“What? You know how the director feels about relationships within the club.”
“Who said he has to know? If it’s harmless, it’s going to be fine, surely.”
Kristie highly doubted that. She sat back with a sigh.
“If it’s just a crush, it’ll die off eventually. I guess I’m just yearning for something new and exciting. Might be a hint that I need to do something interesting in my life again.”
“It’s possible.” Shauna shrugged. “Then again, maybe it won’t.”
“Don’t say that. That’s scary.”
“How long have I crushed on your brother? It’s not gone away.”
Kristie smiled.
“I’ve always wondered why you’ve ended up having a thing for him. But given the women he’s dated in the past, you’d probably be able to keep him on an even keel and behave.”
Shauna beamed.
“I’m glad you have faith on me for that.”
“At least there would be one of Steve’s girlfriends that I actually like. I don’t know what his type is, but it’s not a very nice one.”
“He’s just looking in all the wrong places, I guess.”
“Just don’t show him he can pick closer to home, unless you want to get into trouble for pursuing a relationship.”
Shaun rolled her eyes and nudged Kristie’s shoulder.
“Honestly, Kristie, you need to loosen up. It’s frowned upon, but not forbidden. Don’t make it sound taboo.”
Kristie didn’t know what to say to that. After all, she was sure what Tyler wanted her to do was going to be quite taboo.
How was she supposed to work after having a request like that leveled at her?
* * *
He was an idiot.
Tyler couldn’t believe he had done something so stupid. As he worked on the resistance band with his shoulder, doing what Kristie had recommended, he went over how he said to Kristie that he wanted her to be the one to carry his child.
He had done it pretty badly. Instead of easing into it, Tyler had just blurted it out. Then again, it wasn’t exactly something you could ease into. After all, how did you ask someone that you wanted them to give birth to your kid but not actually be in a relationship? Not many women would agree to that, if at all. Considering how he came out and said it, Tyler would not be surprised if Kristie refused him. He would deserve that.
The problem was, it wasn’t just that. He had thought about Kristie ever since he walked into the treatment room for the first time and meet the cute little redhead with the bright smile and stunning green eyes. She had been on his mind ever since.
But she was also his captain’s sister, and Steve was rather protective over Kristie. Tyler understood - he was the same with his sisters - but Steve would tan his hide if he tried anything with Kristie.
If you know that, why would you risk asking this of Kristie? You must be insane.
Tyler knew he was insane. Insane and a coward. He should have gotten over his trust issues and braved Steve’s wrath by asking Kristie out properly. Instead, he was asking her to carry his baby with no obligations to have anything more.
He was a complete mess off the field. It was a wonder he could actually play cricket when he was screwing up his personal life.
“How’s the shoulder, Tyler?”
Tyler looked out and saw Steve Hallenback approaching him, wiping the sweat off his forehead before putting his cat back on. He gave the man a nod.
“It’s going okay. I should be nicely warmed up and ready for the game tomorrow.”