Page 191 of Whistle

“I’m not into that daddy shit,” I deadpanned.

Lars took a sip of his espresso. “Okay,” he said and turned to go again.

“How would you know anyway?” I tossed the words at his back.

He came back, stepping closer this time so our conversation was slightly more private. Not that I didn’t totally know people were eavesdropping. These people were nosy as hell. All up in each other’s business.

“Because Rush kinda has those vibes too.”

I recoiled. “Rush and I were never a thing. I never looked at him like that.”

Lars nodded as if he’d expected the reaction. “I know. But he still has that in-control, alpha confidence. He makes everyone around him feel safe. So even if you weren’t involved like that,” he intimated, “he still sort of filled a role, kept you grounded.”

I said nothing. My ears were buzzing. “You poison this?” I demanded, gesturing to the coffee.

Lars laughed under his breath. “And then shit went down, he was gone, and your life kinda went up in flames.”

“That some kinda joke because I burned down the Cobalts’ guest house?” I was defensive. And argumentative. Sue me.

“I think he deserved it.”

Why couldn’t he argue back? Ugh. “Damn right, he did.”

“And then you came here and met Coach. He checks all the boxes for you, right? Even the ones Rush couldn’t.”

“What’s your point?” Other than to make me feel fucking see-through. I mean, this was just rude. I was supposed to hate him.

How could I hate someone who seemed to get it? Get me.

“I’m happy for you. I know what a relief it is to find someone you feel safe with.”

I said nothing.

“Point is Rush is your friend. Coach is a big part of your life. And that means Landry will be too. They’re important to me, and you’re important to them. Not to mention, you’re Elite now. We don’t have to be friends, but it would be nice if we could at least get along.”

I drank more coffee, watching him over the rim the entire time. “Yeah, okay.”

Lars nodded. “See you out there.”

“I still hate your hair!” I called after him.

Over his shoulder, he said, “Don’t worry. Yours will grow back.”

What an asshole! “Hey, Rush, your bestie thinks you have daddy energy,” I called down the row.

Rush popped out from around his open locker door. “You better not tell Win you think that, bro!”

Laughter filled the space.

“They do say women are attracted to men that are like their fathers,” Ryan heckled.

Rush gave him the finger.

“Ahh, shit. Coach has the BDE,” Jamie cracked.

“You can’t just talk about other men’s dicks,” Kruger told him.

“You literally asked me if Max’s was pierced,” Wes pointed out.

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