Like it doesn’t matter.
Kane studies me.
“She didn’t stay long there.”
There’s something protective in the way he says it.
“You keep tabs on the volleyball team?” I ask mildly.
He smirks.
“I keep tabs on everything in my gym. Especially, her.”
My gym?
Interesting.
“Looks like it’s my gym now. You’ll have to share.” We lock eyes at my words.
“Somethings a man doesn’t share, Vale.”
Us both knowing we’re not talking about the gym anymore.
Stella serves again.
Cleaner this time.
But when she lands, her eyes flick between us.
Me.
Then him.
Then away.
And it’s subtle —
The shift in her shoulders when Kane’s watching.
The way she straightens slightly when I am.
We both see it.
Coach claps his hands once.
“Vale, paperwork’s inside.”
I nod, but neither of us move immediately.
Kane’s voice drops just enough that Coach can’t hear.
“You transferring to help us win a title?” he asks.
“Think you can carry a team to one, Haverhill? I watched the tapes. The Sweet Sixteen game against Michigan was a bit rough.”
His eyes narrow a fraction. “Coach, can you believe this guy talking shit already?”
Both of us pretending to follow coach as our eyes drift back over our shoulders.
