamming it closed.
“What’s your issue, Holt?” I lean down, doing up the laces on my shoes.
“You know what my fucking issue is,” he sneers, stepping up on me.
Fuck that. Who does he think he is right now? I shove his chest, forcing him back a step. “No, man. I don’t. You two aren’t together. You have no claim. None of this is your business, so back off before you piss me off.”
“Bullshit. It is my business. You know we fucked?—”
“So what?” Anger surges through me. I don’t need the reminder, but there it is. “You fucked, what? One time? Is that supposed to mean something to me? Dude, you fuck everyone.”
Felix snickers. Everyone knows Holt gets around. If he doesn’t want that reputation, then the fucker should stop bragging so much about his conquests in the lockerroom.
“Where the hell is your loyalty, man?”
I snort. Is he kidding right now? “Holt, don’t pretend you haven’t gone after my sloppy seconds. I’m not stupid. I know you fucked my ex?—“
“That’s different.”
I spread my hands wide. “How?” I wait but Austin says nothing. “How is you fucking my ex, a chick I dated for six months, different than me hanging out with one of your one-night stands? Someone you—“ I stab my finger in his direction, “yourself said was only a one-time thing? You didn’t want a repeat. Isn’t that what you told me?”
His nostrils flare.
“Don’t pretend to be torn up that Cecilia’s moving on. You never wanted her to begin with. And don’t pull that loyalty bullshit on me. You don’t get to act surprised when you’ve done nothing to earn mine.”
