Page 3 of There is No Try

Do you need more?

Okay, I’ve convinced her to give me thirty-six, but I may need something to sweeten the deal.

Six dozen in hand. All it took was promising her you’d pop by the farm this week. I suggest shirtless.

I stifle a laugh and type out my reply.

There’s already one cock there, no reason to add another. Tell her I can pay her for them!

I’m sorry I didn’t message you earlier. I’m with Ronan and the boys and didn’t see this until now.

Her name illuminates the screen with an incoming call and my stomach twists. I tell Ronan, “Bridget is calling. Do you mind if I…”

“What? Are we having fucking tea?” Ronan asks, and I pause, still waiting for his approval. He chuckles, “Don’t be fucking thick worrying about manners, answer it. She’s probably wondering how much longer before you’re home.”

“Hey pup,” I answer without thinking.Fuck, fuck, fuck.There is no denying what I called her, but I quickly correct, “Bridge, hi. We were just talking about the boys.”

There is no doubt in my mind Ronan caught my slip-up. His jaw is tight, and though he keeps his eyes focused on Leo and Gav, I’m fully expecting he’ll lay into me the moment I hang up. I’d deserve it. I love Bridget and Gavin as if they were mine, but there’s no way in hell I can admit it to Ronan.

“Oh, is everything okay?” Bridget seems flustered, her voice squeaking.

“Yes.” I huff a small laugh and attempt to calm her by teasing, “Did you put Ronan up to asking me to coach Leo and Gav?”

“No.” Her nerves are replaced with excitement. “He didn’t mention anything to me. You’re going to coach?”

“It seems so.” I keep my eyes on Gav as I continue, “Gavin’s form is looking great, so is Leo’s. Ronan asked me to help him, since things are…” I glance to Ronan as he shouts something to the boys. “It’s difficult to train and coach family, and he’s beentasked with working with not only his son, but his nephew.” I rake my hand through my hair and continue, “Do you mind if I help? Gav’s your son, and I don’t want to overstep.”

“You’re not overstepping, but my brother has enough cheek for a second arse; don’t let him take advantage of you.”

I sputter a cough. Unsure of what the hell that means, I change the subject. “We should be finishing up here in an hour. Thank your friend for the eggs for me.”

“Right, that’s why I was calling. Do you mind if I give her my tickets for your next match?”

Of course I fucking mind; I play better when Bridget and Gavin are there. Stifling a groan, I offer, “I’ll secure additional tickets.”

“It’s okay, you don’t have to.”

“I insist.”

“Well, thank you.”

My heart swells hearing the smile in her voice and I can't help my own grin as I tell her, “We’ll be home soon.” We say our goodbyes and hang up.

The moment my phone is in my pocket, Ronan grumbles, “Anything you’d like to tell me?”

“Bridget’s friend wants tickets to my match,” I rush out. “She’s been giving us eggs, and last week sent Bridge home with fresh bread and butter.”

“Oh.” He hums thoughtfully.

As Ronan is about to say something, Leo calls to me, “Lucas! Can you step in as goalkeeper?”

“Only if Ronan’s your striker!”

“You’re in trouble, Robinson.” Ronan chuckles darkly, then runs onto the pitch.

I let out a full laugh, and while I may have dodged a bullet tonight, I'll need to be more careful around Ronan where Bridget is concerned. The last thing I need is to ruin a friendship over my feelings for his sister.

CHAPTER 2

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