Page 2 of There is No Try

A fucking puffin.

We hardly have any puffins here.

At least it’s not a hare.

Fuck right off.

I leave the final message and chuckle to myself as I step out of the conference room at the training facility. The only time for therapy that works for everyone is one in the afternoon on Mondays, which causes me to miss half of my strength and conditioning session. Walking out to find my coach, I can’t help wondering about Ronan’s sister. His comment intrigues me, and I’m quite sure Bridget must be an incredible woman for him to mention her so protectively.

Perhaps signing with Ireland could be more interesting than I originally thought…

CHAPTER 1

LUCAS

ONE YEAR LATER

Moving to Ireland last month was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. Being part of a new league, a new team, is every player’s dream. Well, maybe noteveryplayer’s dream, but it’s certainly mine. The fresh start is a welcome change.

As one of the top hookers in Australia, my agent was able to secure a contract with Cork worth double what I was making. Though the money only sweetens my decision to leave Australia, there’s only one reason I would move to the other side of the world, and it sure as fuck isn’t rugby—it’s a woman I can never have.

A few months ago, I was visiting Ronan in Cork for a surprise proposal, and it was one of the sweetest moments I’ve ever witnessed in my life. As I expected, Ronan fell in love with Nora the moment her plane landed in Ireland. While he is obsessed with her, the proposal wasn’t from Ronan, it was Nora who popped the question. I fucking love the plot twist.

Will, Russ, and I made the trip to be there for her grand gesture asking Ronan to marry her. There was no doubt in my mind hewould say yes, so I booked my flight as soon as she sent the details. The trip also gave me an opportunity to meet with a few of the rugby league organisers who had expressed interest in me. If it wasn’t for my visit, I may not have made the move to Ireland. Cork shouldn’t have been on my radar, but after that weekend, it most definitely was my top choice.

Ronan’s warning about his sister made much more sense once I met Bridget. Not only is she fucking stunning, she’s the perfect blend of sweet and sexy. On top of her being a single mum? Sign me up. How her husband could’ve left her is fucking diabolical.

But, she’s Ronan’s sister—the epitome of off-limits.

So, I did what any other masochist would do. I moved in with Bridget while my new home is being built. I have the money for my own temporary housing, but I’d much rather torture myself. Not only do I have to see her every day—and keep myself from touching her—I’ve spent the past month getting to know Bridge and her son, Gavin, better. The only thing harder to ignore than the physical attraction is my emotional attachment. It’s been impossible to not fall for her.

I promised Gav I would help him work through drills tonight. He’s only twelve and incredible on the pitch but wants to change positions this year. I’ve been trying to convince him to play rugby, but his footwork was meant for soccer. Bridget and Gavin tease me for not calling it football, but as far as I’m concerned, rugby is proper football.

Gavin is great as a forward but will be a fucking beast as a mid with a bit of practise. He plays on the same team as Ronan’s step-son, Leo, and with their match coming up this weekend, I’m bringing Gav to Ronan’s home where there’s a small pitch on the property.

The boys are working through drills, and I welcome the excuse to visit with my mate. We talk often, mostly in our group texts with Russ and Will, but it’s rare I get to talk to him, just the two of us. With Ronan being the new Cork FC assistant coach, the times we’re both free never match up.

While Leo and Gav are preoccupied, Ronan rubs the back of his neck and nervously asks, “What does your schedule look like these days?”

The question takes me by surprise, and I reply with a shrug, “Depends on the day; I’m sure it’s similar to when you played. I’m up by six, on the pitch by seven-thirty, and home a little after five. I have dinner with Bridget and Gavin, then go for a run, and, uh… straight to bed.”

Fuck, I hate lying to him. I can’t help my mind wandering to last week when I accidentally overheard Bridget fucking herself with a vibrator through our shared wall. I assumed it was something wrong with an appliance, but the moment her soft moans accompanied the buzzing, there was no denying she was touching herself. My hand may or may not have slipped into my shorts to fist my cock that night…and every night after.

Guilt seeps in and I clear my throat. “W-why do you ask?”

Ronan yells to Gav, “Tap left to get it away from him! Yes! Make him work for it!” He then tells me, “If you have time, I was wondering if you could assist with the boys’ team this year? Even if you can only come one night a week, and an occasional match when it doesn’t conflict with your schedule, I’d love your help. As much as I love working with Leo, it’s difficult straddling the line between coach and father. I’m struggling with Gavin too. I need someone I trust who can push them and the other boys.”

“Of course, I’d love to. I’m not familiar with youth soccer here—you may need to get me up to speed with any special rules—but I’m happy to help any way I can.”

His grin is wide as he clamps his hand on my shoulder. “Thank you. The boys will be excited.”

I look out onto the pitch and can’t wipe the smile off my face. Leo and Gavin are fucking around more than they should be; I did the same when I was their age. If you’re not having fun, what’s the bloody point?

My phone vibrates in my pocket and I check it. Though Bridget never sends me anything inappropriate, with her brother standing beside me, I’ve never been so grateful for my privacy screen. My blood pressure spikes finding several missed texts from her.

Bridget

We’re low on eggs, so I’m going to stop by Frannie’s. Her hens are over producing and offered to give me a few dozen.

---