Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
A witch hunt was about to begin.
Maya wasn’t the one I should have been worried about. Fiona was the one who looked like she wanted to chase me with a pitchfork, and maybe poke Xavier’s privates with it repeatedly. I perched on the bench, watching their public training and bearing her silent anger. Maybe I deserved it. Blake gave me a quick smile when our eyes met, but there was nothing flirty about it anymore. He was a good sport about the whole thing and I had to admit, he was a guy I might have fallen for if Xavier hadn’t gotten in the way.
The second the cheerleading training was over Fiona made a beeline for me. I knew running was futile. Fiona was fitter than me and fueled by anger. She’d catch me.
She stopped right in front of me and put her hands on her hips. “I hope this is a joke.”
“Good morning to you too,” I chirped.
She didn’t crack a smile. “I spent an entire day and night drying your tears after that asshat popped your cherry, and now you’re his girlfriend?”
“Shhh,” I hissed, looking around. “Can you please lower your voice? I don’t think everyone needs to know about my private affairs.”
“That’s the right word. Affair. Do you really think Xavier’s being serious? He’s lazy. He doesn’t want to lose an assistant and thinks why not sweeten the deal by getting nasty with you as well.”
“Sit,” I ordered and pointed at the spot beside me, tired of her treating me like a child. If I wanted to get nasty with Xavier, in or outside of a relationship, that was my decision.
Fiona sank down.
“Listen, Fiona, I know you mean well, but you left me alone for over two years when I needed you the most, and in that time I learned to take care of myself. I don’t need your protection.”
Hurt flashed on her face and I felt bad instantly. I took her hand. “That came out harsher than I meant it to. I appreciate how protective you are, but I need you to trust me. I know what I’m doing. Xavier and I discussed this.”
She still looked doubtful but nodded. “I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt for now, even if he doesn’t deserve it.”
“You are?” This seemed too understanding for the Fiona I knew. She didn’t give in that easily.
“I really hope this works out. I don’t want you to get hurt. If he cheats on you, I’ll shove one of my stiletto heels up his arrogant ass.”
“I don’t think he’ll cheat on me,” I said, and it was true. Xavier would end it before that happened.
“That’s what I always thought,” she muttered.
“You never really talked to me about what happened with Aiden.”
Her face closed off, but then she sighed. “Maybe tonight. Make sure to get me drunk. It’ll make things easier.”
“Red or white?”
“A chardonnay.”
I rolled my eyes. “Less carbs?”
“No, tasty,” she said with a grin.
Coach Brennan walked toward us. “Can I have a quick word with you?”
“Sure,” I said hesitantly.
Fiona got up. “I won’t disturb you.”
“I was very concerned when I heard that Xavier was looking for a new assistant.”
Where had he heard that? My God, rugby players were the worst gossips.
“I hope his statement today means I won’t have to worry about it anymore. That boy needs you.”
He was the only one who called Xavier “boy.” Built like a bull himself and twice Xavier’s age, he was probably the only one who could pull it off.
“I’ll stay where I am. Kicking Xavier’s ass into gear is too much fun.”
He laughed.
My smile died on my lips when I noticed Fiona slipping into the changing rooms, and a moment later Connor leaving. I couldn’t believe her!
Connor shook his head. “Are you sure about this, Xavier? I really like Evie, and I don’t want her to get hurt. She’s a nice girl.”
She wasn’t just a nice girl. She was an amazing girl. “I really like Evie, too, and hurting her is the last thing I want,” I said, for once not cracking a joke.
Connor nodded. “Fiona won’t take your word for it. She’s furious.”
“I saw her face. She looks like she wants to play ping pong with my balls.”
“Probably.”
“She’ll have to deal. Evie is a grown-up and can make her own decisions,” I said as I headed for the shower. As usual I took my sweet-ass time, until I heard a high-pitched voice.
“I need a word with Xavier,” Fiona said.
“Maybe you should take some time to cool off.”
I could imagine how Connor was trying to placate his girlfriend, and I also knew it wouldn’t work.
“I don’t need time to cool off. I need to talk to the asshat. Give us a moment.”
I didn’t hear the next few words, but I turned off the shower and stepped out. Fiona stood with her arms crossed against the wall, glaring at me.