Page 186 of Whistle

Landry made a choked sound.

“Oh, for shit’s sake,” I muttered. “I meant because he needs some gains. For swimming.”

“Bro,” Jamie said, midway through a donut. “We all know that is not what you meant.”

“What the hell is going on?” Landry exclaimed.

“Maybe we should speak alone,” I said.

“They’ll all listen at the door anyway,” Max muttered.

“This is a nosy bunch.” Arsen agreed.

“Your business is our business. It’s the Elite way,” Kruger said.

Ryan made a sound of agreement.

Landry tossed her hands up in the air. “Not another word out of any of you until I get actual answers.” Putting her fingertips to her head, she sighed. “My God, it’s like trying to get juice out of a raisin.”

“Isn’t that what prune juice is?” Kruger wondered.

Rush rolled his lips in, trying not to laugh.

Landry looked like her head might blow off.

“It’s best not to engage with them, ladybug. Can’t argue with stupid.”

“Well, at least they haven’t been lying like you!” she snapped.

Well, that hurt. But I deserved it.

Someone sucked in their breath. “Scrappy comes out swinging.”

Landry leaned forward and grabbed my whistle, yanking it between her lips. And yes, I was wearing it with my hospital gown. It was the accessory that went with everything.

Phweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

“You know what?” Jess announced. “We’ll wait in the waiting room.”

“I was just about to have another cup of tea,” Kruger lamented.

“Out, Ben,” Jess ordered.

Everyone filed out of the room, casting a few lingering glances our way.

Landry dropped the whistle and glared at me.

“I didn’t lie.” I began.

She made a rude noise. “The literal definition of lying by omission is deliberately leaving out important details.” Her gaze drifted between me and Bodhi. “And I think the fact that you are sleeping with one of your swimmers is an important detail.”

I could tell her to mind her own business and where I put my dick was for me to decide. I could skirt around the truth and make it pretty.

Love isn’t pretty. It is often messy, complicated, and imperfect. And that’s why it’s so damn amazing to find. Because still wanting someone more than you want the breath in your lungs even when it’s all those things is nothing to be ashamed of.

“You’re right. I am sleeping with him,” I deadpanned.

Landry’s mouth dropped open, and I swear smoke blew out Rush’s ears.

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