Chapter 14
Landon
“Damn, I forgot how nice this turf is.”
Quinn grimaces, sucking air through her teeth. “It really is.”
“Funny how the school doesn’t want pictures on the grass where we have to practice and play.”
“Gotta look nice for pictures.” She lifts her hand to shield the sun from her eyes. “Ainsley petitioned for a new field a couple of years ago, but it fell on deaf ears.”
I shake my head, scanning the field for her. “We should try again.”
Quinn nudges me with her shoulder. “Try asking Mrs. Brennan.”
I slap my palm against my chest, feigning offense. “Are you suggesting I pimp myself out for the team?”
“Hey, if we get a new field out of the deal, I’d say it’s worth it.”
I tilt my head back as I laugh, but it dies on my tongue when my eyes land on the pair of long, toned legs making their way across the field.
Wearing our team’s teal-and-white polo shirt tucked into a pair of khaki shorts, Ainsley’s fit body is on full display.
It’s rare that she’s in anything other than her signature oversized tee and sweatpants, and what a sight it is to see.
At five-foot-eight, she’s got legs for days; muscular thighs and killer calves complete with smooth, olive skin gleaming in the sunlight.
The warm breeze blows through Ainsley’s chestnut-colored hair, cascading down past her shoulders, the ends tickling her waistline. It’s always in a ponytail, and I forgot how pretty it is when she lets it all down.
Her face is flawless, but it’s been quite a long time since I’ve seen the rest of her.
Quinn leans in, lowering her voice. “You might want to close your mouth before she gets here.” My eyes snap to hers, and she grins. “Your secret is safe with me, Coach.”
I can’t even deny it. I was gawking. But damn, Ainsley is gorgeous.
As she gets closer, she pushes her sunglasses up on top of her head. “I fucking hate Media Day.”
A laugh rips from my chest. And there she is. “It’s hard for you to smile, isn’t it?”
She flips me off and turns to Quinn. “Everyone here?”
Quinn nods, glancing down at her clipboard. “Just waiting on the photographer.”
“Let’s tell the newbies how this is gonna go.” Ainsley sticks her fingers between her lips and blows a loud whistle. “Bring it in, everyone.”
The varsity and JV girls jog over to us, everyone’s hair and make-up done, their uniforms looking crisp and clean.
“We’re going to start with the group photo first. Both teams with the coaches.
Then we’ll split into varsity and JV for those pictures.
There will be another station where you’ll take some shots depending on your position, and then we’ll do solo shots last.” She lifts an eyebrow.
“We only have the photographer for an hour-and-a-half before the boys come on the field, so don’t dilly-dally. Smile, and move to the next station.”
I chuckle. “And don’t forget to have some fun. These pictures will be in the yearbook and on the team’s socials.”
Natalie cups her mouth with her hands. “Woo! Last Media Day for us seniors. Make it a good one.”
The teams cheer and clap, and Ainsley glances around the field. “Now where is this photographer.”
“I’m here!”
I turn my head over my shoulder. A tall man jogs toward us, carrying his camera in one hand and a large black bag on his shoulder.
“Sorry, guys. I had a bit of car trouble.”
A few of the girls cover their mouths to whisper behind their hands, while others let out small squeals.
My eyebrows pinch together as I look at Quinn. “What’s happening?”
She bites her bottom lip to stifle her smile. “The girls think he’s hot.”
I let out a small chuckle and shake my head.
High school girls.
He grins wide as his eyes land on Ainsley. “Ainsley, good to see you again.”
She returns the smile. “Hey, Trav.”
Maybe it’s not just the high school girls.
I don’t recognize him from town. Then again, I haven’t lived here in over a decade, so there are a lot of new faces.
Travis leans in and presses his lips to her cheek before letting his eyes trail down her body. “You look fantastic.”
“You too.” She clears her throat as she crosses her arms over her chest. “Well, everyone’s here and ready, so just tell us where you want to set up.”
For the first time since I’ve been back, I glance down at Ainsley’s hand.
No ring on her finger, though I don’t know if she has a boyfriend.
Not that it would matter if she does, but it’s strange that the thought hasn’t crossed my mind.
Or maybe it’s strange that it’s crossing my mind at all.
I just don’t know much about her life, is all.
What’s worse, it bothers me that I don’t.
