“Hey, if we get a new field out of the deal, I’d say it’s worth it.”
I tilt my head back as I laugh, but it dies on my tongue when my eyes land on the pair of long, toned legs making their way across the field.
Wearing our team’s teal-and-white polo shirt tucked into a pair of khaki shorts, Ainsley’s fit body is on full display. It’s rare that she’s in anything other than her signature oversized tee andsweatpants, and what a sight it is to see. At five-foot-eight, she’s got legs for days; muscular thighs and killer calves complete with smooth, olive skin gleaming in the sunlight.
The warm breeze blows through Ainsley’s chestnut-colored hair, cascading down past her shoulders, the ends tickling her waistline. It’s always in a ponytail, and I forgot how pretty it is when she lets it all down.
Her face is flawless, but it’s been quite a long time since I’ve seen the rest of her.
Quinn leans in, lowering her voice. “You might want to close your mouth before she gets here.” My eyes snap to hers, and she grins. “Your secret is safe with me, Coach.”
I can’t even deny it. I was gawking.But damn, Ainsley is gorgeous.
As she gets closer, she pushes her sunglasses up on top of her head. “I fucking hate Media Day.”
A laugh rips from my chest.And there she is.“It’s hard for you to smile, isn’t it?”
She flips me off and turns to Quinn. “Everyone here?”
Quinn nods, glancing down at her clipboard. “Just waiting on the photographer.”
“Let’s tell the newbies how this is gonna go.” Ainsley sticks her fingers between her lips and blows a loud whistle. “Bring it in, everyone.”
The varsity and JV girls jog over to us, everyone’s hair and make-up done, their uniforms looking crisp and clean.
“We’re going to start with the group photo first. Both teams with the coaches. Then we’ll split into varsity and JV for those pictures. There will be another station where you’ll take some shots depending on your position, and then we’ll do solo shots last.” She lifts an eyebrow. “We only have the photographer for an hour-and-a-half before the boys come on the field, so don’t dilly-dally. Smile, and move to the next station.”
I chuckle. “And don’t forget to have some fun. These pictures will be in the yearbook and on the team’s socials.”
Natalie cups her mouth with her hands. “Woo! Last Media Day for us seniors. Make it a good one.”
The teams cheer and clap, and Ainsley glances around the field. “Now where is this photographer.”
“I’m here!”
I turn my head over my shoulder. A tall man jogs toward us, carrying his camera in one hand and a large black bag on his shoulder.
“Sorry, guys. I had a bit of car trouble.”
A few of the girls cover their mouths to whisper behind their hands, while others let out small squeals.
My eyebrows pinch together as I look at Quinn. “What’s happening?”
She bites her bottom lip to stifle her smile. “The girls think he’s hot.”
I let out a small chuckle and shake my head.
High school girls.
He grins wide as his eyes land on Ainsley. “Ainsley, good to see you again.”
She returns the smile. “Hey, Trav.”
Maybe it’s not just the high school girls.
I don’t recognize him from town. Then again, I haven’t lived here in over a decade, so there are a lot of new faces.
Travis leans in and presses his lips to her cheek before letting his eyes trail down her body. “You look fantastic.”
