In the women"s locker room…While showering, Mia thought about five men who offered beverages and food. As much as she is not opposing to having fun, and food is a very tempting offer for her, somehow if felt that it"s not just a simple hanging out over a meal and that it will cause her more trouble than benefits.
…
In the men"s locker room…
"Where did you find her?", Ashton asked Hunter.
"I"ve met her at my brother"s neighbor.", Hunter responded honestly.
"How long are you hiding her from us?", Jake eyed Hunter suspiciously.
Hunter shook his head. "I"m not hiding her. I met her few hours ago and we went to a group lunch. She was there when I received a text from you guys that we have a problem because Mike can"t make it."
"So, she is not your girl?", Derek asked Hunter and continued without waiting for an answer: "She is available… I"m announcing that I will court her first. A woman like that is difficult to find."
"There is no need to form a line.", Jake grumbled. "We can all make our offerings and she will pick one."
Hunter sighed. There is no point in arguing with these guys. No matter what he says, it will just fan their flames.
The thought of any of them making their move on Mia invoked an unknown discomfort in Hunter. Hunter shook his head subconsciously while trying to shoo those thoughts away. It"s not his business if any of his friends end up dating Mia.
None of them noticed that the man in the back changed from his jersey with number 12. After a quick shower he was all dressed up and fixing his hair in the mirror while eavesdropping on their conversation for some time before heading out.
…
In the women"s locker room…
By the end of her shower, Mia decided: she will reject them all. Well, all except for Hunter who offered to take her back home. Mia thought that considering that she came here with him, and because he is the brother of Liz"s neighbor, they should leave together. It"s impolite if she just ditches him and takes the cab.
In any case, she will meet with Liz and Bri and then the three of them will make plans for dinner and the rest of the evening.
Mia dressed up in her clothes and was thinking what to do with her gear when a woman on her side got her attention. Mia exhaled in frustration when she recognized the auburn-hair woman.
"Now what?", Mia tried not to roll her eyes, unsuccessfully.
"Stay away from Hunter…", the woman hissed.
"What are you? His mother? Girlfriend? Ex?...", Mia scrutinized the woman for few seconds and observed the discomfort and blush which invaded her face. "You are neither… You have a crush on him and based on your behavior, it"s unrequited."
Mia laughed. "Sorry to disappoint you, but your tactic does not work on me. If I want to be close to Hunter, I will. And there is nothing you can do to stop me."
The woman lost her composure.
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"You!", she said through her teeth and raised her arm to slap Mia.
An evil grin appeared on Mia"s face which made woman regret her action, but it was too late… her hand was moving toward Mia"s cheek, and before it landed Mia blocked it and…
"PAK! PAK! PAK!"
Three heavy slaps landed on cheeks of the auburn-haired woman, leaving marks immediately.
The woman was stunned for a second. How can such a pet.i.te woman be so strong?
Her cheeks pulsated painfully, and she raged.
"How dare you!"
The woman lunged toward Mia, with hands in a position to strangle her.
Mia nimbly moved to the side, making the woman lose her balance and hit the floor with a thud.
"Hey, hey…", Mia sneered while her foot pressed on the middle of woman"s back, rendering her unable to get up. "Know who your opponent is before attacking. Don"t make me see your face again…"
Mia put more weight on her foot which was pressing on the woman"s back, making the latter squeal in agony.
"Pft…", Mia stifled a laugh and walked out.
She was thinking if it was the right decision to leave her used gear in the locker room. What if that woman does something to damage it? Will Hunter need to pay for it? She will tell him that the gear is there when she sees him.
Mia was surprised that a tall, well-built man approached her in the hallway.
His dark eyes were expectant and nervous, and Mia didn"t know who he is or what is going on.
"Uhm…", he cleared his throat, making his magnetic deep voice deeper. "You didn"t respond to my invitation." He saw Mia"s confused expression and added: "For a coffee."
Mia"s eyes flashed in realization. "Number 12. I can"t recognize you if you don"t talk smack."
The man nodded and pressed his lips into a line, obviously embarra.s.sed by her remark. "I apologize for my behavior. Sometimes I get carried away during the game."
Mia smiled. "It happens to many. Don"t worry about it."
She didn"t care about his apology. She will not see him again, probably. But there is no need to be impolite considering that he went to the length to wait for her and apologize.
"My name is Aaron.", the man said. "May I know your name?"
"Mia.", she responded.
"Mia…", he murmured. "Are you from the area?"
"No. I"m visiting from New York."
Aaron was visibly disappointed, but not willing to give up. "Can we exchange phone numbers? When you come next time, give me a call and maybe we can do something together…"
Mia"s eyebrows shoot up. She wanted to chase him away, but Hunter is still not here, so she can at least talk to this guy. "Do something together? Like what?"
The man shrugged. "You seem like an active girl. Besides inner skating, I go rock climbing and kayaking. I could always use a company of a person who will not hold me back."
Mia was pleasantly surprised that he didn"t offer dinner with candles or strolling on the beach. She can see that he is attracted to her, but the fact that he spoke about activities instead of usual romancing and he acknowledged that she would not hold him back… made her somewhat interested. The rock climbing is definitely a huge bonus… and she never went kayaking.
Mia got her phone. "Sure… Let me ring you."
Aaron was visibly elated when his phone rang in his pocket. He swiftly saved her number as a new contact.
He kept his phone back and smiled. "About that coffee…"
Mia glanced at the time. Where is Hunter? Maybe she should just take that cab.
…
Hunter got out of the locker room and spotted Mia talking to a man (Aaron). Is he pestering her about the coffee again?
Hunter knows Aaron from earlier. The two of them were never close, and they interact mostly at the club, be it related to inline skating or squash. Hunter can hear them talking...
"Sorry, but I have plans today.", Mia told Aaron.
"Are you sure you don"t have time for a coffee? We can make it quick.", Aaron persisted and said with a straight face: "Sorry if I"m being pushy, but I find your charming personality irresistible."
Mia burst into laugh at the thought of all the nasty words she told him during the game. Aaron was obviously being sarcastic. But she likes that sense of humor.
Aaron was visibly happy that he made Mia laugh.
Hunter was not sure why, but he found the scene in front of him… unpleasant.
He walked toward them in steady steps.
"Ready?", Hunter asked Mia when he stopped a step too close to her than necessary, their bodies almost touching, while ignoring Aaron.
"Yes, yes.", Mia was happy that Hunter finally showed up. Why does a man take so long to get ready? And does Hunter look… angry? Mia observed his expression carefully and now that he is standing so close to her, she realized how tall he is.
Aaron frowned at Hunter and Mia noticed.
After this short chat, Mia has a good opinion of Aaron. She can"t judge him for being crude during the game, because she was the same, if not worse.
"Sorry, Aaron but I really have plans. Hunter will drop me off to my next destination.", she explained.
Aaron relaxed visibly when he understood that whatever Mia is planning for the rest of the day, it does not include Hunter.
Aaron extended his hand to Mia for a handshake: "It was nice meeting you. I really hope that this is not the last time we see each other…" His wrist tilted slightly, and he lifted her hand from a handshake toward his lips.
Mia was surprised when Aaron kissed the back of her palm.
"Until next time.", he smiled and walked away down the hallway.
Hunter swallowed whatever words were stuck in his throat while waiting for Aaron to take a turn at the corner and for Mia to get out of her daze. Well maybe she is not in a daze, but she is definitely looking after Aaron while rubbing gently her hand where he kissed her.
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