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He grunts, not committing one way or the other.

“What about that chick, Nadia?”

“Nah,” he says. “I don’t think she’s interested.”

“Why do you say that?”

He shrugs. “I followed her socials and slid into her DMs, but nothing came of it.”

I push through the last two, arms wobbling from the pressure. Reid spots me, but never touches the bar, not until he helps lift it over the rack. “Jesus,” I breathe, sitting up and wiping the sweat off my face with the hem of my shirt. “Brutal.”

“Beast mode, man.” He gives me his fist and even though I can barely lift my arms, I save face and bump it.

“She could be playing hard to get.” Or abiding by the rules her best friend set up, I want to say, but can’t. “Maybe,” I say, trying to find the right tone, “you should ask her out.”

His eyebrow raises. “Ask her out,” he repeats.

“You know…” the word feels weird on my tongue, but I push it out anyway, “…on a date.”

“You want me to ask a jersey chaser on a date.”

“It’s one way to let Darla know it’s over.”

“I don’t know, man.” He grabs his water bottle and takes a drink. We’re quiet for a minute, nothing but the sound of the other guys moving around the gym. I’m going to have to tell Twyler this isn’t happening. These guys don’t date. They fuck around, more serious about the game than settling down. Which is how it should be. Committing to a woman is a distraction, like Darla blowing up Reid’s phone all day. I’m about to tell him to forget it, and I’ll just have to make it up to Twyler another way, when he wipes his forehead and says, “You know what? I’ll do it. She’s hot. I had fun with her the other night. One date won’t be the end of the world, and you’re right. Maybe it’ll send a message.”

We part, him heading to the free weights and me to the treadmill. Once I’m finished, the gym is pretty cleared out, and I see a notification on my phone from Shanna.

It’s the third time she’s contacted me since the coffee shop. One was a text telling me she was glad to see me. The next was a throwback photo on her Chattysnap where she tagged me, and now a video of a badger winning a fight against a leopard with the note:This is how I see you on the ice!

Running my fingers through my hair, I can’t help but see the irony in the fact I’m giving all this advice and telling my teammates how to handle their shit, when it’s pretty fucking clear I have my own ex that needs to get a message.

I shower and change, grabbing my bag to head out. Passing the training room, I stick my head in. Twyler’s bent over, organizing the supply closet. Damn, Nadia’s right, she does have a pretty amazing ass.

My dick twitches.

She turns, and I straighten, dragging my eyes, mind, and cock out of the gutter.

“Hey,” I say, leaning against the door.

“Oh, hey.” I watch as her skin turns pink, something that happens every time she looks at me.

“Just wanted to report that I think the date’s a done deal. Reid should reach out to Nadia tonight.”

Her eyes light up. Which is saying a lot, they are the most expressive part of her face. “Really? That’s great.”

“Sure, told you I'd take care of it.”

“Well, thank you. Even if it doesn’t work out, I just want her to give it more than a one-night stand, you know?”

“More than a jersey chaser.”

She nods and closes the cabinet doors. I’m still standing there when she grabs her jacket and zips it up.

“Are we good?” I ask, stepping into the room. “I know that was out of line the other day. I really am sorry. I know you think thatIthink I’m god’s gift, but under normal situations I wouldn’t just kiss someone without asking. Especially someone that has made it clear they’re not into me.” I give her a small grin. “I’m all for consent.”

Her eyes linger somewhere between my mouth and chest. “We’re fine.”

“Promise?”