Colin flung my pack into the back along with his.
I liked that he assumed he’d be riding with me even if we wouldn’t have any opportunity to talk. Not with seven other players riding with us.
“You ready to head out?” Henry appeared by my side.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Despite my excitement, I continued to let my family believe that this adventure wasn’t something I’d enjoy. It was a role I’d played for so long, not letting them see my real interests and desires; it was easy to slide back into it, even with Colin watching me this time.
“The real question is, are you ready for a weekend with a rowdy baseball team?” Colin asked.
I shrugged. “You don’t seem that bad.”
He didn’t seem like the typical cocky athlete. He hadn’t even talked about baseball. He seemed genuine and down-to-earth.
I should have looked him up on my phone when I had the chance. How long had he been with the team? What position did he play? How good was he? Was he talented enough not to worry about his place on the team, or was he fighting for it?
“Follow me and Kelsey.”
“Got it,” I said to Henry as he took long strides to the first van. I let out a breath I’d been holding, wondering why I cared so much about knowing this guy I’d only just met. His face stood out to me in the team picture, and his personality drew me to him.
“You in this one?” one of the guys asked Colin, pointing to the van I was driving.
“Yeah, man.” Then he said to me in a lower tone, “I think this will be more fun than I was expecting.”
I wanted to ask if he’d said that because of me. Frustrated with the thrill that shot through me at the idea, I climbed into the driver’s side, waiting for the guys to get settled. When Henry waved his hand out the door of his van, we followed him in a train down the lane.
The guys were loud, talking smack to each other about their mountain biking abilities. I found myself listening for Colin’s Southern drawl.
The short time we talked made me want to know more about him, but getting involved with a player on my brother’s first big adventure tour was a bad idea. It was exactly the sort of thing my mom would say was impulsive.
CHAPTER 4
COLIN
I double-checked that the zippers were closed on my pack and threw it over my shoulder while trying to avoid checking out Piper. I’d done a good job of keeping my eyes on her face this morning while we were talking, but now that I had nothing else to focus on, my gaze kept coming back to the curve of her ass and thighs in those leggings. They left nothing to the imagination.
I swallowed, remembering how her body felt against mine when I reached for the coffee mug. How I hadn’t wanted to step away, not until I was forced to.
“Is she an employee?”
I shook my head, annoyed he’d noticed. “She’s Henry’s sister, he’s the owner.”
“You’re kidding.” Rod chuckled.
“I don’t have a thing for her.” I couldn’t pursue anything, even if I was attracted to her. I was here to focus on baseball. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I wasn’t going to throw it away for a girl.
“You’ve been staring at her ass. Not that I blame you.”
Anger shot through me. “Hey, watch your mouth.”
Unfazed, he smiled wider. “You like her.”
“I don’t. I’m here to earn a spot on the team. That’s what I’m focused on.” I wanted him to let it go.
“Your focus is admirable, but you can let off steam with a woman. Makes you play better.” Rod had a few years on the team. He talked like he was an expert.
“Whatever.” The guys frequently debated whether sex helped or hurt their game. I didn’t know the answer to that, but what I did know was that women were a distraction. My eyes drifted back to where she was adjusting her pack on her shoulders, making her shirt tighten around her ample chest.
“Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.”
I secured the strap on my bike helmet. I’d gotten the reputation on the team for being serious. I wasn’t interested in the women who hung around. I wanted the coaches to know my priority was my performance and the team. I wouldn’t relax until my position was stable. There was always this fear that I’d fail, and I’d have to go work for my dad.
I didn’t want my dad to say I told you so. I had to solidify my position on the team, make this a viable career path even if my dad would never approve.
A pit settled in my stomach. Working for my dad was the last thing I wanted. My sister, Hadley, would remind me I had other options.
Felix came up to us, rubbing his hands together. “I can’t believe the hot blonde is riding with us.”
“Don’t be an asshole. She’s off-limits.” She was out of bounds because she was the tour guide. Players hooking up was expected, but I didn’t like the way Felix was looking at her.
“Because she’s one of the employees or because you want her?” Felix crossed his arms over his chest.
I wanted to say both, but I settled for, “The coaches won’t like it. We’re here to prove ourselves, not mess around.”
He was new, like me. He had a lot to lose. He was supporting his family back home. He needed the salary increase more than I did.
Felix’s lips pressed into a tight line. “That’s true, but we can still have some fun.”
“Leave her alone. We’re here to show we can work together as a team. Flirting with the lone woman won’t look good for you.”
“Maybe so,” Felix finally agreed.
I’d keep an eye on him to make sure he didn’t corner her or make her uncomfortable. I couldn’t pursue anything with her, but it didn’t mean I couldn’t protect her from horny players on the team.
“Before we head out, make sure your pack is secure. I’ve got equipment if your bike needs a repair on the way. We’ll stop at the lake for lunch. You’ll probably want to spend some time there,” Henry said.
“How is this team building again?” Felix asked us under his breath.
“The trail will be narrow. Make sure you’re communicating with each other as to who will go first,” Henry continued.
“I think Coach thinks if we spend time together, we’ll get over our differences. Be friends or some shit like that,” Rod said.
The veterans stuck together. They didn’t want to mentor us or help us. Not being on any other major league teams, I wasn’t sure if that was usual. My college team had been tight. My coach said I was a leader on the team, a calming presence. It was hard to be that here when the veterans barely spoke to us.
“I’ll take the lead. Piper will take up the back.”
I didn’t like Piper being in the back. What if she got hurt and no one noticed? I vowed to stay toward the rear of the pack to keep an eye on her.
Rod leaned in closer. “I know where you’ll be.”
I didn’t bother arguing with him.
Henry swung a leg over his bike, heading toward the trailhead.
I loved being outdoors. Between school and baseball, I rarely had time for other activities.