Page 48 of Catch
“There’s something not right with that guy. I don’t trust him.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I don’t need it.” I wave a hand down my body. “In case you can’t tell, I’m a big boy and I take care of myself.”
“Oh, I’ve noticed.”
Ethan’s gaze rakes over my body in a long, slow perusal that is anything but casual. My heart thrums wildly, and I haven’t even hit the water yet. When he finally glances up at my face, I want to look away. If it were anyone else, I’d be inclined to take him up on his interest. But I refuse to read anything into it. Ethan likes to mess with me, that’s all.
He’s straight.
Are you sure? He said he wasn’t.
“Why are you so interested in rowing all of a sudden?”
“I started watching the videos you post. They’re unexpectedly addictive. I might even try my hand at it.”
“You’d need a few lessons first.”
“So, teach me.”
“I don’t have the?—”
I hear footsteps behind me and pause, turning to find Lin walking toward us. Thank God for Coach’s timing.
“Walker, isn’t it?” Lin states as he joins us. “You’re back. Have you decided to give up hockey and join the Crew?”
“No sir.” Ethan smiles. “But I am interested in getting to know more about the sport. And I want Jett to teach me everything.”
Ethan’s words are innocent, but my mind goes right to sex. As if reading my thoughts, Ethan winks at me.
“Too bad he doesn’t have time right now,” Lin replies. “However, we’re doing a light practice today. You’re welcometo hop in my boat to get a better understanding of how things work on the water. When it’s not frozen.”
“Thanks, I’ll do that.”
Great, now I’ll have Ethan watching me from start to finish. Whatever. I probably won’t even realize he’s there. When I get in the zone, I stay that way. Nothing and no one distracts me.
Within minutes, the rest of the Crew arrive and Ethan charms them all, even Lin, who doesn’t take to people easily. The longer Ethan chats, the more irritated I get. He’s not here to see me, he’s interested in the sport. It rankles even though I don’t understand why.
Finally, Lin motions for us to grab Okto and get in the water. Ethan walks past, offering me a warm smile, before he follows Lin to his boat.
“What’s up with him?” Archie asks.
“What do you mean?”
“What’s Ethan doing here on a Saturday? And don’t tell me he’s got a sudden interest in rowing.”
“It’s Jett in his uniform,” Hudson cackles.
“Fuck off.”
“The sexual tension’s so hot, my friend,” Hudson continues with a smirk. “Fuck it out already before you two set the dock on fire.”
“He’s not… I mean, I don’t—” I pause, too flustered to speak. “Please drop it.”
“Hudson has a point,” Archie adds as he studies me, and then he glances over at Ethan, who waves at us. “Ethan can’t take his eyes off you.”
“No shit. He’s been following me and Renner around campus. He thinks my ex might try something stupid.”
“Whoa, Ethan’s doing what?” Archie whispers.
