Chapter 21
Istep into the brightly lit conference room, a blend of excitement and nerves swirling in my stomach. The large open space is abuzz with energy, packed with rugby players from both the men’s and women’s teams.
There’s a vibrant and eclectic mix of us, some having traveled from far away to be part of the club and its progressive program, but despite our differing journeys to get here, we’re united by the same fiery passion for rugby.
My gaze drifts across the room and lands on Jayden. He exudes an easy confidence, those sculpted muscles flexing with even the slightest movement. His neatly trimmed beard gives him a type of rugged sophistication. Like he would be just as comfortable chopping wood—maybe even chasing me through the woods—as he is out on the rugby pitch.
I have to admit, he’s ruggedly attractive in that glossy magazine kind of way… a pinup rugby player of sorts. But that smug look on his face makes me want to watch the opposing team wipe the floor with him on the field.
Sure, he could probably bench press a truck, but I bet his ego weighs even more.
This room is designed for collaboration—round tables with just enough space to encourage interaction, with rugby posters and memorabilia covering the walls. Normally, some of the punny quotes on the posters would make me laugh.
But all I can focus on right now is Jayden.
Our inexplicable rivalry bubbles just beneath the surface, an intoxicating blend of competitiveness and undeniable chemistry. I have a feeling this seminar will only stoke the flames, but that’s fine with me. I’m more than ready to put this pretty boy in his place.
Jayden’s hand shoots up during the QA. “I mean, it’s great we’re all here,” he says with an arrogant smirk, “But let’s not pretend the women’s game is as tough as the men’s. It’s just biology, right?”
There are some chuckles from a few men, and eye rolls from nearly every woman around the room. I see my opportunity to knock him down a peg.
“Interesting point, Jayden,” I say, matching his smirk with one of my own. “But tell me, does having all that muscle make up for your lack of speed, or is it just to compensate for something else?”
The room erupts in laughter and applause as Jayden’s face reddens. He clearly wasn’t expecting me to hit back so hard. I feel a rush of satisfaction at wounding his pride.
On a break during the seminar, he approaches me, irritation lingering in his eyes. “Nice jabs back there. You have a sharp tongue. Do you always fight with your words?”
“Only when the opponent is worth the effort,” I retort. “You planning on taking cheap shots at women’s rugby all season, or was today just a special occasion?”
As much as I enjoy putting Jayden in his place, I can’t deny the exhilaration of our verbal sparring.
This rivalry is just getting started.
The seminar progresses, and to my surprise and frustration, Jayden and I are paired up to demonstrate a tackling drill for the group.
I inwardly groan, dreading the forced proximity. It’s not enough that I have to endure living under the same roof with this guy, or attend this seminar in his presence. But now we have to physically touch each other, intentionally, in front of a room full of people.
Sure, we kissed one time, but I was delirious in a late night ice cream haze so it doesn’t count.
As we take our positions on the mat, Jayden leans in close. “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you,” he murmurs.
I scoff, shoving him away. “Oh, I have plenty of surprises up my sleeve,” I whisper back. “You might learn a thing or two if you paid attention to the game instead of just running your mouth.”
We lock eyes in challenge.
When the instructor blows the whistle, Jayden comes at me hard.
I stand my ground, using his momentum against him to execute a perfect form tackle that takes him down swiftly.
A couple of people in the room gasp at seeing my much smaller frame take down this big brute. But it’s all physics, using the force of Jayden’s own momentum and manipulating his energy and gravity like putty in my hands.
I smirk down at Jayden as he lies stunned on the mat. “How’s that for biology?”
Around us, the room buzzes with impressed murmurs. Despite our rivalry, Jayden and I move in seamless synchronicity. As we help each other up, a spark of electricity passes between us. There’s no denying the chemistry brewing beneath our antagonism.
Later, I replay the moment in my mind. As frustrating as Jayden is, there’s something about the way he challenges me that’s unique.
As the seminar ends, Jayden approaches me with a grudging look of respect. “Not bad today, Dylan,” he says. “I still can’t believe you took me down like that. I was mad at first but, if I’m honest, I’m mainly just very impressed. It’s clear why you were selected to be part of the program.”
I nod briskly, trying not to let my surprise show. Was that actual sincerity from the insufferable Jayden? “Yeah, thanks,” I reply, before turning to leave.
“See you at home, princess,” he calls out after me, and I roll my eyes.
I mull over the day’s events as I walk to my car. Jayden is infuriating, no doubt about it. But working together in close quarters has only magnified the intense connection between us. As much as I hate to admit it, I felt alive in a way I haven’t in ages when I was sparring with him.
There’s something about Jayden that challenges me, that forces me to bring my A-game in a way I take for granted with most people. I have a feeling this season will be anything but boring with him around.
As frustrating as it is, I can’t deny the attraction simmering under our rivalry. Jayden is cocky and competitive, but he also makes me feel seen—really seen—in a way few people ever have. In some ways, despite a rocky start, I have a feeling this is just the beginning for us. What that means exactly, I have no idea.
“Damn him,” I mutter under my breath, smiling despite myself as I exit the training building.
No matter how much we clash, Jayden has lit a fire in me. This is going to be one hell of a season.
By the time I reach the apartment, I’m still replaying the day’s events in my mind. As much as I want to write Jayden off as an arrogant jerk, there’s something about him that lingers in my thoughts.
The whisper of his voice saying, “See you at home, princess,” sends an involuntary shiver down my spine. I hate the pet name, but can’t deny the way it made my pulse quicken when he said it.
I shake my head, as if the physical motion could dislodge Jayden from my mind. This is ridiculous. I’ve just met the guy, and here I am obsessing over every interaction we’ve had like a teenager with a crush.
No, this isn’t a crush. This is a rivalry, plain and simple. I refuse to let Jayden think he can get under my skin that easily.
I’m here to play rugby, not get distracted by arrogant pretty boys who are all talk, and who seem to think they’re entitled to what amounts to royalty status just because they were born with a dick.
As I go inside and begin preparing dinner, I make a promise to myself: I won’t let Jayden or any other man distract me from my goals, no matter how hot they are. No matter how worked up they may make me. Every barbed word between us will only make me more determined to put him in his place however I can.
This season is mine, no matter how much Jayden wants to get in my head. I’ve fought way too hard for far too long to let anyone take this from me, least of all him.
Let him whisper all the pet names and veiled challenges he wants, I will answer only with the scoreboard.
This princess is out for the crown.
Game on, Jayden.