Flirting With First

by Sophia Summers

  She breathed out in relief. “So, you guys coming to do the commercial?”

  “Yup. I’ve told them all to make our agents connect and figure out the details.”

  “Thanks for doing that.”

  “Hey, how often do the SixPack get to be together? This is perfect.”

  She wished he’d said, “Anything to see my girl.” But they just weren’t there yet. If they ever would be.

  “And I get to see you, so that’s a plus too.” Her voice sounded too hopeful, desperate. But she couldn’t put on a show all the time.

  “Totally. Wish you were in LA. Now I’ll have to go out with the guys, and they smell.”

  She laughed. “I’m sure they’ll shower.”

  “It’s not the same. And they’ll wear gym shorts, so I’ll feel like I’m at practice or something.”

  “And I suppose you’ll dress for dinner.”

  “Of course. If I want to work out, I’ll wear workout clothes. Otherwise, I might as well look like I belong in the world.”

  She shook her head. That was another thing she loved about Ryker. He always looked amazing. Everything pressed, newly shaven, his hair perfectly in place. She was used to that stuff on set, but to see it in real life, by someone who cared about the way he looked, got her every time. And he always smelled like heaven.

  “You’ll never hear me complaining when you look amazing.” She cringed. Was that too much? The phone went quiet.

  “You think I look amazing?”

  “Every time I see you.” She could almost see him adjusting his sleeves. “What are you wearing right now?”

  “Ooh, this sounds like the beginning of one of those conversations.”

  She felt her face heat. “Stop. You know what I mean. You’ve got a sports coat on, right?”

  “Yes, I do. I’m heading to a business lunch.” He called to someone in the background. The phone went muffled. “I gotta run. Thanks for the picture, babe.”

  “You’re welcome! Bye.” She cradled the phone in her hand for a long time. Ryker Stone was something special. When he looked at her, she felt like he really saw her. And there was a goodness to him she wasn’t used to. He was a timeless gentleman who held open doors, treated her well, and was always polite. It was so refreshing that she found herself craving his brand of awesome when he wasn’t around.

  She’d have to figure out something to get that man to take the next step.

  Chapter 2

  Ryker’s phone notifications scrolled on overtime. He was going to owe the guys big time for this one. Turns out the national commercial Trista was asking about was for deodorant, and not just any deodorant, it was the brand known for crazy commercials. Horseback riding, hot air ballooning, even waterskiing were in past ads.

  The guys were all arriving from various places within the hour. They were being good sports, mostly.

  Grizz: Uh, Rabbit, so tell me, do you smell pretty?

  Sawyer: We don’t actually have to wear the deodorant, do we?

  Cole: I think we just stand around flexing with our shirts off, like a workout kind of thing.

  Sawyer: Cole would know.

  Grizz: But I wanna know if Rabbit smells nice.

  Ryker laughed.

  Ryker: I smell like I always smell.

  Axel: Clear out.

  Sawyer: This is Ryker we’re talking about. He always smells pretty.

  Levi: Just ‘cause he highlights his hair doesn’t mean he smells nice.

  Ryker: Okay, okay, thanks for coming guys.

  Cole: I deserve credit for this relationship.

  Ryker: It’s not a relationship. We’re friends.

  Cole: Riiight.

  Sawyer: They’re friends like someone else I know. Someone tell Bree so the sibling’s not the last to know.

  The guys kept it up. Ryker leaned up against a wall, trying to blend in on the commercial set, laughing at his brothers. They were in a warehouse space with backdrops, lighting, and props. It was fascinating to him, at first. A makeup and dressing room corner of mirrors seemed active with preparations. The camera crew were setting up lights and reflectors. He hadn’t seen Trista yet. He knew she was here somewhere, but she was probably busy in her own room. His gaze flicked through the room, looking for her more often than he wanted to admit. He was trying to play it cool, hoping she wouldn’t notice how much he hoped things would happen between them.

