Page 76 of A Whole New Trick

I stiffen but stop walking, turning slightly to watch Aaron jog to catch up to me. Behind him, I see a young woman staring after him, looking like she’s about to be sick. She looks vaguely familiar, but I can’t place her.

My ex blocks her from sight when he stops right in front of me. He wears a stupid grin, and I already know I won’t like this conversation.

I want to tell him to get lost, but we’re standing in the wide hallway in the training facility, close to the weight room. Players, coaches, and other Ranchers staff are all around, preparing for tonight’s game. Dismissing him would cause a scene.

So, I steel my nerves and say, “Yes, Burns?”

He lifts a thick brow at my use of his last name, but he doesn’t comment. I hate when he calls me by my last name. It feels like he’s trying to make us seem buddy-buddy. Like there isn’t bad blood between us.

“I wanted to get your opinion on Lehman’s nutrition plan.”

Sure, you do.

“Cam already has a nutritionist assigned to him,” I point out.

“Yes, but I’m worried about his endurance. Carolina is an aggressive team, and their on-goal shots were at another level in the last game. Do you have any advice on what he can eat before the game to ensure his mental clarity and fast twitch muscular response lasts throughout the game?”

On the surface, it’s a decent question. It sounds professional. But I’m not fooled.

Aaron never shied away from criticizing my chosen career field when we were together. He didn’t like how much time I spent studying and not hanging out with him. He liked to tell me I’d never make decent money as a sports dietician and that I should do something else.

He’s right. Most dieticians don’t get rich off the job, but I will live comfortably. I’ve officially decided to move into a nicer apartment when the season ends. Preferably somewhere with a doorman.

Maybe I’ll go to Midtown to be closer to Carlee. That could be fun.

“Hello?” My eyes refocus on Aaron, and I take in his scowl. “Did you hear me?”

I clear my throat. “I recommend asking his nutritionist.”

If there’s the slightest chance this is a legitimate question, I don’t want to step on a colleague’s toes by offering advice for the player they’re assigned to.

But Aaron doesn’t care about professional niceties.

“Oh, I thought you’d have plenty of time on your hands to help out.” His lips curl with ill intent. “Seeing as you and Larson are finished.”

He’s fishing for information, but I won’t give him anything.

“Sorry, but I can’t,” I say loudly so others around me are more likely to hear. “I’m actually on my way to meet Dane to discuss his pre-game meal.”

I move to step around Aaron, but he steps in my path.

Two young men pushing equipment carts observe the movement. I meet their assessing stares before focusing my attention back on Aaron.

“Excuse me, Mr. Burns.”

“Why are you lying?”

I lift a brow. “What makes you think I’m lying?”

“I saw the pictures.” He snorts. “Everyone has. It’s obvious Dane was cheating on you when he went back to Minnesota.”

The words sting. Not because I think they’re true but because I hate to think of others putting their nose in my business. I understand that’s part of dating a star athlete, but it’s not something I prepared myself to handle.

I haven’t spoken to Dane since he returned. His flight arrived early this morning, and I learned from Eli that he crashed for a couple of hours to rest before he needed to report for today’s game.

It’s three o’clock now. Dane’s been in the facility since noon, but we haven’t seen each other. He texted me to let me know he got in safely, but nothing since.

I’m not sure he knows the pictures of him and his brother with their group of friends have been shared online. He’s not big into social media. I bet he will be grumpy when he realizes they’re out there.

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