Page 17 of For the Win

“Uh...does she have small hands?”Meals on Wheels—Milo Foster—asks.

I frown.“What?Why?”

“Small hands make your dick look bigger.”

The guys hoot and I ball up my T-shirt and chuck it at him.He ducks, laughing.

“Joke all you want.You’ll see.”

I’ve never believed in love at first sight, but I do now.Obviously, the first time I met her, I thought I was merely attracted to her, but now...pretty sure I fell in love.

6

ARYA

That went okay.

I have to admit I lost my composure for a moment when Harrison approached me.

He’s a hockey player.For an NHL team.So is Wyatt, who was at class with Everly that day.

I don’t know why I’m so surprised.I guess it’s because I think professional athletes are all big, entitled jerks.These two guys seem pretty regular and easygoing.And yeah, they’re big, but not like a pumped-up bodybuilder.

And damn, Harrison is cute.He’s kind of a goof, but in an appealing way.His smile is big and endearing, and creases up his face into adorable dimples.I noticed how attractive he is before, but now seeing him in his own environment, he seems even more...adorable.

He’s also still flirty.

I’m struggling with this, because...I like it.But it also makes me nervous.

I stop in Gary’s office as he asked me to, to debrief.

“I think it went well,” I say, setting my bag on a chair.

“Good, good.I’ll see what the feedback is from the guys.Some of them weren’t enthused about it, but oh well.”

“I’ve had one request for more poses that work on tight hip flexors.”

“Great.What about hips?And low back?Those are areas a lot of players have tightness.”

“I’ll definitely work on those too.”

“Excellent.See you Thursday morning.”

My bike is locked up inside the arena, near the players’ entrance.The security dude jumps up to open the door for me so I can wheel it outside.“Thanks, Luis.”I give him a wave and push off to ride to Prana.I’m early for my next class there, but it’s not worth going home and I can lock up my bike and walk down to Steeps on the corner.

When I’m seated on the little patio at Steeps with my lychee peach green tea in hand, I lean back in my chair and turn my face to the sun.I’ve always loved the sun.I find the warmth on my face so soothing and relaxing, yet energizing.

I was nervous about that class, but it went fine, despite the surprise, and once again I can tell myself—I am capable of anything.

A small swell of pride surges inside me.I smile and sip my tea.Yum.

They’re also paying me damn good money to teach those classes.Not sure how I got so lucky, but I’ll take it.And now, in spite of my earlier misgivings, I want to do this.I want to do well at it.Maybe I can have some small part in making this team better.I love that idea.

I send a text to my mom.I told my parents about the opportunity after I met with Gary Jones a few days ago.Mom’s excited for me and I know she’ll want to hear about it.

I miss my parents.

But I’m doing this.

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