Page 21 of Ice Cold Chemistry
I sit behind the wheel, hands gripping it tight.
That’s not true. I don’t dislike her. I don’t know her well enough to dislike her. She’s just… there. A person who exists in my orbit, causing chaos without meaning to.
I think about practice. The distraction. The sloppiness. Coach threatening suicides if we don’t get our heads out of our asses.
I think about Zayden’s stupid idea. Fake boyfriend. Pretend relationship. Make them think she’s mine so they’ll finally leave her alone.
It’s ridiculous. It would never work.
Except… it might.
The guys respect me. Or fear me. Same difference. If they thought Winnie was with me, they’d back off. Not because they’re good people, butbecause they’re not stupid enough to mess with something that’s mine.
Something that’s mine.
The thought does something strange to my brain. I shove it away.
But I keep seeing her face. That flicker of exhaustion. All while showing up day after day and trying to do her job.
That takes guts. More guts than half the guys on this team have.
Someone should help her.
I stare out the windshield at the parking lot.
Damn it.
I pull out my phone and check the time. Dana should still be in her office.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I’m out of the truck and walking back into the facility.
Dana’s office is on the second floor, tucked away in the administrative wing where players rarely venture. I’ve been here maybe three times in six years. Never by choice.
I knock once and push the door open without waiting for a response.
Dana looks up from her computer, eyebrows rising. “Banks. This is unexpected.”
“Got a minute?”
“For you? Always.” She gestures to the chair across from her desk. “Sit.”
I don’t sit. Sitting makes this feel official. Like a meeting. I don’t do meetings.
“I’ll stand.”
“Suit yourself.” She leans back in her chair, studying me with that sharp gaze that misses nothing. “What’s on your mind?”
I take a breath. Just say it. Rip off the Band-Aid.
“The new yoga instructor. The guys won’t leave her alone.”
Dana’s expression doesn’t change. “I’ve noticed some… enthusiasm for the flexibility program.”
“It’s not enthusiasm. They’re treating her like she’s the entertainment.”
Dana’s eyebrows draw together. “Has she said something to you?”
“No.” I cross my arms, mostly to keep from fidgeting. “It’s just an observation.” I hold her gaze. “Practice has been a disaster. The guys can’t focus. We have a playoff push in six weeks, and the team is falling apart because nobody can stop thinking about the hot yoga instructor.”
