Training For Love

Chapter 1

I walk into the stadium; nerves threatening a panic attack. I quickly remember my cousin's words, "you will always be nervous on game or practice days but you have to act like you aren't. Be just as cocky as the players are." I smile at the memory.

I see my boss; Craig Counsell walks towards me with a clipboard in his hands. "You must be Claire," he sticks his free hand out. I gladly take it and smile at him. "That's me." Freshly off another team, this is my dream to work with The Milwaukee Brewers team.

"Well, we're happy to have you on our team. I'm Craig, by the way. Follow me and I'll find one of the guys to show you around." I smile as I grasp the strap of my duffle bag,

We finally reach the field. I see all the guys lined up throwing and retrieving balls. They all stop and stare noticing that coach is there.

"Hey guys, this is Claire, the new athletic trainer." Craig introduced me. I looked down the line of men in their practice uniform. I smiled and waved. "Tell them a little more about yourself." He suggested.

I huffed and began, "I'm Claire Johnson, I'm 22. I'm a single mom to a 3-year-old with autism. I graduated from Louisiana State University with a Masters in Science of Athletic Training. I'm originally from Cincinnati. Anything else y'all want to know just ask." I say confidently. The guys all say, "hey." "So who wants to show Claire the stadium?" Craig asks. I suddenly get nervous.

I spot 2 hands go up, brown eyes, perfect smile, brown hair covered with a Brewers hat. Brown eyes, great smile, a little stubble covering his tan face, the same hat as the rest of the team. I smile at their eagerness. "Alright, Yelich and Moustakas." Coach points to them and waves them over to us.

They jogged over to meet us. "Hey, I'm Christian and this is Mike." The one with deep brown eyes said. I smile at both of the tall men. "Are you sure you can handle this job?" Mike asks. I immediately take offense. "Why do you ask that?" I say taken aback. "Because you're 22, what 4'10 and let me guess 90 pounds?" Mike retorts. I laugh sarcastically, "I'm 5'0 and 96 pounds and yes I'm 22, but actually last I checked I trained a 6'5 pitcher with a killer arm on the last team I was on." I say matter-of-factly. Christian just has to stand back and laugh. "Johnson, you're gonna fit right in." The coach said laughing. I smile at his comment. "I sure hope so."

Christian ended up just showing me around. We start walking through the tunnel to get to the locker room. "Sorry about Mike back there, the old trainer we had done him dirty and he just doesn't want you to be like that." I half-smile, "it's okay. I'm just here to do my job." I confess.

Not looking for anything else. Especially not after the last year I've had.

I look down recalling all the events that have led me to this moment.

"You nervous?" Christian asks noticing the shift in my demeanor. "A little to be honest." I half-smile. "Don't worry, none of the guy's bite, well at least I don't." He says with a hint of flirtatious banter. I just smile and roll my eyes. "Well, this is where you will be working on us." He shows us a room with a bench and some medical tools and therapy exercise machines.

"Let me show you the locker room." He walks further down the hall.

I get butterflies in my belly. I quickly shake off the memory of the last time I was in a locker room with a good looking guy.

-

FLASHBACK

I walked into the locker room to see my boyfriend in the shower. Thank God no one is in here. I blush as I make my way to the shower. I see him standing there naked. I bite my lip looking at him. He finally notices me. He shakes his head, "like the view?" He says with his seductive smile. "Maybe a little too much," I say stripping. His member gets instantly hard. I smile in victory. "Gosh Damn babe." He pulls me in the shower with him.

-

We walk into a spacious room filled with cubbies. I immediately spot his. "This is where you can find us all either naked or half-naked." I blush and roll my eyes.

"Well don't worry I won't come in here unless I absolutely need to."

"Damn." He smiles. Damn. I want you to take me right here.

I shake off that thought.

The tour finally finished and I'm still reeling from the dirty thought I thought about in the locker room.

"Johnson, I just want to say, welcome to the team," Christian said with a smile. "Thanks, Yelich," I say nudging his side with my elbow.

We walk back onto the field with the rest of the players staring with a smile on their faces. I roll my eyes, knowing what they're all thinking.

I finish the practice just observing the team.

I'm finally free to go for the night. I exchanged numbers with all the players, just in case they need me.

Once I'm home and curl up on the couch with Cody, I put Netflix on. We both crash.

Dream

I walk into the stadium and the only other person there is Christian Yelich. I couldn't help but love that we're finally alone. I see him shirtless and I instantly get wet. I bite my lip as I approach him on the field. He gives me a knowing smile.

"Where is everybody?" I ask the very fit man. Trying not to stare. "I don't know," he shrugs. "Why are you shirtless?" I question. "I could ask you the same thing?" He says with a smirk. I look down and sure enough, I'm in just my bra and underwear. I quickly try to cover up. "No Claire, you're beautiful." He grabs my arms revealing myself to him. "Come here." We walk over to the outfield. He kisses me hard, but sweet. Me needing more.

"I want you, Christian." Those words are what he was waiting for. He starts attacking my neck.

-

I wake up feeling a sense of calmness over me. My hand in my pants. I quickly get up and take Cody to bed trying not to wake him up.

I finally lay down in bed, and see a text light up my phone.

Christian; I just wanted to say you did great on your first day!

I blush and leave him on read.