Page 114 of Whistle

He’d helped me that night at the dorm, going as far as ripping Ronnie off me and throwing a punch. He’d given me his number, offered to swim with me, hell, even offered me a place to stay that night. He went out of his way not just once but multiple times to invite me to Shirley’s.

I’d watched him for weeks now, encouraging other swimmers and offering help if they asked him. He was nothing at all like Cobalt, the unofficial captain of the Nobles. The guy who literally killed my sister.

Walsh and Cobalt were so night and day that it practically gave me whiplash. And trust issues. I’d trusted Cobalt at one time too, and look how that turned out.

Ryan pulled the swim cap and goggles off in one tug, and from the bench, Jamie tossed him a towel, which he wiped over his face and chest, then slung around his neck.

“What is it that you need to say, Walsh?” Coach asked, his voice gruff.

“Since it’s the start of a new season, I figured it was a good time to remind everyone here at Westbrook why Elite is, well, elite,” Ryan said, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear.

“We’ve got a rep to uphold!” someone called from the back.

Smiling fast, Ryan nodded. “Exactly.”

“What’d you plan, bro?” Jamie asked.

Ryan raked his eyes over the group, then turned to Coach. “I offered up Elite’s help for the upcoming alumni benefit.”

“You did what?” Coach asked.

“Every fall, Westbrook alumni hold a large fundraising event. All proceeds go to the college, some of which is spent here for Elite.” Ryan went on, and the swimmers nodded. “I figured what better way to show our appreciation for all the support than by being part of the fundraising?”

“You volunteered Elite to help fundraise for the benefit?” Coach asked.

Ryan nodded. “The entire team is invited to the black-tie benefit where we will mingle and smile and make the university look good. I know you can pull out the Elite charm for some extra donations.”

Coach grimaced. “I’ve seen you all in social settings. You are not that charming.”

“We’re a delight,” Kruger put in.

“You probably should stay home,” Coach deadpanned. He turned to Ryan. “I admire your initiative and that you want to do something positive for Elite, but now is not a good time. We need to be focused on the season.”

“When I talked to the dean, he loved the idea.”

The air around Coach shifted. His shoulders tensed imperceptibly, and the lines at the corners of his eyes deepened. I wondered if anyone else noticed, but with a quick glance around, it appeared everyone else was looking at Ryan.

“You talked to the dean about this?” he asked.

Ryan nodded. “I wanted to get approval before I asked for volunteers.”

Coach blanched. “Volunteers for what?”

“The auction.”

“Auction?” Landry asked from the other side of her dad.

Ryan flashed a wide, brilliantly white smile, his blue eyes dancing with mischief. “That’s how Elite is gonna bring in the donations. By auctioning off a few of us for dates.”

Whistles, laughter, and catcalls filled the room. Excited murmuring rolled through the entire team like a wave. The noise rose to the high ceilings and seemed to increase.

“Bro, it’s like Pretty Woman, but instead, it’s pretty swimmers!” Kruger shouted.

PhweeeeeeeEEEeeeeeeeee!

“Shut it!” Coach roared, then pinned Kruger with a look. “Elite are not sex workers, Kruger. Jesus.” Turning to Ryan, he said, “There is no way Dean Cardinal agreed to this foolery.”

“It’s not foolery, Coach. It’s charity,” Jamie put in.

---