  Someone from hair and makeup called him over. A short guy with cropped hair held out his hand. “I’m Thomas.”

  Ryker shook the man’s surprisingly firm hand and nodded. “So, how’s this gonna go?”

  “You’re the star. Well, you and Trista. Let’s get you ready.” He motioned for Ryker to sit. “And can you take off your shirt? We have someone in costume that will provide you with shorts, but we’ve got to work on your skin for a minute.”

  “My skin?”

  He nodded and indicated Ryker should strip down. Then Thomas took several minutes to look him over. It would have made him uncomfortable, but it felt more like a doctor visit than anything. This man was just here to do a job. “We’ll even your skin tone here and here.” He nodded. “Can you raise your arms?”

  “Raise my—”

  “Yes.” Thomas raised his arms in the air. “Like this.”

  Ryker followed suit.

  “Beautiful.” Thomas rolled his eyes in happiness. “You have glorious armpits.”

  Trista walked up just then, with Ryker’s arms in the air. “Did I hear him right? You have glorious armpits?”

  “Very funny.” He reached for her hand. “Good to see you.” He drank her in. She usually lit up any space she entered. Her hair shone in the lighting. Her eyes sparkled. He couldn’t pinpoint what exactly made her so fascinating, but he could rarely look away. She had a mysterious dimple on her left cheek, and he caught himself watching for it. Her happy, positive nature always boosted his mood every time they were together.

  Levi walked up, looking great in his leather jacket, straight from a game. His time with the Minnesota Ice had been good to him. He’d been playing third base for a long time, starting in high school and then solidifying his position while at Belltown University. Ryker missed the days where he could look across the infield at Levi over on Third. Missed the days when they played ball together more than anything else. Missed the times when deodorant commercials were not on the radar. Levi smirked and pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Glorious armpits? Can I get you to say that again?” He held up his phone, ready to record.

  “Alright, cut it out.” Ryker lowered his other arm.

  Sure enough, his phone went crazy with dings. He was so certain they were discussing his pits he didn’t even get it out of his pocket.

  “Why couldn’t we do Nike again?” Ryker eyed Thomas over his shoulder.

  “Look, all you gotta do is slide it on. One swipe.”

  “And show the world my pit?” Ryker shook his head. “That’s just disgusting.”

  “You’ve got the best-looking pit out of all of us.” Grizz gestured at Thomas. “Expert says so.” He’d shown up without Ryker noticing, which was rare. His broad shoulders and beard drew a lot of attention.

  “Grizz. Hey, thanks for coming, man.”

  “Hey, Rabbit. So, what’s so great about your pits?”

  “Just ‘cause I don’t have gorilla hair. A little bit is fashionable, leaving the whole thing to just swing in the breeze is not.”

  “You asked why you have to show the world your pits. We’re telling you.”

  “At least they won’t see my face.”

  Trista walked over and rested her soft hand on Ryker’s shoulder. He felt the pressure of each of her small fingers. “Actually…”

  “Oh no.”

  “Don’t worry about it, you’ll do great. You slide on the good stuff, and I come and melt into you like you’re the hottest thing in the world.” She squeezed his shoulder and zings raced through him. She shrugged. “Which should be easy, �
��cause you are.”

  A bit mollified, Ryker still wasn’t loving the idea, but being paid to pose with Trista in a national commercial had its benefits. Any time with Trista had its benefits.

  The guys had all flown in to do the shoot. Tough Deodorant was paying them a hefty fee, and Trista had asked Ryker to get them there. He suspected they’d agreed to do it more for him than for the money. Especially Cole. Maybe Ryker should complain less and say thank you more.

  Once all the guys had arrived and been costumed and prepped, the producer started to run through the different shots he wanted. Everyone was in various degrees of undress. Ryker tried not to laugh at Levi in his compressions. He leaned over to Trista. “Why is Levi in his underwear?”

  She giggled. “He doesn’t look too happy about it.”

  “No, and it’s usually best to keep Levi happy.”