Travis lines up the teams in size order, and Ainsley helps him wrangle them into position for the group photo. Every now and then, he touches her shoulder, or the small of her back. She doesn’t flinch, but she shifts her weight from one leg to the other each time he reaches out for her.
How does she know him?
The question plagues me more than it should.
I move to stand on her left. “How’s your neck?”
Her eyes light up as she turns to me. “It’s great. A little sore, but definitely better.”
“What did you do to your neck?” Travis asks.
“I was reaching for something in the garage, and apparently I’ve reached the age where household tasks are Olympic sports.”
Travis chuckles. “Should’ve called me. I would’ve been able to reach whatever you needed.”
So, he has her number.
Ainsley waves him off. “It’s no big deal. Landon worked on my neck. He’s a physical therapist.”
“Nice to meet you, man.” Travis outstretches his hand, and squeezes mine way harder than necessary. He might be slightly taller than me—an inch max—and his muscles are bigger, but he’s overcompensating for something with that kind of a handshake.
“I’m the new coach for the JV team,” I say.
Travis releases my hand and rests it on Ainsley’s shoulder. “Well, you’re lucky to be working with this one. She’s a gem.”
“She sure is.” I arch an eyebrow at her, and she stifles a laugh behind her hand.
“Are you guys all gonna kiss, or are we taking a photo?” Natalie’s voice breaks through the awkward tension, only adding more awkwardness on top.
Ainsley rolls her eyes. “Real mature, Warner.”
Natalie grins.
Ainsley and I take our spots behind the girls, in the center so we’re shoulder to shoulder.
“She’s like a mini-you,” I whisper.
“Tell me about it.” Ainsley grits her teeth as she smiles. “And I don’t know what I did in a past life to deserve it.”
“Oh, I can come up with a list if you need it.”
She digs her elbow into my ribs.
Travis snaps a few test shots.
“How do you know Travis?” I lean closer. “He seems smitten with his little gem.”
“Shut up.”
Tori turns her head to look at us from over her shoulder. “Please don’t shut up. This is great.”
“Turn around, Delgado,” Ainsley and I say at the same time.
Travis holds up his hand, pointing to the camera. “Look right here, everyone. Big smiles. On the count of three...”
“The sun is in my eyes,” Maddie whines.
“One...”
Shreeya glances at me. “Is he clicking on three, or after three?”
“Two...”
“After three,” Quinn whispers.
“Three.”
“I definitely blinked,” Hannah says.
“Don’t worry.” Travis looks down at his camera. “I’ll take a bunch, and make sure everyone’s eyes are open.”
I lean in toward Ainsley again. “I didn’t think you liked blonds. This is surprising.”
“I like anyone as long as they don’t look like you.”
“Not what you said in high school.”
She stomps on my foot. Hard.
I swallow a groan while the camera clicks three times in a row.
“Oh, Landon. What happened back there, buddy?” Travis asks. “Let’s try that again.”
“Yeah, buddy.” Ainsley smirks. “Smile this time.”
Raymond leans over. “Would you both cut your shit so we can stop smiling? I’m sweating like a whor—”
Quinn clamps her hand over his mouth. “Can we all just hush?”
“Okay, guys, last one,” Travis says. “Say, cheese.”
After the group photos are done, the two teams break apart. Travis’ partner handles JV while Travis stays with Ainsley on varsity.
“I’d like to get a few shots of the coaching staff.” Travis leads the four of us to the center of the field. “The four of you together first. Then just the head coaches, and then we’ll separate JV and varsity coaches.”
I move beside Ainsley again, and she blinks up at me. “You’re limping. Everything okay with your foot?”
My eyes narrow as I gaze down at her. “Do you hear that sound? It’s like an annoying little gnat buzzing around my ears.”
“More like annoying children who won’t stop bickering,” Raymond mutters.
The four of us stand together, forcing smiles as best as we can.
Travis steps closer to Ainsley. “Tilt your chin a little, like this.” He reaches out and practically caresses her face to adjust it.
Ainsley’s cheeks tinge a light pink color. “Thanks, Trav.”
“Yeah, thanks, Trav,” I mimic as he walks back to his spot. “Pretty sure she could’ve moved her own head.”
Ainsley’s mouth drops open as her head whips to look up at me. “Wait, are you...are you jealous? Is that what’s happening right now?”
