Page 44 of Worth the Try
“Sure,” she deadpans. “Now shut up and watch.”
I find Ansel immediately. He’s not the biggest man out there—that honor seems reserved for the forwards—but he carries himself in a way that communicates he’s one of the guys to listen to. I’ve learned that his position, the fly-half, is one of the more crucial ones on the team. They’re all crucial, I guess, but the fly-half is one of the more strategic. I’m still figuring it all out.
The men aren’t actively playing a game right now. Instead, they’re all in a handful of lines with their backs turned to me, and as I watch, they all raise their arms and bend at the waist, swan-diving to the ground.
“Oh my,” I breathe.
Kari laughs. “Thought you’d like that.”
“I demand you call me every day at this exact time,” I joke, my eyes glued to the screen as the men go through a series of lunges that would have me begging for mercy. As it is, I’m begging for mercy, all right, but it’s more in the “bless these men and their physiques” category.
Kari zooms in on Ansel. “This is for you, not me,” she says. “I mean, he’s good-looking and all, but he’s not my type.”
I snort. “And what’s your type?”
“Not rugby players,” she fires back. “Especially ones who annoy the shit out of me even when they’re out of the country and refuse to listen to reason when I explain that they need to keep their dick in their pants or bad things happen.”
“That sounds awfully specific,” I tease. “And keep the phone steady. I’m trying to ogle Ansel.”
He’s breathing hard, sweat pouring down his face as he jogs back to the sidelines and grabs a water bottle. He tilts it up and squeezes, and never have I thought the act of drinking water was sexy, but…here we are. Then he squirts the water on top of his head and uses his other hand to rub it in, shaking his head and wiping his face when he’s through.
Suddenly, it’s very hot in here.
“You still there, or did you pass out from the view?” Kari asks.
“Hanging on by a thread,” I croak.
She flips the screen back to her face and situates herself on the couch.
“Put it back,” I pout.
She laughs. “I actually had a real reason to call.”
“That wasn’t reason enough?”
“One of the players is getting married. He mentioned that his fiancée Allyson wanted to go on some kind of adventure honeymoon, but that he had no idea where to start. Said that she was so busy planning the wedding that he felt he needed to help, but the poor man is clearly out of his depth.”
“Kari,” I start, “you didn’t.”
She grins mischievously. “So of course I called Allyson because I’m good like that, and I mentioned that my best friend had a honeymoon planning business and would be happy to talk with her and Jake about options.”
“But I’m not even up and running yet!”
“So what? Nothing like the present to dive in. She’s out of town for the next little bit, but when she’s back, we’re all meeting up for coffee.”
“We’re—what? No, I’m not?—”
She points at the camera. “Yes, you are. Don’t pretend you’re not already thinking about ideas.”
I purse my lips, caught. “I am.”
“Ha!” She pumps a fist in victory. “See? You can do this. You just need a push.”
“Feels more like a shove,” I say wryly. “But…thank you.” Her faith in me sends tingles of happiness through my body, like little bits of sunshine streaking through me. “You’re the best.”
She winks. “I know. Now, what are you wearing for your date tonight?”
Chapter 15
