I rolled my eyes because the dude was a dick, and he loved to mess with Easton.
“What do you think you’re doing?” a familiar voice shouted, and we all turned in her direction, a cocky grin on my face at the stormy look on hers.
This should be fun.
“Who in the hell is this?” Bridger snipped.
“This would be my trainer and physical therapist,” I said, unable to hide my smile as Eloise stormed toward me.
Why was I happy to see her when she looked like she was ready to kick me in the balls?
“Chadwick, what do you think you’re doing?” she hissed, as she stopped in front of me with her arms crossed over her chest.
Damn, she was pretty.
“I’m playing pickleball, Weeze.” I arched a brow, as everyone just stood there, gaping at her.
“You are not.” She yanked the racquet out of my hand.
“Excuse me. I’m Easton Chadwick, Clark’s brother and captain of the Chad-Six. We are about to start a game, and he’s part of this team,” my brother said.
“Well, Easton Chadwick,” her voice oozed sarcasm as she tipped her chin up and faced my brother directly, “Clark will not be playing pickleball. He’s recovering from an MCL tear that he’s working hard to repair, and playing pickleball is quite possibly the worst idea on the planet. I’m quite certain, as Clark’s brother, that you would not find pickleball more important than his career as a professional athlete with the Lions, who happen to be the Stanley Cup champions.”
Easton blinked a few times, and it was clear that she’d caught him off guard.
“He’s not going to run. He’s got long arms,” Easton said, and even he didn’t seem to believe his own bullshit.
“That’s not realistic. I’m going to have to put my foot down.”
“Put your foot down? You think this is your decision?” Easton huffed.
“Well, I was sent to live here for three months to help him heal,” she said, flicking her thumb at me as I stood back and let my over-the-top physical therapist battle it out with my pickleball-obsessed brother. “And seeing as he’s my only client, I need to make sure that happens. So yes, I believe it’s my decision because in my professional opinion, this is a bad idea, and I think that your brother cares too much for his sport to argue this.”
Easton narrowed his gaze and studied her before turning to look at me. “Be straight with me. Is this a bad idea?”
“It’s a terrible idea,” I said with a laugh. “I figured I’d try standing still, but it would never last, so I’ll either reinjure myself or deal with the wrath of the Pickleball King.”
He rolled his eyes before turning back to look at Eloise. “Well then, seeing as this is your job and all, I’m guessing you’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Clark doesn’t play.”
“You’d be correct.” She arched a brow, daring him to challenge her.
“Looks like you’re subbing for Clark. You better not suck because I don’t lose.”
She looked to me for help, and I shrugged. “Trust me. If you don’t want me to play, you’re going to need to do this.”
“I like this girl,” Lulu said, moving beside me and extending a hand. “I’m Lulu Sonnet. My better half just ran to the bathroom once again, because he insisted on eating that damn mac ‘n cheese again at the Honey Biscuit Café. So I’m first up with Clark. You and I can be partners.” They shook hands, and Eloise quickly introduced herself.
“You best make sure she can hit the ball, Lu,” Easton snipped.
“Take it down a notch, Chadwick. We’re going to dominate.” They jogged out to the court, and Easton led Henley over to their court.
“Your trainer is hot,” Axel said with a smirk. “And she held her own with Easton, which is saying a lot.”
“She’s off-limits,” I growled.
I wasn’t sure why I felt so protective of her. Maybe it was because she was Coach Gable’s daughter. Or maybe it was something else.
I wasn’t sure.
