My stomach clenched.
Rosie and Molly glanced to me. I could feel their gazes boring into the side of my face, but I kept my attention on Erik.
Lexi crossed her arms and stepped closer to me. “We’re a team, coach. It was everyone’s idea.”
June shook her head. “She’s lying!”
Erik pushed past June and walked closer to where the four of us stood. “Someone speak up.”
Rosie fidgeted on her feet. If anyone was going to break, it was her.
His dark brow arched. “No one?”
I swallowed.
He let out a long sigh.
“I hope everyone packed their running shoes.”
Chapter Seven
Erik
I’d seen them sneak out the night before—the Uber had picked them up on the gravel drive for Christ’s sake—but I hadn’t stopped them. That method would never stick. They knew the rules and they knew they were breaking them. If I’d walked out and forced them back into the house, they would have resented me. If I’d locked the doors, they’d have found another way out. The only punishment I could give them was a hard workout; they’d eventually learn that going out and partying the night before practice wasn’t worth the consequences.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t anticipated that June would be so quick to rat out her teammates. Sneaking out and breaking rules was one problem, but a dividing line in the group was much worse. June wasn’t doing herself any favors by isolating herself. The next few weeks would be a challenge for everyone and they needed to stick together.
“Wait, why am I being punished?” June cried, crossing her arms.
I ignored her question and glanced back to the other girls, standing with their shoulders aligned. Most of them had their eyes narrowed on June, but Brie was watching me with hatred burning in her gaze. I’d only been around her for two days and I’d already gathered that her eyes were the source of her power. Large, chocolate brown, and currently narrowed in my direction—she had a way of looking so fucking disinterested, bored even, and it was all in her eyes. I couldn’t decide if they were beautiful or terrifying.
“There’s a three-mile loop around the gym. We’ll start out front and run as a team,” I said, emphasizing the last part for June.
Before I could direct the five of them back toward the front of the gym, Brie stepped forward and shook her head. “It was my idea.”
I paused and turned back to her, hating the way my gaze sought her out every time. There were five of them and yet I wanted to give Brie my full attention. It wasn’t like she was trying to shy away from it. Since the moment she’d arrived, she’d been outspoken and abrasive. Even then, she was wearing some kind of silly costume instead of a leotard. I nearly called her out for it, but she spoke up first.
“Don’t make everyone run,” she continued. “It was my idea to go out.”
I shook my head. “The time for honesty has passed. We’ll all run, and since you’ve so clearly dressed for it, let’s make it two loops.”
She pinched her eyes closed but didn’t argue.
Everyone grabbed their shoes, laced them up, and headed outside. It was a chilly morning, but we’d warm up on the run.
“You’re running too?” Brie asked, coming to stand beside me. I wanted to push her away.
I nodded and stared out over the parking lot. “We’re a team. It’s only fair.”
Besides, the trail wound partly through the woods and I didn’t feel like having to explain to grieving parents why I’d let five young women run alone through the woods. It’d be easier if I just went with them.
“I don’t think I should have to run,” June said, propping her hands on her hips.
June had clearly come from a gym where she was the best of the best. She walked around like her shit didn’t stink, and she needed a dose of humility.
“June, you’re running. Next time don’t rat out your teammates.”
The first mile was easy enough, and by mile two I was ready to pick up the pace. I glanced behind me to take in the dynamic of the group. Brie had been leading through the first mile, and though I’d never turned around, I’d been aware of her breathing in time with me. Molly, Lexi, and Rosie ran behind her in a staggered line, and June brought up the rear, still moping.
“Mind if take the lead?” Brie asked, picking up the pace to run alongside me.
Her cheeks were flushed and a few strands of brown hair had fallen out of her ponytail. She was smiling and breathing heavy. I’d expected her to groan about having to run, but she looked happy to be out on the trail. Apparently I’d have to think up a new punishment for her next time.
“Go for it. Just follow the dirt.”
She nodded and set off running a few yards ahead of the group. At first, I focused on the trail, trying to think of what was coming around each corner in case I needed to warn her, but the trail had been cleared recently, so eventually, I let my gaze linger on her.
The light streaming through the tree tops highlighted her body. Similar to the elegance of a bird taking flight, Brie was most beautiful when her body was in motion, free. Her legs were long and toned, made for events like the balance beam and floor, and yet she was just as confident out on the dusty trail. Her back—all but exposed thanks to the silly costume—was tan, smooth, and more alluring than any back I’d seen before.
I kept my distance, running between her and the rest of the team, though if I’d been allowed, I think I would have ventured a little closer just to see what it felt like to run beside her.