“I don’t plan on it.”
“Look, I didn’t stop by to have this chat, but under the circumstances, I just wanted to warn you that if Dillon finds out you were pawing all over her in the fucking parking lot, he’s going to go ballistic on you.”
“It was mutual, and I’m not worried about Dillon. He knows I’m into Avery. You should mind your own business.”
“After what happened with Layla, you’re not going to get the thumbs-up.”
“For someone who didn’t stop by to chat about my love life, you sure haven’t gotten away from the subject.”
“I’m just saying. But you’re right. I talked to Coach Carr, and he thought you might want to spar with me sometime. Dillon is gone, and he used to do it quite a lot. He said you might be interested in working out some of your aggression on me. Might be healthier than fucking with Avery Russell.”
“I’ll think about it. I’m really just trying to get through the season so I can spend more time with Avery.”
Will laughed. “You just don’t know when to stop, man. After Layla, no one trusts you.”
“Funny, it’s almost as if you don’t think Avery has a choice.”
“I just know how your temper flares up. If you ever decide you want to hit someone, come hit me.”
“I’m itching to right now,” I warned. But instead of acting on that, I put up the window on him instead. “Ass hat.”
I couldn’t believe the guy had the nerve to warn me. Maybe he had a thing for Avery too?
* * *
I decided to stop at a bar just off campus on the way back to my place and drink off the anger Will had triggered.
I was there five minutes when Dillon Coleman and Micah Sanders walked in.
“There’s our boy, Seth,” said Micah. “How’s it going, man?”
Fuck. I just knew Will had called them about Avery and me, and they were probably there to tell me to stay away from her too. Dillon had been good to me before, but with me bringing her home after the party and getting caught making out by Will, he was probably about to take back his approval.
Too bad I didn’t need it.
“It’s going.” I looked over at Dillon, who was sizing me up as if he was about to order my casket.
I took a drink from my longneck as they walked over and ordered their drinks.
“Hey, man,” said Dillon, finally speaking to me. “How’s it going? Rough day?”
“It was going great actually, but I’m sure you already know that, right?” There was no way his little minion hadn’t reported back to him. The others were always kissing up to Micah and Dillon. Will was no different.
Dillon smiled. “Look, I’m not worried about you and Avery. But it does upset Clara, so consider that a reason to do right by her. All I ask is you treat her right. And understand that if you don’t, I’m going to beat your ass.” He said it as if he had no choice, and I could respect that. I’d beat someone’s ass for messing with her as well.
“So, you came in here to tell me that?” He seemed too laidback about the whole situation, and that put me on guard.
“Fuck no,” said Dillon with a laugh. “I came in here to get a beer. It just happens that you were here too. Who knew I could kill two birds in one stop?”
I nodded, thinking it was probably bullshit. Even if he did stop in to warn me, he would never admit it. “Uh huh. I never knew you were so efficient. How was that Olympic camp?”
He sighed and shook his head. “Tough. I’m not sure I know what I’m getting myself into. It’s a lot different than swimming for Pro-U. There’s so much pressure.”
I nodded and took another drink as Micah’s phone rang. The guy stepped away to take it. I turned my attention back to Dillon. “Will asked me to spar with him because you couldn’t.” I wondered why swimming would take him away from friendly sparring. Or maybe Will just wanted a reason to hit me.
“Yeah, he told me. And you should. It’s a good release, and I’m going to miss it. I have to focus on swimming, and the Olympic coach doesn’t want me doing anything else with my time.”
“It will pay off. You’re going to live your dream.”
“So I heard you took Avery home the other night. And that you stopped her from getting in trouble. I appreciate that, but you know there are people talking, right?” He didn’t seem to like that too much, and I had a feeling it was his subtle way of asking me if it was true.
“I would hope you would trust me when I tell you that those rumors are all bullshit.”
“Trust you? I’m not sure you’ve earned that yet, but I do trust Avery. She would tell me if you did anything to upset her. Anything other than that is her business. She’s an adult.”
“Well, I really like her and care about her. And I’m going to see her if people would get off my back about it.” I mostly meant him and Clara.
“Hey, I spoke up for you. I think everyone deserves a second chance. Besides, we both know Avery isn’t going to put up with your shit. Clara thinks she’s a hell of a lot more fragile, but that’s because she’s her baby sister.”
“I get it. I used to be protective of my brother, and he was eleven months older than me.”
“Well, I’m afraid I’ve got to take her side until you prove her wrong. So I hope you really mean it.” He turned up his beer and closed his eyes as if it was the first taste he’d had in a while. “Smooth. I’ve missed the taste of a good beer. They didn’t want us to drink in camp.”
Micah came back, and Dillon finished the last drink of his, and
