Page 1 of The Sky Between Us

Chapter 1

“What a pretty girl! Let me get you a drink!”

As I adjusted my sunglasses on my eyes and slammed the door of my Range Rover, shouts and whistles came from behind me.

Not even throwing a glance over my shoulders to the group of guys scattered around their BMWs, I walked to the Starbucks in front of me. This coffee shop was located twenty minutes from my university, which was in the San Francisco Bay area, hence the name Baywater University. I chose this one in the Indian Basin to make sure I didn’t run into anyone familiar. Strangers I could handle, but people from school I avoided like plague.

I didn’t trust easily and I sure as hell didn’t mingle well with others since high school. It was easier to keep my circle small and stay in the shadows. On the rare occasions when I stepped outside, I remained composed and rehearsed cold behavior, which protected me from anyone approaching me.

Being guarded and having my father work at the same university I attended had its challenges, particularly because he was coaching the Baywater Dolphins who never lost a NCCA soccer championship since he took over as head coach.

The talking behind me quieted as I pulled the door open and walked into the air-conditioned space. The smell of coffee and fresh pastry hit my nose. My strides grew less confident with every step as I laid eyes on the person behind the counter.

The first thing I noticed was his shining blonde hair that seemed illuminated under the mix of the artificial light and the morning September sun peeking through the windows. My eyes fell onto his muscular hand that gripped the edge of the counter, his biceps flexing. He wasn’t bulking, instead his arms were lean, but strong. Typical for a soccer player. Glancing at his baby blue eyes that landed on me for a second, I felt my breath hitch before I composed myself.

Aiden Hitchings.

The one and only captain of our soccer team, trained and led by my father, who wouldn’t shut up about his talents, stood in front of me. He was the fantasy of every girl on campus thanks to his Prince Charming looks, coupled with rock hard abs and lean muscles. Everyone was obsessed with him. He was an excellent player both on and off the field.

He was the one I needed to steer clear of the most.

As I continued walking through the maze of empty tables, making my way up to the counter, I saw Aiden walk behind the counter. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was fooling around with one of the barista chicks. It wouldn’t have surprised me.

I cleared my throat to get someone’s attention when his blond head popped up and his eyes met mine. He grinned ear-to-ear, and for a second, I forgot how to breathe, not because of his smile, but because he was wearing a Starbucks apron.

“I’m the new barista?”, I blurted out, sounding more like a confused patron rather than a confident employee. He didn’t seem to notice my abrupt introduction. “You must be Hazel.” He seemed cheerful with his huge grin and easy tone. “Come around and I’ll show you everything. Thankfully, the morning rush is gone so I can teach you the basics.”

“You work here?” I asked blankly. I still couldn’t believe the captain of the Dolphins was a barista.

“No, I only wear this green apron because it goes well with my eyes and I think it’s cool,” he replied dryly without missing a beat. “Of course, I work here.”

“Sorry, I was just surprised,” I shrugged, recovering quickly from his sarcasm. “You are Aiden Hitchings…”

“Are you a fan?” He lifted a brow and stared at me with an adorable half smile. “Since I’m helping you in fulfilling your student contract requirements, maybe we can make out? You know, to fill my requirements…?”

I couldn’t resist an eyeroll. “No, jackass. My father is your coach.”

So much for me keeping my anonymity for the fourth year in a row. I wanted to slap myself for blabbing it out, but I guess that wasn’t the worst thing that could happen.

It was his turn to stare at me in shock.

“You are Coach McCarthy’s daughter? You arethatHazel?”

That Hazel? Wow I didn’t know he actually knew my name. Or at least he said it like it had some meaning behind it. I took it as a shock that I’m related to his coach.

“The one and only.” I spread my arms and motioned towards the coffee machines. “So, intro rounds are over. Are you going to teach me how to use those?”

“Come around,” he motioned, still shaking his head. “I can’t believe it…”

“Look who is fangirling now,” I mocked him, as I made my way around the counter and stood by his side. His cologne caught my attention and I had to resist the urge to take a deep breath. It was unfair how good he smelled, even standing next to freshly ground coffee.

“Sorry, just shocked.” He handed me an apron with a trainee tag on it and turned toward the machines. Suddenly, he stood there frozen. It felt like he had no idea what he was about to do. It gave me enough time to admire his sharp jawline, the way the morning sun glimmered on his slick hair, and his muscular arms, as they tensed over the milk frother.

“You are acting weird.” I nudged him with my shoulder. “Do you freeze like that on the field as well?”

“Very funny.” He narrowed his eyes as he looked at me, my heart skipping a beat. “I just wonder why I never saw you before. You must be a senior, like me.”

“We don’t move in the same circles.” I shrugged, taking a cup and helping him out, eager to start my training and stop talking about my life.

---