Page 36 of A Whole New Trick

I frown when he moves to lean against the side of the black bus, crossing his ankles and tucking his hands into his pockets for warmth.

I don’t know what Aaron is playing at, but I refuse to let him get to me. I faltered when I first ran into him at the Rancher’s facility, but that was because I was caught off guard. Now, the surprise has worn off, and I’m more than capable of enduring his annoying presence.

“So, how long have you been working for the Ranchers?”

My nostrils flare.Is he really trying to make small talk?

I debate saying it’s none of his business, but maturity overrides the instinctual pettiness. “Less than a year.”

I hope my short reply and lack of a follow-up question will deter him from continuing this conversation. I’m not so lucky.

“I bet your parents are proud.”

“Mmhmm.” Once again, I look at the exit. The doors remain closed. My eyes travel to the group of beautiful women. They’re looking in my direction. Well, notmydirection.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Aaron grinning at the group of women. They giggle amongst themselves when he gives them a little wave.

I roll my eyes.

I know exactly what those women are thinking. I feel zero attraction to Aaron, but objectively, he’s not bad-looking. He’s also in shape thanks to working as a trainer for a living. Add to that the fact he wears Ranchers official gear, and I bet the women are wondering if he’s a bench player on the team. They’re thinking they might have caught the attention of a player.

They’re going to be disappointed when they learn he’s a trainer.

I smirk.

“Is something funny?” Aaron’s icy tone draws my attention away from the preening women. His expression is just as cold.

His eyes narrow when my smirk remains firmly in place. “Not at all.”

We both know that’s not true. Aaron’s jaw clenches. Then, in a blink, his anger is replaced with a smugness that puts me on edge.

“So, was it nepotism that got you your job or the fact you spread your legs for the team’s star player?”

The insult rolls off my back, but the shock still leaves me at a loss for words.

“What the fuck did you just say to her?”

My head whips to the side. Dane stands at the back of the bus, five feet away. I glance at the visitor’s exit. The doors remain closed. Where did he come from?

“Are you deaf?” Dane closes the distance between us. His gaze is locked on the athletic trainer, who is as white as a sheet. “What the fuck did you just say to Morgan?”

“N-nothing, man.” Aaron rolls his shoulders back and straightens his spine. The effect is minimal. The six-five center towers over him. “It was just a joke.”

“It didn’t sound like a fucking joke.” Dane’s body shakes with anger.

“It’s Dane Larson!” Excitement floats in the air as the crowd of fans waiting to see a Rancher player notice his presence.

Some rush forward with Ranchers’ memorabilia, ignoring the metal fence meant to keep them back, to ask for an autograph. There’s no security out here to enforce the barrier. I’m sure that will change when the rest of the team leaves the building.

The fans are the only thing that keeps Dane from doing something idiotic, like punching my ex in the face.

It would be hot to see, though…

I place a hand on Dane’s arm. He looks down at me for the first time since arriving. The angry heat in his eyes lessens when he meets my gaze.

“It’s okay,” I murmur. “Just forget it.”

His nostrils flare.

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