Page 21 of Spring Tide

“Harper St. James.” That familiar voice sneaks up behind me, the sultry sound curling around me like a warm blanket. “Who knew our team could be so lucky?”

“Happy to be here,” I say, turning to face Nate full-on. “I’ve been looking forward to this internship.”

“Really?” His eyes light up with amusement. “Figured you’d be bummed to be stuck with us in the off-season.”

“I mean, you guys are still training hard,” I assure him, a soft smile playing on my lips. “Plus, I really like the whole idea of preventive medicine.”

One corner of his mouth tugs up. “Do you?”

“Mhm, it’s important to be proactive. You know, prep for any self-inflicted torture.”

He sizes me up, his dark brown eyes dragging across my small frame. “So, you think you’re gonna shield me from future pain?”

“Something like that.”

His chest steadily rises and falls as he takes one step closer. “And what if I enjoy a little pain every now and then?”

My brow quirks. “I guess that’s your prerogative.”

“How about you, Harper?” He tips his water bottle to his lips, taking a deep swig while his eyes stay locked on mine.

“Do I enjoy pain?” I release an amused huff of laughter. “Nope, can’t say that I do.”

“Hm, noted.” He licks a dribble of water off his bottom lip. “You’re looking good, by the way. I think this is the first time I’ve seen you out of your lifeguard uniform.”

I make a crack at sarcasm. “I was thinking about wearing it today but wasn’t sure it was professional enough.”

“Nah,” he agrees, eyes sparking with mischief. “I suppose there’s nothing professional about it, is there?”

“Right, yeah, it’s pretty tight.” I push past the gravel collecting in my throat. “Doesn’t, uh, leave much to the imagination.”

“No, it really doesn’t. Listen, do you—”

“Miss St. James,” Minh cuts him off, hands cupped around his mouth as he calls me from across the room. “I need a moment.”

I silently mouth a quick “sorry” in Nate’s direction, nearly stumbling as I shuffle toward my supervisor. His soft gaze seems to follow me across the room. I’m fairly certain he’s still watching me, minutes later, as I attempt to pay attention to Minh’s incessant rambling.

I’m handed a roster of team files, the training schedule, and contact information for the coaches. Minh gives me a full rundown of our semester game plan. When I finally turn back, Nate’s distracted himself with the lat pulldown machine.

Like a moth drawn to a flame, I can’t help that my eyes settle on his muscular frame. His T-shirt is drawn tight, his upper back and lats bulging with every rep. Those strong hands wrap tightly against the bar, knuckles blanching a paler shade of brown.

It’s been a while since I’ve gotten laid, so my mind easily wanders to places it shouldn’t. Namely, Nate’s fingers tightening around my thighs. But I’ve kind of, sort of, got a fake boyfriend now. And if word gets around to Nate, I’m sure he’d feel complicit in my phony affair.

Plus, I may have a real-life crush here. If Nate is the type of guy I think he is, then I’d want more than just a bed warmer out of him. A one-night stand. An itch-scratcher, if you will. I’ve got enough vibrators for that in my nightstand drawer.

8

LUCA

It may simply bea placebo effect, but I swear to God, my knee has already started feeling better. Since Sunday night, I’ve been icing and resting and following Harper’s home program to the letter.

If I’m being honest with myself, I’ve been counting down the hours until I can lie down in her bed again. My gold-standard ice bath isn’t cutting it anymore. I’m craving a full-fledged deep-tissue massage, but I have to wait a few more hours until I can have what I want. What I need, really.

As long as I can stay awake this time.

I can’t afford to spend my Tuesday night lounging in Harper’s bed. Not when I could be studying, or picking up an extra shift at the pier, or helping my sister with Bentley. I only have one hour to spare tonight. That’s the allotted time I’ve given myself, preceded by team practice drills and a weekly phone call with my best friend, Danny.

My only friend, I guess, if I’m excluding my siblings.

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