The Pitcher's Act

3

OLIVIA

I re-rack the bench press for the next person to use it, sit on the floor, and lay there. This workout just kicked my ass. But it was a much-needed ass-kicking. I needed to let some anger out—a lot of anger.

A few cheerleaders join me on the floor as we stretch to end our workout. What's even worse is that we have practice later today. My arms are going to be so sore. We have to attend a weights section twice a week while our coaches torture us for fun. I chose my session to be earlier in the morning to rest for practice later. We practice five days a week on the mat, cheer at the football game on Saturday, and have Sunday to rest.

We finished stretching, and I gathered my bag to head back to my apartment. As I stepped outside the door, the next weights group was waiting to step inside. That group happens to be boys on the baseball team, including him.

He doesn't notice me; he's too busy talking to his friend, Jayden, who is scrumptious. I'd eat him up if he didn't have a girlfriend. Colby wears a tight-fitting workout shirt, and his muscles are about to burst with how tight the shirt is. He may want to get a bigger size.

"Hello, ladies," one of the players, Michael Crawford, says as he holds the door for us.

"Thank you," I tell him, walking out. I noticed him checking me out, and I gladly let him. The entire baseball team is hot. Are they the only ones this school recruits? The extremely attractive ones.

Colby's head snaps to me at the sound of my voice. He says nothing, but I feel his eyes roaming my body. It wouldn't be so bad if I weren't dripping sweat and my baby hairs weren't flying everywhere. I wore only a sports bra and spandex. Everything was on display, not that it was my point to make this early. They usually aren't here yet, but maybe we are running late.

I walk past him without a word, only our gazes connecting.

Once we round the corner to my car, Bella lets out a low breath, "Jesus, Liv. That felt so fucking awkward. You two are insane."

"Him insane? Probably," I mutter, sliding in the driver's seat of my car.

Our other best friend and roommate, Sadie, leans in from the backseat, propping her elbows on the center console. "Livvy, don't hate me for saying this, but maybe you two need to fuck your feelings out. Get some tension out."

I turn at her and glare, "Sadie, no offense, but that is the last fucking thing I want to do. I stay at least six feet away from him every time I see him. I'm afraid if I get close enough, my hands will wrap around his throat."

"See. That can be sexual with your hands."

"-And kill him," I add.

I drive us back to the apartment just down the street. You honestly could walk, but that's not how I want to start a workout at six in the morning.

"Does anyone find it attractive when boys get up early just to work out?" Sadie asks.

"No," I grumble.

"Yes," Bella says at the same time.

"Thank you for admitting that, Bella. Two beats one, Liv." Bella's boyfriend does not get up early at all. He's a night owl and sleeps til noon when he doesn't have football.

Never in my life would I ever admit anything to agree with that monster. Even if they knew I was bluffing. I know Colby has been coming to workouts after us the entire semester. It's my first time seeing him since we became partners in the stupid play two days ago.

"I prefer my men not to be a dick to me, so maybe when the male species finds out to be nicer, I'll reconsider," I say, pulling into my parking spot.

Our school has a village for athletes. It is right off campus, near the athletics department. I've been living here since my sophomore year. They are little houses with four apartments, each having four bedrooms and two baths.