Page 8 of Blocking Her Love

My sister rolls her eyes but there’s a ton of sadness there when her gaze returns to Ellie’s. “You have nothing to be sorryfor. It’s not like you make her say that stuff. And she’s right. I’ve gotten… soft. And that affects how I play.”

Damn it. I’ve been so wrapped up in daydreaming about Ellie I haven’t noticed my sister’s mood. She’s always had issues with body image. Yes, even though she’s shorter than many volleyball players, her skill shines through marking her as an elite player. Her waist may not dip in above her hips like Ellie’s, and thank god she’s not augmented like Karol, but Maya’s all woman. A beautiful woman. I’d think so even if I wasn’t her brother.

Ellie’s words intrude on my musings, echoing my thoughts. “You just need to pick your self-confidence up off the sand, sweetie. I know that’s difficult sometimes. Hell, even I?—”

“Don’t give me that bullshit.” Maya straightens her shoulders. “You’ve always been confident. Known what you want and how to go about getting it. Most of the time anyway.”

She gives me a pointed look then repeats that look at Ellie. Does my sister think there’s something going on? Have I said anything or acted differently around Ellie? Has Ellie? Shit. Maya’s observant. I need to watch myself. We don’t need my feelings messing up the team dynamics.

A heavy lump settles in my stomach. Telling Ellie how I feel has to wait until after the season. Anything that disrupts training, matches, and the team’s rise in the standings needs to be put aside. The focus is forward toward the Olympics. The ache in my cock will have to wait.

Time to switch up training. We’ve veered away from some of our early methods and that might be affecting performance. All training is serious business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun. While we hydrate, I lay out the plan for the next hour.

“How about we give our audience a little show?”

“What do you mean?” Ellie asks.

I counter with another question. “What was your favorite solo practice activity?”

She thinks for a moment then grins. “The one arm touch pokey.”

Maya adds, “I like the tomahawk.”

“Great. Let’s start with the one arm touch.”

They each grab a ball then face the people lining the beach. “Go,” I call then grab a ball to join them. I haven’t been keeping up with my own skills as much as I should and this is an easy way to get back into that mindset. Before I start I watch them with a critical eye.

Ellie tosses her ball in the air. When it comes down, she hits it up with one arm. Then repeats with the other arm, ending with using both outstretched arms. It doesn’t take long for her to settle into a rhythm. A couple times the ball goes a little wide but she adjusts and keeps the ball in the air. Maya’s reactions and repetitions are a tiny bit slower and I make a mental note to have her work on speed.

Before long we have our balls moving in near synchronization and the crowd is clapping with each hit. Both women are wearing smiles and seem to be enjoying the moment.

“Add pokeys,” I say.

After the double armed platform touch, they use flexed knuckles to punch the ball upward into the sky. Those get a cheer from the crowd and Ellie starts hitting the ball a little higher and then posing for the onlookers. Soon Maya joins her and my mission is accomplished. We’re having fun while working on our skills.

After a couple more ‘exhibition’ type drills, we take a break and answer questions from the crowd. As usual Ellie is front and center while my sister hovers in the background. I need to spend more time with her. Not as her coach. As her brother.

People wander off as it gets closer to lunch time and there’s only a few stragglers who promise to cheer for the team remaining when we end our on the sand practice. This afternoonis weight training and yoga. The evening is for relaxing and real life.

My real life dream would be time alone on this beautiful beach with Ellie in my arms watching the sun set. Kissing her. Loving her. Fuck, nothing but dreams.

six

Ellie

I’m notsure how Sean talked me into going to a movie tonight, but here we are in the theater, sharing a huge container of popcorn. Maya said she wasn’t interested in the most recent superhero movie but I know that’s a lie. She’s always had a secret love of comics, and this movie features one of her favorite anti-heroes. There’s something going on with her that I can’t figure out.

Just like I can’t figure out what’s happening with Sean and me. As a coach he treats me the way he always has, his manner professional and focused on the team. Outside of those moments, he’s still Sean. A great guy and my best friend’s older brother.

For the longest time, he’s treated me like a sister as well. Lately there’s been a confusing change. I thought it had something to do with my spontaneous hug a couple weeks ago. Except when I think about him—and I’ve been doing a lot of that lately—I realize that there’s been a gradual shift in our relationship. I’m fairly sure he doesn’t want to be a brother figure.

I certainly don’t want him in that role. The way his eyes lit up then went all dark and dreamy when I demanded he kiss me at the bar makes me wonder if that the ache of wanting might be mutual.

How do we move past coach and friend to something more? Lovers? That thought makes my body feel soft and languid. My lady bits don’t exactly tingle but there’s definitely interest in the possibility.

Is there more to this than just the physical? When I inspect my tangled emotions, the feelings I discover tell me I want more than just some possible good times in bed with Sean. How do I know if he wants more as well?

Sex could be the only thing on his mind. I’m not sure how that would work anyway. The three of us share an apartment. Maya and I sleep in the same room. How embarrassing would it be to have Maya know I’m sleeping—uh, not sleeping with her brother.

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