I attempted to focus on something other than Michelle’s ass, but my attempts never lasted more than five seconds.
“Won’t work, man.” Brigham approached me and gave me a knowing grin. “She doesn’t do baseball players. It’s a dumb rule, but I guess she did once, and the guy fucked her up. Don’t let her see you eyeing her like that, or she’ll call you out. Trust me. I try every day with her and get nowhere.”
Fucked her up? She couldn’t mean me.
Brigham looked like he wanted a response, so I nodded and forced a laugh. “Understood.”
He rambled on about the season, and I should’ve listened, because he had experience with the manager and the clubhouse guys who could make or break the chemistry, but it was difficult when Michelle was descending the wall. The spotter held on to the rope, but she missed a peg and slid down, yelping in response. She steadied herself and continued, but my goddamn heart raced.
I knew she couldn’t fall and get hurt. There were safety measures. But seeing her slip for a second was like a bolt of electricity hitting me, pushing my senses into overdrive and causing an abundance of adrenaline to pound through me like I was trying to steal second. Brigham followed my eyeline and scoffed. “She’s tough.”
“I’m sure,” I said, hoping I sounded chill, neutral. It startled me to be that protective over someone I hadn’t seen in two years, someone who’d ended things without a fucking word, and someone who’d made it clear we would never be more than a fling.
She got to the floor after a few minutes and undid the harness before eyeing me and Brigham. “You two gossiping?”
“About your fine ass, yes,” Brigham said. I put my face in my hands. “You almost busted it there.”
“I know.” She frowned and seemed disappointed in herself. “My timing sucked.”
“If I beat you, what do I get?” he teased, and I decided I hated their flirty friendship. I didn’t care if that made me possessive.
“Not a thing.” She walked by Brigham, went to the water fountain, and I followed her. She took her time drinking and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand before meeting my eyes.
“Are you alright?” I stepped closer to her and hid my smile at her increased pulse. “You’re favoring your left side a bit.”
She straightened, shoulders stiffening, a brief flicker of something soft, something unguarded flashing across her face. But before I could get a grip on it, she masked it, her expression impassive once more.
“I’ll be okay,” she said, voice even.
I had no doubt.
I sighed, crossing my arms to stop myself from doing something stupid—like tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear or tracing my fingers down the bare skin of her forearm just to see if she’d shiver.
There were a hundred things I wanted to ask her.
Why she ended us.
If she ever regretted it.
If she ever missed me like I missed her.
But before I could say anything, someone called my name.
We both turned toward the entrance as a woman approached.
“Lindsay?” I smiled, recognition clicking instantly. “It’s been a while, huh?”
Her grin was bright, familiar, and she walked straight into my arms for a quick, casual hug. Not too long, not too intimate, but just long enough to make Michelle’s posture lock up.
“Man, I used to see you all the time two years ago,” Lindsay said, stepping back.
I didn’t miss the way Michelle’s eyes narrowed, her arms crossing over her chest like she was holding something in. Interesting.
“You rock climb?” Lindsay asked, nodding toward the gear.
“Great question,” I teased, watching Michelle’s jaw tighten out of the corner of my eye. “I’ll be careful, or the coach will have my ass. And no, this is my first time.”
Lindsay smirked. “Ah, a climbing virgin. Be careful, Brooks.” She patted my arm, lingering just a little too long, and I felt Michelle’s stare like a heat wave against my skin.
