Page 8 of Shes my 1 Try

“No, it has not been a…” Holy shit! It has been a year, longer even since the last time I had an actual man in my bed.

“I’m right, aren’t I?” she gloats, and the memory of Steve and his slobbering tongue kicks in. He wasn’t the worst guy I’ve ever been with, but I’d hate for him to be my last.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not getting laid by the SSH, or anyone else for that matter,” I add hastily, imagining Ines opening up her contacts and scrolling through all the single men she knows.

“Then reach out and get SSH’s number or I’m going to make sure…”

“I’m not going to reach out and get the phone number of one of the most famous wingers in the game of rugby league today. Not to mention the hottest guy I have ever laid eyes on.” I’m not. Even if I die of blue bean. Even if it’s something I’ll regret—forever.

FOUR

Asher

Hoots and wolf-whistles echo down the corridor as I make my way into the squad room, and curiosity has me stepping a little faster. Walking through the door, I shouldn’t have bothered, as five of my teammates almost take me to the floor.

“Look out ladies, Clark Kent is in the house,” one of them ribs me, but then proceeds to grip my hand and slap me on the back.

“Sorry, Asher.” Kai strolls over, offering his hand as well. “They sent over the proofs for the board to approve and I just thought everyone should see them.”

“I bet you did.” I shake my head at his smirk and take his hand as he pulls me into a slapping man hug, both of us laughing.

“Hey, we wanted diverse opinions on it,” he shrugs, his face contorting in his efforts to control his laughter. “But seriously, the photos came out good.”

A picture of me in the suit jacket and pair of glasses on doesn’t look half bad, even if I do say so myself. What I see that they don’t, is the colouring on my abs and the sexy as fuck woman who put it there.

“I can’t believe you get to go over to Vegas for that,” Billy grouses, interrupting my train of thought, but still offers me his hand. “It’s not like I’m not good-looking. I’m good-looking, right?”

“You’re bloody gorgeous,” Kai drawls, giving the man, who for all intents and purposes is his brother-in-law, a friendly shove on the shoulder. “But you’re not single, mate.”

“So the only reason pretty boy here gets to go to Vegas is because he’s single? I guess I can give him this one,” he laughs, taking a seat.

“Don’t let my sister hear you saying that.” Kai rolls his eyes, as the rest of the team breaks off into small groups, Billy nodding his agreement. “You did good, Asher.”

“Thanks. I…”

“If you’re worried about what happened with Tyler, don’t be.” How the hell did he know? “When I said you did good, I meant it. From what I hear he was fined a hefty sum. Besides, you did it in defence of a woman, right?”

“Uh-huh,” I breathe. Tyler’s reaction wasn’t unexpected, but Miss Makeup didn’t deserve how he spoke to her. Plus, I haven’t been unable to stop thinking about that very woman. Those eyes. That ass. Her sassy attitude…

“Hey,” Kai snaps his fingers in front of my eyes. “Wake up, sunshine. We’ve got a trial match against the Rays coming up. Is this going to be a problem?”

“Probably not,” I shrug, expecting it to be a shitshow no matter what I do.

“I need you to be certain, Asher. No probablies about it. They’re going to target you, and I have to be able to rely on you not to escalate it.” There’s concern in his face and for the first time in a long time, I care that I might have disappointed him.

“If they’re targeting me, then that leaves the field open for everyone else to score. Right?” It makes sense to use their misplaced hatred of me to our advantage, and despite what people say about my ego, I’m willing to make that sacrifice and take the hit.

“It does make sense, but I can’t ask you to put yourself at risk. They’re not gonna take it easy, Asher. The hits will be hard.” He’s offering me an out, and maybe it’s his way of testing my commitment to the team. Or maybe it’s just who Kai is.

“I think I’ve proven I can take a hit,” I joke, but wipe the smile from my face at Kai’s frown. “Seriously, using their weakness against them is the right move. Putting a tonne of points on them will prove they were idiots to let me go.”

“I want to ask you something and I need your absolute honesty,” he says, a seriousness I’ve never seen in him before making me second think what I just said, but I nod. “Are you happy here, Asher?”

I’ve been playing footy since I was a kid. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. In all that time, I can never recall anyone ever asking me if I was happy. Not my parents. Not my teammates or coaches. Not even my manager.

Ordering my thoughts, I inhale and give him my answer. “I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve been happier than I am since I made the move here. You, your family and the team have made me feel like I finally belong somewhere.”

“I’m glad,” Kai smiles, throwing an arm around my shoulder. “Now let’s go plan the Rays’ downfall, huh?”

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