Chapter 10
Trinity
Today’s practice was intense. I’d never seen this level of athleticism up close.
Most of the guys towered over me by at least a few feet and outweighed me by over a hundred pounds.
But the way they moved in unison, it was clear why they had so many championships under their cleats.
They worked hard, and apparently, talked shit even harder.
“Good job today.” Preston’s voice grazed over my skin, the vibration causing a shiver to dance down my spine when he walked behind me.
I’d kept my distance today. I’d spent the duration of today’s practice with Julia, learning about basic supplies we kept on the field for practice and what a typical routine was for game weeks.
Her knowledge was inspiring and the fact she took absolutely no lip from these guys had me admitting I wanted to be her when I grew up.
“Meet Julia in the field house for ice baths,” Preston instructed, his voice trailing farther away.
Before I could allow my eyes to betray me and pathetically track his stride across the turf, my father started in my direction.
“Well? Thoughts on your first official day?” His eyes shone as he stood next to the water jug, a hint of pride in his eyes.
He loved this. Lived for it. It was evident in how he coached. Spoke to each player. He put his heart and soul into a practice. The feeling of teamwork was visible from just one day on this field and a twinge of enthusiasm rooted in my chest.
“It was great.” I couldn’t contain my smile. “I can’t wait until game day on Saturday.”
“You’ll love it. The morale. The fans.” He motions around us. “It makes you realize you have a vital role in the bigger picture. That you get to be a part of something great.”
“Sounds like we do actually have something in common,” I quipped.
I guess I never really felt like a part of a team. Your family is supposed to be a team, but mine was dismantled before I was old enough to understand it.
His expression softened, a flash of something along the lines of regret skating across his features.
He glanced at the field, the number of players dwindling as they made their way to the locker room.
“Trinity.” He cleared his throat. “I understand that offering to pay for your final year and housing doesn’t make up for all the years I wasn’t there. And I’m prepared to put in the work. To get to know you better.”
I sucked in a breath, only giving a nod in response.
“Jodie and I would love for you to come over Sunday for dinner. The twins would love to see you.”
I contemplated. No was on the tip of my tongue. The urge to keep those walls high. But he was making an effort. So it was my turn to offer an olive branch.
“Sure. Just text me a time and address.”
“Trinity? Right?”
The deep voice to my left had me looking up from the clipboard in my hand.
“The one and only.” I rested my pen on the next name printed on the list. “Krew Kolson?”
“Good to meet you.” He held out his hand, his eyes staying on mine and respectfully not dipping lower to my chest like the three players before him.
“You too.” I pushed a few buttons on the tub, resetting the temperature like Julia showed me. “Quarterback?”
“That’s me.” He ran a large hand through his golden-brown hair.
“Hop in.” I pointed to the tub as he climbed in, wearing only a pair of black spandexes that hit just at the top of his knees.
“Motherfuuu—” a high-pitched voice shrieked before Krew reached over and slapped the guy submerged in the tub next to us.
“Watch your mouth, J.C.,” Krew scolded.
“Sorry.” He winced. “My balls are…” he trailed off, his eyes wide.
A chuckle filtered from my mouth. “It’s fine. I’ve been around athletes before.”
I checked off Krew’s name before a figure appeared next to me.
“I don’t believe we’ve officially met.”
I peered up at the man standing next to me. His smile was wide, an unnerving gleam in his coffee-colored eyes. Oh, he’s a player, all right. He tossed a towel casually over his bare shoulder before bracing his hands on his hips.
“I’m Jagger.” His eyes trailed over my body.
“Trinity,” I clipped.
He gave me that icky feeling that comes with being the lone female surrounded by males.
He thought he could have whatever he wanted, when he wanted.
He was in for a rude awakening. I took my career seriously, and I planned on earning respect in this industry.
That would encompass not falling to my knees when any football player shot a smile my way.
I opened my mouth to ask if he needed anything else, but someone else beat me to it.
A gruff voice sailed across the room. “Ross. Get moving.”
Preston.