Chapter 12 #2
Grey waves his hand toward Vox and the whor—nice young lady seeking his affection.
“Because it’s that and snowboards. Vox leans into the playboy persona because it keeps people engaged.
Thanks to his shenanigans and his face, he’s the most followed winter athlete on every platform, and he generates a lot of brand awareness for Patterson.
As long as he passes his drug tests and keeps coming in first, I’m willing to let him live the lifestyle.
Hell, we even sent him to the U.A.E. last year to do a photoshoot at their indoor skiing facility.
You should’ve seen the absolute gods he hooked up with there.
I’m willing to overlook a lot where he’s concerned because he puts Patterson on the map in places I could never reach without him. ”
I nod, biting back the question burning on the tip of my tongue. Would you overlook him sleeping with his coach?
The words are dangerously close to spilling from me as I take another sip of the alcohol in my hand. Thankfully, Grey addresses everyone at the table and ends our private conversation.
“The team dinner is on me, drinks included, but can one of you make sure my company isn’t paying for all that scantily clad ass to eat and drink as well? I need to head out in about ten minutes.”
Fuller volunteers to handle the bill and walks to the athletes’ tables to give them the rules while Grey resumes our conversation about Vox.
“He’s phenomenal, and his speed is great.
But you and I both know he needs more control.
He’s not used to having to share the course.
He’s ready for the individual events, but I still worry about him on the cross course with others. ”
“You and me both,” I admit. “But don’t worry, now that the time trials are out of the way, I have a plan to help make sure he’s prepared for the slope traffic.”
“Glad to hear it,” Grey says, clapping me on the shoulder before turning to talk to Montoya for a bit. I continue to question my entire life as I watch Vox flirt with every Tom, Dick, Harry, Sally, Freida, and Renee that comes up to him.
“Well, I’m out,” Grey says a few minutes later. “You okay keeping an eye on these fools for a little while longer?”
I salute Patterson with my empty rocks glass in response, not willing to trust whatever words may escape.
After everyone’s eaten—Vox of course orders a T-bone, and I thought my nuts were going to explode watching him gnaw the meat off the damn thing—he comes over and takes Montoya’s vacated seat while Fuller is occupied with the bill.
“Can I buy you another drink?” he asks.
“I think I’m good for tonight.” I’m proud of my answer until Vox speaks again.
“How are we supposed to make any progress if you keep me at arms’ length?”
My eyes narrow. “At what length would you like me to keep you?” It’s a loaded question, and we both know it, but fuck if I can help it.
Vox chuckles, “I think I made that pretty clear the other night, don’t you?” My eyes quickly scan the area around us to make sure no one’s listening, and Vox laughs again. “Relax. No one’s paying us any attention.”
“That’s a lie. No one’s been able to take their eyes off you all night,” I say moodily, avoiding eye contact.
“Including you,” Vox points out.
I cut my eyes at him, annoyed. “Is that why you’ve been making out with everyone within a thirty-foot radius for the last two hours?”
“Well, I want to make out with you, but you told me no.”
My eyes dip to his lips. Fuck, I want to taste the beer on them.
When I stay silent, Vox tries again.
“Come on, one more drink to celebrate with your biggest fan.”
I cock a brow at him. “My biggest fan? Two nights ago, you told me you’ve been mad at me for years.”
Vox scoffs. “Doesn’t mean I didn’t still worship the poster of you that was next to my bed.”
“Hmm,” I hum, letting the alcohol float through my veins without trying to fight it. “I suppose that’s quite the compliment coming from you.”
“Yeah, well, the things I did to that poster might make you feel differently,” Vox teases.
“You drew dicks on my face every night, didn’t you?”
“Not exactly.”
I avoid eye contact as if it were as contagious as syphilis. “Patterson says you need more control,” I say, purposely changing the subject.
“Control is overrated,” Vox replies, leaning closer. “In fact, I’d argue that maybe you need to lose it.”
I’m two seconds away from hyperventilating, but I will keep it together. This moment will set the tone for the rest of the season. If I give Vox even another inch, he’ll take an entire mile, probably more.
Lowering my voice, I remind him, “We aren’t going there again. Now, drop it.”
The smug bastard holds his beer bottle up to his lips and takes a pull.
I’m not strong enough to keep looking away.
I confess every thought inside my head with the glance I throw at him as his full lips wrap around the mouth of that fucking bottle and he relaxes his throat, draining it in one fell swoop.
“Sure thing, Coach. But I’m telling you, your asshole is so fucking puckered you could produce diamonds, and it’s probably not good for your health. I’d love to help loosen that up for you.”
Fuck, I need to get out of here, but I can’t leave Fuller alone to babysit. Hell, he’s the one who needs to get home to his wife and newborn child.
“Go back to your party, Vox. Just be ready to hit the slopes at nine o’clock tomorrow morning.” It comes out clipped.
Vox smirks and salutes me. “Yes, sir.”
I’m so fucked.