Page 35 of The Rivals' Touch

He has a happy trail and a smattering of dark hairs that lead down to a mouthwatering V. I tear my gaze away. “I don’t!”

She gives me a pointed look. “Then what was that?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you don’t.” She smiles, watching the team start on cone crossover drills. Their sneakers squeak on the floor. It’s a sound I love.

“How come you’re not one of Legacy’s minions like the others?” I ask.

“Because she’s a bitch!”

Her reply is so unexpected I burst out laughing.

“Why are you watching their practice?”

I wipe a tear off my cheek as my laughter subsides. “Unfortunately, dickhead number one has to give me a lift home until I get my own car.”

She pulls a face. “That sucks.”

“Sure does.” I pick up my phone next to me on the bench and swipe the screen.

Bennett: What are you up to, sexy?

I smile, my fingers flying over the screen.

Me: I’m checking out the competition.

“The boyfriend?” Abigail asks, and I nod.

Bennett: It makes me hard to think of my girlfriend as a spy.

My smile widens.

Me: I have a front-row seat to all their drills.

I lift my gaze, watching Zayd and Jacob do front-to-back, yo-yo dribbles. My phone pings in my hand.

Bennett: We’ll wipe the floor with them next time.

Bennett: Again.

The coach blows the whistle, so I lock my phone and place it back inside my bag. The practice is nearly over.

“When will you see him next?”

I look at her questioningly.

“Your boyfriend.”

“Oh.” I shrug, standing up and collecting my bag off the bench. “Not this weekend but hopefully the next.”

She smiles softly. “See you tomorrow?”

“Sure.”

“Sis! Join me in the shower!”

I stiffen as dread pools in the pit of my stomach.

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