Page 18 of Don't Let Me Go (Don't Let Me 2)

“Aw, you guys got me a present for my first practice,” Austin jokes, sauntering toward me like he owns the place. “Hey, baby girl. I’m Greg––”

“Careful, Austin,” Depp warns him. A grin teases his lips as he holds my gaze but keeps addressing the new guy. “That’s Baby Thorne.”

Austin turns to Depp. “Baby Thorne?”

“Yeah. As in Colt’s little sister,” Graves explains. I’m not sure how he knows me. We’ve never been formally introduced. Maybe he was at the Taylor House not so long ago?

“Although, she obviously got the good looks in the family,” he continues.

I laugh as Austin steps closer to me, his buddies flanking his sides. “I think I’ve seen you around a time or two,” he notes, analyzing me a little more carefully. “You ever come to the Taylor House?”

“Last time she came, Burrows beat her fine ass at Beer Pong,” Graves interjects, confirming my suspicion. He scratches his dark jaw already sporting a five-o’clock shadow and looks me up and down again. “Although, if you’re looking for someone to teach you the ropes and show you how to actually beat the bastard, I’d be happy to––”

I roll my eyes. “I’m good, thanks.”

“Maybe you can cheer me on while I defend your honor myself,” Austin suggests. “I could take down Burrows.”

“Again, I think I’m good,” I repeat, more amused than annoyed by their boldness. Growing up around hockey players has taught me a few things.

One. They hang out in packs.

Two. They’re cocky as shit.

Three. They’re always looking to hook up.

And four. They’re flirty little buggers.

That’s for sure.

With a dark chuckle, Graves suggests, “Or maybe you and I can––”

“Graves!” Colt barks, standing in the doorframe of Coach’s office with his arms crossed and a warning in his eyes.

Graves raises his hands into the air as if to prove his innocence and takes a step away from me like I have Don’t Touch tattooed across my forehead. “Hey, man. I didn’t touch her.”

“Good. ‘Cause I doubt Sally would appreciate you hitting on my little sister,” Colt warns.

“Sally and Graves broke up––again––last week,” Depp informs my older brother. He turns to me and lifts his chin. “But what’s up, Baby Thorne? Is there a reason you’re hanging out in our locker room?”

“She’s here because she’ll be shadowing Russ for the season,” Coach Sanderson informs them. Raising his voice, he adds, “I have an announcement! Everyone in the showers, get your asses in here!”

The pipes groan in protest as the showers shut off, and the rest of the team files into the locker room. Most have towels wrapped around their waists, but as the room becomes more crowded with half-naked bodies, I’m blocked from view. A few of the stragglers slide off their towels and start getting dressed by their lockers, oblivious to the fact a girl is standing less than ten feet away.

When a sliver of space forms between the mass of bodies, a few birthday suits come into view, and I gulp, dropping my gaze to the ground.

Yup.

That was most definitely a penis.

Or four.

“All right, guys.” Coach’s booming voice bounces off the walls, demanding everyone’s attention, including mine. Thank goodness. I do my best to ignore the tan, wet skin on full display in my periphery––although it’s freaking difficult––and stare at Coach Sanderson instead.

“You did well at practice today. I think we’re gonna have a good year. As always, we have some shit to take care of, and some wrinkles to smooth out, but I know if we put in the work, we’re gonna make it to the playoffs.”

The team cheers, spreading their enthusiasm like wildfire. And just like that, it doesn’t matter that I'm here anymore. They have their eyes on the prize, and there isn’t a single distraction––including a woman––who will keep them from getting it. I grin and clap my hands while Sanderson waits a solid three seconds, then quiets the team down.

He continues. “I know I introduced the rest of the new members before practice, but I want to make one final introduction.” He clears his throat and motions for me to step forward. Depp and Graves had managed to sandwich me between them when the rest of the team ambled in from the shower. I squeeze myself out from between them and head toward my brother and Sanderson at the front of the room.

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