Coach raises a brow, and Dom turns to face me.
“Team bonding trip,” I say casually, leaning back like I’m not about to manipulate the shit out of this situation. “Off-season’s short, and if we’re gonna make the next run count, chemistry needs to be tighter. Especially with Zed being new blood.”
“You’re suggesting a getaway.” Coach tilts his head slightly, studying me.
“Just a few days. No press, no pressure, just us. Train, relax, and build trust. And hopefully, get Mercer to use his tongue for something other than eating pussy.”
“Brooks.” Coach levels me with a look.
“What?” I shrug. “Is it that bad I wanna get to know our new goalie a bit more?”
“And where exactly are you thinking of taking Mercer to seduce him?” Dom snorts, skeptical.
“My beach house in Ozona,” I say, already knowing the answer.
“It’s thirty minutes out of Ozona,” Dom protests.
“Exactly. Close enough to the city to bail if someone crosses Mercer and dies, far enough to disconnect.”
Coach strokes his jaw, mulling it over.
“Yeah, look,” Dom starts, already skeptical. “I can’t leave my sister alone while I go off-grid.”
Exactly what I was hoping he’d say.
“Then bring her,” I offer, trying to sound uninterested. “House is huge. She’ll have her own room, space to breathe. Plus, you won’t spend the whole trip worrying she’s getting kidnapped.”
“You want me to bring my little sister to a house full of… us?” Dom glares.
“She’s living with you. She’s already been around us. She’ll be fine.”
“You just want an excuse to party and fuck all week.” Dom throws over his shoulder as he grabs his water bottle from the bench.
“Not entirely.” I shrug. “I’m dead serious about the bonding thing. The guy barely talks to us.”
“He’s new,” Coach reminds me.
“He’s weird,” I correct. “And terrifying. That’s two kinds of mystery we need to solve before the new season starts. We need this trip, Coach.”
Dom still looks unsure, which is fair, because I’m full of shit. I couldn’t give a fuck if Mercer talks to me or not. I need Melody under the same roof as me, and if Zed decides to open his damn mouth in the process, it’s a win-win.
“I’m sold on the trip,” Coach nods, his sharp eyes scanning the guys. “Team needs it. Mercer might too.”
And that’s that. Coach just cleared the runway.
“Perfect!” I clap my hands together once, all innocent-like. “I’ll send out the group chat. We leave Friday.”
“You handle logistics, I’ll clear the schedule.” Coach gives one of his rare smiles, sharp and approving.
Dom doesn’t stop staring, like he knows I’ve got another reason. Because I do—his little sister. I want her in that house, I need her under that roof. Close enough for me to watch her, learn her, confirm what’s clawing at the back of my skull.
“I’m pretty sure your sister won’t mind a vacation.” I shoot Dom a look and make it casual as hell.
“You might be right,” he shrugs one shoulder, looking up at her.
I follow his gaze and find hers—brows furrowed, no doubt wondering why both of us are staring at her.
I’m already picturing her in a bikini on my beach deck. Let’s see how long I last before I lose my goddamn mind.
