Gigi smiles at him, rolling her eyes playfully. “I don’t think he realised how many meetings or events would be involved.”
“And the outfits,” He waves his hands, clearly exasperated. “I swear, I’ve been photographed in more outfits over the past year than I’ve worn in my entire life.”
Gigi pushes him playfully. “And yet, you’ve survived.” She teases.
Steele snorts. “Barely.” He says with a wide grin on his face. “Couldn’t be doing this without you though.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Scarlett studying me. I part my lips to ask what she’s thinking before a phone rings out, cutting through the tension.
Scarlett stands, turning to climb out, her ass suddenly right next to my face. My mouth starts to salivate at the view, and I'm unable to look away. Is it possible to be in both heaven and hell at the same time?
She starts to jog across the deck before calling out. “That’s for me.”
She picks up her phone answering it as she walks out of view and I turn back to Steele and Gigi, both of them wearing matching smirks. What is with this?
Steele juts his chin out at me. “So,” He says, leaning back against the edge, “what’s the deal with you two?”
Heat creeps up my neck and I tilt my head down to the water, uncomfortable with the sudden attention.
Gigi gasps. “He’s blushing!” She says in an excited whisper.
I cough, trying to bide myself some time to come up with a response. “I–I mean, there’s nothing to tell.”
Steele snorts. “Uh-huh. Nothing to tell. That’s what they all say.”
I can’t meet their eyes, as I try to sink further into the water.
Because in all honesty, I don’t really know what to say.
I hear light footsteps before Scarlett slides back in beside me, placing her hand on my thigh and I feel myself begin to relax, though I’m still coiled tight with tension. God, I want her again. So badly.
I desperately need to get this attention off me. “What was your phone call about?”
She sighs softly as she settles in again. “My brother was just calling me about his game tonight.”
All of us sit up taller, not really expecting that that’s what she was going to say.
“Wait, what sport does he play?” I ask, genuinely intrigued at this newfound information.
“Rugby League.” She shrugs nonchalantly before adding, “He has a big game tonight at, like, three a.m. our time but I want to support him.”
Steele lets out a low whistle. “That’s commitment on your part, Scar.”
Scarlett rolls her eyes, but there’s a fond expression across her face. “I know. He just wanted to remind me in case I forgot. I told him that I’d try to stay awake.”
Gigi raises a brow at Scarlett, glancing at me quickly before speaking. “Say… wouldn’t you like some company for the game?”
I narrow my eyes on Gigi, picking up what she’s trying to do – and silently begging her not to. I’m somewhat curious, I’ve never watched rugby before and seeing as it’s Scarlett’s brother, but at the same time, I shouldn’t be finding more reasons to spend time alone with Scarlett. Not after the reminder Coach gave me on the phone this morning. I can’t afford to be distracted.
Deciding it’s time I’d better leave; I stand before turning to brace my hands against the tub and push myself up onto the deck. The cooler air bites at my skin, water droplets gliding down my skin.
Scarlett’s gaze flicks to me briefly before returning to Gigi. She lifts her shoulder in a small, easy shrug, dismissing her with a wave. “It’s fine. Really. I don’t mind.”
Gigi studies her, clearly unconvinced but doesn’t push. “If you say so.”
I walk away, their voices turning to soft murmurs as I grab my towel and head inside, shutting the door behind me.
The reminder echoes in my head as I walk down the hall –focus, discipline, no distractions. I force myself to hold onto it as I grab my things to take a shower, hoping to wash this need for her right down the drain.
