Page 40 of I Blame the Club

“Captains are supposed to be the leaders of the team. Not the cheerleaders.” Crossing my arms, I give him a pointed look, “And you should be home resting. Not wasting your energy on rookies who can barely bench two plates.”

“Concerned for my well-being, Maurice? I’m touched.”

“It’s not your well-being I’m concerned about.”

Nico’s dark eyes dance with amusement, “You sure about that?”

My brows furrow as annoyance pounds through me, “Positive. The only reason you’re on this team is because you are a somewhat decent goalie. If your body is out of commission, there’s no point in even competing for the championship banner this season.”

The words are harsh but Nico’s grin remains solidly in place.

“Last time I checked, my body was in working order. But I’d be happy to let you take a closer look.” His gaze flicks to my lips and my irritation spikes.

“Do you not take anything seriously?”

“Only serious things.” Nico grins, giving me an obvious once-over, “You on the other hand, don’t have that problem.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He raises an eyebrow, the scruff on his jaw noticeably thinner than it was a few days ago.

He must have shaved since we made out.

For some reason, the thought irritates me.

“To put it bluntly, you walk around with a stick up your ass. The only time I have seen you loosen up is when you are either drunk or horny.” He smirks, “Both of which were thanks to yours truly.”

Closing the distance between us, I lean forward until our noses are almost touching. Nico’s eyes go wide, his eyes darting between my face to the few stragglers still roaming around the performance room.

“Don’t get the mistaken impression you’re something special, Montez. You aren’t the first guy to get me drunk and you certainly aren’t the last. And as for that kiss in the locker room the other day?”

Letting my eyes drop to his lips, I watch the grin slide off his face, “It was unmemorable. Which is exactly how your reign as team captain is going to be.”

I regret the words the second they leave my mouth, but I’m sure as hell not taking them back. Dropping the cleaning rag into the bin, I turn and walk away before I see the hurt cross Nico’s face.

“I thought it was you!”

A small body tackles me from behind, the familiar squeal immediately easing the tension from my shoulders.

I laugh, wrapping my arms around Stella, “I would have thought you sleep in now that Ellsworth doesn’t have to train at this hour.”

Hearing a deep chuckle, I look up and find Cody watching us with a smile.

“Your sister has a problem with sharing gym equipment so we have to go before the morning rush.”

Stella pulls away and gives me an exasperated look, “Why would anyone think they can use the pull-up bar when I’m in the middle of the circuit?”

I tilt my head, “Did they know you were using it?”

She huffs, “How could they not? I had used it during the last four rounds.”

Cody coughs, “Stel, most people only do four rounds.”

Turning to her boyfriend, my sister narrows her gaze, “Whose side are you taking, Ellsworth?”

He grins, “Yours, of course.”

“That’s what I thought.” Adjusting her topknot, Stella turns her attention back to me, “Want to join us for breakfast? We were just headed to the cafeteria.”

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