Page 48 of Striking Heat

“So, your old man used to play ball, huh?” Lucas asks.

“Yeah,” Danny replies coolly. “But that was a long time ago. Everything that could be said about it has been said.”

“Sorry, dude. Didn’t realize that was a sore subject.”

“Nah, you're good. It’s just not my favorite thing to talk about,” Danny replies.

We make eye contact for a second. I give him a small smile, trying to look encouraging because I know he hates it when people ask about his dad. He just winks in return.

“You spend a lot of time in the gym as a swimmer?” Lucas asks.

That’s the question that changes Danny’s entire demeanor. His face lights up and I love it. He points around the gym, showing Lucas the machines he used to use.

“Lifting days were some of my favorites. Sure, the pool time was my favorite time, like Mac with the soccer field.”

“I remember watching you,” Lucas tells him. “You were amazing. I was sorry to see you were injured. That must have been tough.”

Danny nods. “Thanks. It was. But isn’t that the way it goes in the sports world? If we can’t play anymore, we find a way to be around the sports. Or the sport that we love.”

“Yeah, I used to play football. But one too many concussions ended that for me. Now I just train.”

I never knew that about Lucas. I want to say something, but I just keep my mouth shut since he’s having a moment with Danny.

“Sorry to hear that. But I’m glad you found something you love or a way to be around sports. It’s kinda like me and writing. I love going to the games and the competitions. It’s not the same as being in the pool and doesn’t give me that same rush, but it sure does help.”

He nods. “Yeah, I can’t imagine much of a rush if you’re writing.”

Danny chuckles. “No, not much of a rush. Do you ever train the Bucs?”

That was his dad’s team. I’m surprised he brought him up considering his comment earlier.

“I did, yeah,” Lucas admits. “But then Mr. Cromwell asked me to come and train the Blaze, so here I am.”

“Here you are,” Danny replies.

“Am I going to be part of this article?” Lucas asks him, setting up some dumbbells for me. “Come on, overhead press time.”

“I thought I was only doing lower body today?” I whine.

“Don’t worry, you’re going to be doing them on an incline, so there’s your lower body.” Lucas shakes his head. “This one works hard but likes to keep me on my toes.”

Danny nods. “Yeah, she’s a grade A pain in the ass.”

“Oh really?” I shoot Danny a knowing glare, but he just laughs at me. “Well, lucky for you, you get to spend more time with me because you have to interview me.”

“At least maybe Lucas can tire you out a bit, and then you won’t be as spunky when I have to ask you questions.”

“Ha. She’s always spunky,” Lucas tells him.

Danny is straight out grinning at me. If Lucas notices, he doesn’t say a word. “I like her spunky.”

I lie back on the bench so that I continue on with my workout.

“You gotta pick up the pace here, Mac. This man is makingyou move a bit slower today. I’m going to fall behind schedule.” Lucas glances at his watch as he tells me this.

“Then maybe you two should stop yammering like a bunch of schoolgirls,” I tease him.

“I thought you liked it quiet when you worked out. Look at you running your mouth,” Lucas fires back.