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He wanted to, more than anything, but there were too many variables in this complicated equation.
One, he knew she didn’t want a serious relationship. She’d made that very clear. He didn’t know if she’d been sleeping around like she’d initially told him she wanted to, but he damn sure wasn’t about to ask. It was also a very real possibility that she just saw him as a friend.
Two, there was the fact that Ryan Baylor couldn’t keep his dick in his pants if someone held a gun to his head. He was still banging random girls several times a week, though it’d recently gotten to the point where he couldn’t even cum anymore unless he thought about her. Not to mention, though it was highly unlikely: what if, once they had sex, he lost interest? Then what?
Three, she was old enough to be his mother. The age difference didn’t really bother him, but he was aware that it would always be front and center and that people would judge. Having kids would be out of the question; he wouldn’t be ready any time soon. And how would he explain to his mom that he was dating a woman only seven years younger than her? He knew his mom, and she would flip shit for sure.
Last, but certainly not least, there was Tyler fucking Hayes.
Ever since the party, Hayes had latched onto Amara like a leech. Much to Ryan’s disappointment, they’d grown close as well. He’d backed off the hyper-sexualized flirting after she sat him down and told him that it wasn’t fair to his girlfriend, and he agreed to chill.
But they spent a lot of time together. He’d show up randomly at their apartment for dinner or to hang out, they’d go grocery shopping, and go for runs or work out together. It didn’t sit right with Ryan; it was a weird dynamic that he didn’t completely understand. He’d mentioned something to her about it once, and she’d gotten defensive.
“What, so I’m not allowed to be friends with anyone but you?”
“That’s not what I said. But seriously, what can you two possibly have in common? Kid’s 20 years old.”
“My bad, Grandpa Time. You’re so much more venerable and wiser at the ripe old age of 23.”
“He just wants to fuck you. You know that, right? If his girlfriend died right now, he’d be at our door in five minutes with his cock out.”
“And? He knows where I stand with that. It’s not gonna happen. Tyler and I are just good friends. For some odd reason, we…just seem to get each other.”
“Right.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing. It’s just…you know I don’t like him.”
“Well, maybe you should start. He’s your teammate. Have you ever tried talking to him? Do you even know anything about him, where he’s from, some of the shit he’s been through?”
“I kinda don’t really care. I know enough about him to know I don’t like him. And maybe I just don’t get why you do.”
“There’s nothing for you to get. Do me a favor and back the fuck up about it. I can handle my own shit, and I suggest you do the same.”
The timer beeped, and Nick came back over to remove the ice pack, with Hayes following behind him.
“Good, ice that bitch. Maybe you’ll actually move at a decent pace now, you fuckin’ hoser.” Hayes winked at him, sitting down as Ryan got up.
“It’d be such a shame if you reinjured that shoulder and had to spend the rest of the season in the press box,” he spat back.
“Oh, you’re a fuckin’ tough guy, eh?” Hayes started to stand up, with Nick stepping in between them and pushing him back down. “Learn how to fuckin’ play D, then maybe you get to run your mouth.”
“Yo, boys. Baylor? Outta here. Hayes? Shut the hell up, for once in your goddamn life, please!”
“Piece of shit,” Ryan muttered, walking into the locker room to grab his things from his stall. He started to feel a wave of anxiety coming over him, and he sat down for a moment, leaning his head back and closing his eyes.
After a few minutes, a voice snapped him back to reality. “Baylor, can we talk for a sec? I know you’re on your way out.”
He leaned forward and opened his eyes. “What’s up, Cap?” Although, he already knew what was coming.
“One, just breathe through it, brother.” It was literally impossible to hide anything from Rizz, who sat down next to him and patted him on the leg. “Two, I need you to make more of an effort with Hayes, guy. Coach is kinda pissed and asked me to talk to you. I can’t have you two chirpin’ at each other constantly. It’s gettin’ old.”
“He started it.”
“And he always will start it. That’s what Hayes does. But he’s earned his spot, proven himself. You’re the newbie, OK? And as much as I like you, this negative energy isn’t helping the team right now. This is our job, Baylor. Whatever shit’s going on outside of here, you gotta leave it outside of here. You know exactly what and who I’m talking about.”
Ryan sighed. “I know.”