My chin jerks back. “Jealous? Why would I be jealous?”
“Aw, man.” Travis sighs. “You moved your head, Ains.”
“Way to go, Ains.” I bump her with my shoulder. “And no, I’m not jealous. I just don’t understand why he’s wasting so much time. Just take the damn picture so we can go.”
I say the last part a little louder on purpose, and Travis chuckles. “Sorry, guys. This will only take one more minute. Just need to get these last shots in before the boys’ come on the field.”
The camera clicks and we’re finally done. We say goodbye to the girls as their families pick them up, and wait in the parking lot with the stragglers.
Travis walks over to Ainsley, even though he’s supposed to be setting up for the boys’ lacrosse photos. I’m not close enough to hear what they’re saying—and Hannah freaking Brennan won’t come up for air—but after a few minutes, he leans in to hug Ainsley and then walks backward toward the field.
“Miss you, Ains.”
She glances down and smiles at her shoes, and then Travis turns around and jogs back through the gate.
Ainsley glances at the girls who are left before moving to stand beside me.
I smirk at her, eyebrows raised.
She shoots me a death glare. “Say nothing, or I’ll kick you.”
A silent laugh leaves my chest.
But she didn’t say she misses him back.
“Coach Landon,” Hanna spins around to face us, “are you single?”
I choke on my spit. “That’s not an appropriate conversation to have with an adult, Hannah.”
She shrugs and snaps her gum. “I’m not asking for me. My mom wants to know.”
Now Ainsley’s the one laughing.
“I...” How do I answer this in the safest way? “I’m single, but I’m not looking to date anyone. Tell your mother sorry, but I’m not interested.”
“Good. She’s crazy.” Hannah blows a bubble and lets it pop. “I wouldn’t wish her on anyone. I’m not even mad about my dad leaving us. I don’t blame the guy. Just wish he would’ve taken me with him.”
My chest fills with sadness. “That’s a lot to handle. Have you spoken to the counselor about any of this?”
“I thought she was for, like, school problems.”
I shake my head. “You can talk to her about anything.”
“Mrs. Bergman is really great,” Ainsley says. “You should make an appointment to talk with her.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Her mother’s SUV pulls into the parking lot, windows down and Katy Perry blasting on the radio. Hannah rolls her eyes. “See ya tomorrow, Coach.”
“Let’s get out of here before she asks for your number,” Ainsley whispers.
I speed-walk to my SUV, but then I remember my conversation with Quinn earlier today. “Quinn mentioned you tried to get turf for our field a few years back. What happened?”
Ainsley heaves a sigh as she swings open her car door and leans on it. “Danbury claimed they didn’t have the money for it, and that we’d revisit it another year.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Well, it’s another year.”
Her eyebrows jump. “You want to try again?”
“We absolutely should try again. I mean, that’s what we have booster parents for. We can do fundraisers and promote it around town. There’s no way we can’t get it done by next year.”
Ainsley’s eyes light up. “That sounds great. I’m in.”
It’ll be good having a cause to work together on instead of being at odds all the time.
“I think a carwash could be more lucrative than the typical bake sale.”
Ainsley’s eyes roll as her usual scowl clicks back into place.
I spoke too soon.
“Young girls washing a car?” She plants a hand on her hip. “Of course, you’d think of that.”
Disgust pinches my features. “Excuse me? I was thinking about the price of detailing a car, and all the add-ons we could include. Not the kids in bikinis washing the cars with their tits.”
“See? That’s where your mind went, which is exactly what the people in this town will think.” She crosses her arms. “I won’t exploit these young women just for some cash.”
My eyebrows hit my hairline. “They can wear whatever they want—oversized T-shirts, their uniforms, a snowsuit for all I care. Why are you making this into a sexist thing?”
She pinches the bridge of her nose. “We always have a bake sale.”
“Which is exactly why we should change it up this year.” I stuff my hands in my pockets. “We can even have the bake sale at the car wash. Double our chances for money.”
Ainsley is quiet for a moment, her eyes bouncing between mine. Then she shocks the shit out of me and says, “Okay.”
“Okay, as in, you like the idea?”
She slides her sunglasses onto her face and swings herself into the driver’s seat without saying anything.
I grin. Yeah, she likes the idea.
This will be a positive step in the right direction for us, working toward the same goal.
For once.