Page 16 of Striking Heat

“And try not launching any more balls at his head during this practice or any other games.”

“Sure thing, Coach.”

He shakes his head and chuckles. “Go take them on a run, please.”

I nod and head over to the team. “Alright, ladies, let’s get through some stretches. Coach wants us to go on a run.” Some of them groan. “Oh, come on, it’ll be great. Let’s go get a quick two miles in.”

“Only you would find two miles enjoyable and quick,” Cassidy says, shaking her head at me.

“What about goalies? Do I have to run it?” Hendrix asks me teasingly.

“You sure do, Henny,” I say. “Now let’s go.”

I start out leading with the other midfielders—Cassidy, Lola, and DJ. Cassidy keeps pace with me, while the rest of the team trails behind.

“Why are you running so fast today? Aren’t you at all tired or hung over from last night?” she whines, giving me the side-eye.

“No, I’m feeling good,” I sing to her, dropping my voice a few octaves.

“Your little friend is over there. Is that why you’re so chipper this morning?”

I sigh and look in his direction. “What is he doing here, and why is August Cromwell talking to him?”

“Maybe August is trying to put the fear of God into him.” Cassidy tries to sound hopeful.

But we both know that’s a lie. August wouldn’t lift a finger to help anyone, let alone one of us. Rumor is he’s mega-spoiled and doesn’t mind showing it.

“Let’s just focus on the run and practice,” I say. “We need to put some work in on those corner kicks. They were a bit sloppy last night.”

Cassidy nods, as she strides along beside me.

I have already messaged Coach Watts and Coach Chapman, asking them if we could work on them. Coach Watts said, ‘I’m way ahead of you.’”

Good he noticed how much they sucked too.

I’m breathing hard and sweating profusely when we finish practice. I note that Danny is still here while I wipe my face down with a towel. I really want to pull my tank top, which is clinging to me like a second skin, over my face, but I don’t want Danny to think I’m doing anything for him.

“Hey, Dixon, come over here, will ya?” August says, beckoning me with his hand.

I sigh and nod in his direction.

“Uh-oh, someone is going to the principal’s office,” Hendrix teases me.

“Fuck off, it’s not the principal’s office. Plus, I didn’t do anything.” I’m not sure why I throw that out there. I’m sure she knows I didn’t. I didn’t even look in his direction when I could feel him staring at me as I completed my foot-work drills, took my turn serving corners, and took shots to help warm up the goalies.

“Have fun. Want us to wait for you before heading over to Tropical Smoothie?” Cassidy pulls off her cleats and readies herself to leave.

My cleats are already off and I’m striding in Danny and August’s direction. “No, go on without me,” I call over my shoulder.

“You sure?” She calls out, and I wave a hand in her direction, indicating that I am.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Cromwell. What do I owe the honor of your visit all through our practice?” My tone is a bit snarky, but I’m pretty sure I can get away with it with August. He doesn’t really pay too much attention to anyone but himself.

He pulls his Ray Bans down and grins in my direction. “I see we still have our sassy pants on today.”

“Don’t know what you mean, sir.” I toss my long blonde braid over my shoulder.

“How are you doing today, Mackenzie?” Danny asks in his condescending tone.