Page 12 of The Game We Played

It was hilarious. Nolan swaggered over to one of the staff members at the resort, full of confidence any request he uttered would be honored. Instead, she sneered at him before marching off.

Nolan whistles. “Enough chitchat! It’s time to work out.”

Brock makes his way toward the weight bench he was using when I arrived, while I casually stroll toward the treadmill. I wait until he isn’t looking before quickly swapping out his heavy weights for lighter ones.

Gage notices me but I wink at him as I place a finger over my mouth for him to keep quiet. He rolls his eyes, but he doesn’t say anything.

Brock settles himself on the bench. “Need a spot.”

“I got it.” Gage stands behind him.

I wait for Gage to tell Brock what I did but he doesn’t. Good. At least one of my teammates isn’t a fuddy duddy.

I fiddle with the controls on the treadmill as I watch my plan come to fruition. I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing. Mr. Grumpy is going to lose his mind.

Brock lifts the weight and it flies into the air. His brow wrinkles in confusion but he doesn’t think to check the weights. He does a set of fifteen before dropping the weight back on the stand.

“Huh. That went better than expected.”

I shout across the gym. “You’ve been putting in the work.”

Gage rolls his eyes. “Tanner switched out the weights for lighter ones.”

Nolan and Corbin chuckle, but I am not amused. “Snitch!”

Gage shrugs. “Brock can’t take a hit for me if he’s not strong.”

“Not strong,” Brock grumbles. “I’ll show you not strong.”

He launches himself off the weight bench and rushes toward me. For a big guy, he can move fast. But I’m faster.

“You want to race, Mr. Grumpy? You’re on.” I sprint out of the gym with him chasing after me.

I have to slow down when I reach the hallway since there are several women crowded around ogling the team through the glass wall of the gym. One of the women rakes her gaze over me. “Tanner Long. How is it possible you’re even sexier in person than on television?”

I smirk. “I do my best. And you are?”

She extends her hand at the same moment Brock yells, “I’ve got you now, Long!”

“Oops! Need to go. Maybe I’ll catch you later.” I wink at the woman before sprinting away.

I race down the hallway but Brock gives up chasing me. Bummer. I was in the mood for a nice, long run. Good idea.I’ll go for a run along the beach. Nolan can’t say I didn’t work out.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, but I ignore it. I’m done listening to people tell me what to do or how I disappoint them.

I force all thoughts and worries about the future out of my mind as I increase my pace until I’m sprinting along the beach with such speed that I can’t think about anything else but maintaining the proper posture and my breathing.

Chapter 5

WIDE RECEIVER SPOTTED IN BAR BEFORE OPENING HOURS Claims he’s “just helping”

Alaia

I finish the article about my sisters and their little ‘fire’ incident – I may have left Benny out of the story completely – and send it off to Mike before slamming my laptop shut. One job down. One to go.

I sigh as I stand and make my way out of the office into the bar.Bootleggeropens in an hour and I need to prep the bar for opening. I don’t mind stocking drinks, mixers, and ice. And cutting fresh garnishes and ensuring all the equipment is working is fine as well.

But cleaning and sanitizing the surfaces? Ugh. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a dirty person. I prefer things neat and clean. What I don’t prefer is dealing with glitter.