Page 21 of Pressure Point

“Not what I meant. Just that I think I would know based on our conversation.”

“So, let me get this straight…I mean, correct. You got a probably not gay, stoic Irishman to help you figure out how to woo the guy you have a crush on? Who also happens to be McBroody’s teammate?”

“Pretty much. I’m calling it Operation: Sexy Beast.”

Hazel snorted out a laugh. “Operation: Sexy Beast. Okay, then. And just what are you thinking this is going to accomplish?”

“He’s going to help me find my sexy!”

“By doing what?” she asked. Avery started to respond but was cut off by a loud gasp on the other end of the phone. “OMG, Avery…is he…are you guys fuck buddies?”

“What? No!” she exclaimed, looking around her office again. She knew there was no way anyone else was in here, but she would be mortified if somehow someone had heard that question. “Not even close.”

Although maybe lessons in that department wouldn’t be such a bad idea…

“Liam and I are friends. Regular friends. But Haze, you know me, I’m…inept. Weird.. And not in a cute way. I need help, and Liam is going to…teach me, as a guy, what guys find attractive. Help me pick out something fun to wear to the party that will catch Dash’s attention. How to dance in a way that I don’t look like I’m having a grand mal seizure. That kind of thing.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone. Avery let it be, not wanting to have to admit any more. It was embarrassing to have to acknowledge that in her midtwenties, she had no idea how to do any of this, even if the admission was only to someone who already knew this about her. Someone who loved her regardless.

Looking out the window, she watched as the team lined up to run sprints. They all looked tired but still determined to put in every last ounce of energy they had left. Her heart swelled with pride watching them. They’d only been a team for a short time, but she’d already grown attached to all of them in some way. She started to turn back to her desk, but then something caught her attention.

It was ever so slight, but there was a waver to Tiago’s step. The attacking midfielder followed Brazilian tradition and only went by the one name and was probably the most arrogant member of the team. Although he could certainly back said arrogance, so maybe it was justified. His steps now betrayed that attitude, but in a subtle way that was barely noticeable. If you weren’t watching closely, you would have missed it completely.

“This might be simultaneously the best and worst idea you’ve ever had, Aves,” Hazel said, breaking the silence and pulling her back into the moment. “I wish I were there to witness it.”

“If you were here, I wouldn’t need Liam. I’d have you to help me.”

“Right. What was I thinking?”

“Obviously you weren’t,” Avery joked. “Tell me, what’s new with you?”

“Um, nothing? Spring sports are about to start. So for the next couple of months my life will be consumed by baseball, golf, soccer, lacrosse, softball, tennis, and track. Don’t be too jealous.”

“But you still love it?” she asked, referring to Hazel’s new job as Athletic Director on Somerset Island.

“I do. Working with these kids is what I’m meant to do. But you know, spring break is coming up in a couple of weeks. I could come up there. We could go shopping, find you something that is fun and still you. Then you don’t have to do all this nonsense with McBroody.”

Avery huffed out a laugh. That was the second time she’d used the nickname, which meant it was here for good. She liked it though—it fit Liam well.

“No, no, spend it at the beach! What was the point of moving to an island off the coast of Georgia if you don’t go to the beach? I have Liam. You don’t really think he’s gay, do you?”

“I don’t know him! I just also don’t know many straight men who would be willing to do this if they aren’t getting laid either. Just my two cents.”

“Do I need to offer him that in exchange for his help?” Liam hadn’t said anything about wanting sex in return for help, but that didn’t mean that wasn’t what he wanted. Or maybe she’d scared him off with her virgin comment. Unless he was gay.

“Offer him what?”

“Sexual favors! I’ve never actually given anyone a blow job, but I’m a smart girl, I could figure it out, right?”

“Ahem.”

The sound coming from her doorway startled her, and Avery looked that way to find Britt Callahan standing there. The smirk he was trying to hide told her that he’d heard exactly what she’d just said, and now she wanted to die.

Oh shit…

“I gotta go. Call you this weekend.”

“You okay?”