Chapter 14 - Nick
It didn’t take Nick long to realize that he’d signed up for the training camp from hell. The difference in time would take some getting used to. After only two days, Nick felt more tense than he had in months.
After breakfast, they went out to the courts for shooting drills, which was well and fine, but Nick couldn’t help that his face was set in a permanent scowl and didn’t bother trying to fix it whenever he locked eyes with anyone. No matter who they were.
At the moment, his scowl was set on Declan and Alex, who were damn near right under the goal he was supposed to be using, smiling at each other like they didn’t have a worry in the world.
Nick cast his glare to the ball as he dribbled it, cursing those two for being in his way.
When he looked back toward the goal, they were gone, and then Alex was right next to him.
“You need to loosen up,” Alex said as he took a shot at the goal on Nick’s right and sank it easily.
“I’m makin’ every shot,” Nick replied pointedly.
“It’s not only about making the shot,” replied Alex, who then appeared in front of Nick swiftly, stealing the ball right out of his hands. “Just because it’s shooting practice doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be focused on all of your skills.”
“Whatever,” Nick scoffed. “You and Declan are pissing me off.”
“Why?” Alex blinked, following Nick’s gaze to see Declan waving at them. Alex almost smiled, his face softening, and then he waved back as if they hadn’t been together just two seconds ago. “I understand. Because you miss him, right?”
“Hah? Who? What the hell are you talking about?”
Alex just snorted and tucked his red hair behind his ear, tipping his head back when Declan walked over to them and spoke up.
“Why are you pouting, Nick?”
“Yes, why are you pouting, Nicholas?” Alex pressed, dark eyes challenging.
“Who’s fuckin’ pouting?” he growled, tossing the ball without even looking at the goal. The swish of it sinking between the net wasn’t satisfying enough to calm his irritation.
“You could just call him.”
Nick growled again, the sound deeper, a threat that didn’t faze Alex in the slightest. “You think I haven’t—Declan. Shut your boyfriend up before I do it for you.” He wasn’t about to argue with them, or admit that he’d already called more than once.
Alex’s smile was dark. Proud. Devious.
“Watch your ass, Shorty.”
“Be nice, Nick. Reece will call back soon. Just wait for him.”
“Mind your own business, Declan.”