Page 10 of Big Rucking Disaster

I pursed my lips even as the lacrosse team made their way out of the changing rooms and to the door to the outside.

Louella exited our office with her knapsack. “Everything okay?”

Johnnie’s warning was clear. If I didn’t do what he wanted, he was going to tattle on me.What is he? Five?

“Everything’s fine. Johnnie’s just going to come by my place.”

Louella’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline.

“To discuss my next visit.” Johnnie gave her the winsomest smile I’d ever seen. All innocent and friendly.

Charming.

“Oh lovely. I wish I could join you. Gotta run.” She waved, yanked on her slicker, and headed out into the rain.

I put my keys into Johnnie’s hand. “I have to pack my bag and take the painkiller.” My head was throbbing.

“Great. I’ll pack up my stuff, and we’ll be on our way.”

He didn’t have much topack up, but I didn’t comment. Instead, I made my way into the office. I unlocked my desk drawer, dumped two pills into my palm, and downed them with a bit of water from my steel bottle. The water was warm, but I didn’t give a shit.

“Ready?” Johnnie leaned against the doorjamb.

I relocked my drawer and grabbed my messenger bag. I unlocked the laptop from the docking station and shoved it into the bag.

“Hey, I hope you’re not planning on using that tonight. You need to rest your brain.”

“Sheesh.” I rolled my eyes.

That hurt my head more.

“Uh, no. But I don’t leave it in the office overnight, though.” I was about to heft the bag over my shoulder.

He grabbed it.

Short of a tug-of-war, I wasn’t going to win. I might have some muscles, but he had an athlete’s build with strength to spare.He was also almost a decade younger and a professional rugby player. Not someone to fuck around with.

“I need my keys back to lock the office.”

“Fine.” He handed them over. “You drive stick?”

“Uh…no.” I locked the door and handed him the keys since I wasn’t up for another argument. “Why?”

“I love driving stick. My Mazda’s a five-speed, and I adore it.”

“Here’s where I admit I’ve never driven a manual transmission car.” I directed us toward the door. “Never even tried it.”

“Oh my God, you’re so missing out. I’m going to teach you.” He bounced as he walked, clearly thrilled at the prospect of teaching me something.

I almost rolled my eyes—then I remembered how poorly that’d gone the last time. “How about we just make it to my house in one piece?”

“Sure.” He offered another charming grin. “I can’t wait.”

Chapter Four

Johnnie

Coach Yardley’s ride was mighty sweet. “2023?”

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