Page 58 of Rival Summer

"See you later," Chandler replied, still visibly shaken but with a smirk beginning to form. "Try to get it back, okay?" As she pointed her gaze at Bailey.

"Will do," I smiled, throwing her a wink before rejoining the team, thankful she wasn’t angry.

After a long and exhausting practice, we showered then headed to the conference room for the team dinner, our bodies aching and minds scattered. I spotted Chandler immediately, hair up in a messy bun, cheeks flushed, a look of utter exhaustion on her face. She looked so beautiful, even worn down from the day's events.

"Hey, Boston!" Parker called out, waving me over to join him at the bar with a couple of our teammates.

"One sec," I said over my shoulder, already making my way to the buffet line. “I’ll meet you guys at the table.”

I grabbed a plate and filled it with all of Chandler's favorites—chicken alfredo, garlic bread, and a Caesar salad. I even snagged a large glass of water with a wedge of lemon, knowing she'd need it.

Just as she finished setting aside some boxes, I pulled her away. "Hey," I said, clearing my throat to get her attention.

She looked up, genuine surprise and gratitude in her eyes. "Boston, you made me a plate?"

"Least I could do after that... interesting practice," I smirked, nodding towards an empty table nearby.

"Yeah, thanks for that by the way," she said, rolling her eyes good-naturedly as I pulled out a chair for her.

"Lesson learned." I winked, taking a seat across from her. "So, how was your day?"

My fingers gently reached under the table skirt, moving slowly and subtly to avoid drawing attention. I caressed her ankle, slipped off her shoe, and lifted her foot between my legs to massage it.

Chandler took a bite of the chicken alfredo, her eyes closing in appreciation. "It was fine. Caroline had us running around doing things that didn't even make sense, but hey, our shift is over now."

"That's a relief," I sighed, before continuing. "Listen, I um... I wanted to talk to you about something."

She set her fork down, her expression shifting to concern. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine," I said, trying to sound casual. “About tonight. We don’t have to share a bed. I’m happy to sleep on the pullout. It’s really no big deal.”

"I know, and you’re not sleeping on the pullout, Boston," she said softly, her eyes meeting mine.

I could sense the exhaustion in her every movement, but she still managed a grateful smile as she took another bite of food. Parker walked up behind her with his own plate, joking about today.

"Well, I'm always down to see women in lingerie," he chuckled. "But Bailey, today? That was a new experience."

Chandler and I exchanged knowing glances, suppressing our laughter. It was our little secret, and I was prepared to take that secret to the grave.

The rest of the team and committee members filed into the room, and Coach stood up. "I expect us to win tomorrow, there is no other option. You know what to do, so we need to get it done," he boomed, his steely gaze sweeping over the room.

Willow couldn't help but tease her father. "Oh, Dad. A man of many words."

The room erupted in laughter, easing the tension somewhat. The rest of the meal flew by in a blur of laughter. Chandler had a smile on her face most of dinner, and I couldn't help but marvel at how far we'd come. I couldn't wait to get her alone, to hold her in my arms and forget about the world outside our hotel room.

As dinner wound down, I stood up, helping her to her feet. "Ready to make our escape?" I winked, a mischievous glint in my eye.

She blushed, but her eyes sparkled with an answering fire. "I thought you'd never ask."

She slipped away first and waited around the corner, then I slipped out after her.

In the room, Chandler excused herself to shower, while I turned down the lights and turned on the hotel radio. She emerged from the bathroom with wet hair and wearing one of my oversized shirts. It took my breath away.

"You look," I stammered, words failing me. She smelled like coconut and sunshine, and all I wanted to do was pull her into my arms and never let go.

"Thanks," she blushed. "I borrowed one of your shirts, hope you don't mind."

"Mind?" I grinned, stealing a glance at the way the fabric hugged her curves. "I've always wanted to see you in my clothes."

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