  “Oh, I think he’ll be happy enough.” She pointed to the door as the female models walked in. Two made their way straight to Levi.

  Ryker grunted.

  “What? You disappointed all you get is me?” She batted her eyelashes.

  He was about to tease her, but something vulnerable in her expression made him temper his tease. “You’re the whole reason I’m here.”

  Cole called over. “You’re the whole reason every one of us is here.” He picked up the weights he would be using.

  Trista turned away.

  “You still bitter about Cole ditching you?” Something about that possibility put Ryker on edge.

  “No, of course not. That’s how I met you, right?” She widened her eyes. “I just want to make sure he knows he’s not my guy.” She paused and searched his face. “Come on, Ryker. This will be fun. The guys will love it. It’s a good gig, great pay. Stop worrying.”

  “At least they didn’t mess with my hair.” Thomas had taken one look and then kissed his fingertips, threw them in the air, and said, “Perfection.”

  “I know. It’s a big deal for Thomas not to mess with you.”

  He draped an arm across her shoulder. “It’s good to see you.”

  “You too, Ryker. Every time.”

  “I feel like the time in between visits is getting longer not shorter.” He frowned.

  “It’s ‘cause I was in Iceland. I’m sticking around here for the next little bit.”

  “Here, here or United States?”

  “United States. I’ll spend most of my time in New York…” She ran a finger down his right arm. “Or I was thinking I’d come down to Baltimore more, catch some home games?”

  His heart sped up. “I’ve got great seats.”

  “You wouldn’t mind?”

  “I’d love it. I never have friends at the game. Family is just Bree, usually. I’ll make sure there’s a ticket for you.”

  Her face froze at friends and then relaxed. “Thanks, I’m looking forward to it.” She turned towards him. “Does this mean I’ll get to meet Bree?”

  Ryker kept her hand in his as long as he could. “I’d love for you to meet her. She’s super quiet.”

  Axel joined them. “Bree? Quiet?”

  Levi laughed. “Not our Bree.”

  Ryker loved the guys. “Around you guys she’s not.”

  “I’d love to get to know her,” Trista said.

  They called everyone to center.

  “Levi, let’s do you first. In fact, your group of three right there is perfect.”

  He and the two girls nearest him followed the director over to a corner. Everyone gathered closer, and Levi scowled at them.

  “Maybe we should give him some room.” Ryker imagined it was one thing to be on camera, another to have all your friends watching you.

  The director waved the guys away. “You won’t be here when we shoot.”

  Ryker nodded. “Okay, then.”

  They handed Levi an opened stick of deodorant. “All you need to do is pass it under your nose and act like it smells good. The ladies will do their thing.”

  Levi passed it under his nose and made a face.

  “Not quite what we’re looking for.”

  “I know. I just forgot how strong it is. It’s not like I stick it in my nose usually.”

  “Wait, Levi, is this your actual deodorant?” Grizz grinned.

  Levi nodded. “The way I see it, I’m the true fan here.”

  The director took everyone through their parts one at a time. They sprayed Cole down so that he would be glistening as he lifted weights. They wanted close-ups of his muscles, his abs, maybe his jawline. Grizz was jumping rope, and after a full view of him, the camera zoomed in on his feet, flying at super speed as they effortlessly danced over the spinning rope. Then Sawyer walked in wearing a full baseball uniform. Ryker pointed. “How come he gets to stay dressed?”

  “I’m gonna be pitching, of course.”

  Ryker snorted, wondering why he couldn’t open his mitt and catch a few in full uniform.

  Through all of the prep with each player, Trista moved hung out with the tech crew, smiling and laughing. Ryker never had less than half his attention on her. She was stunning. Every fall of her hand, the movement of her body, and swish of her hair. Beautiful. When she glanced his way, he held up a fist. “Good call, Trista, bringing in the guys.”

  Axel watched him with a strange expression, and when Trista wasn’t looking, he held up a fist as though to bump knuckles then shook his head.

  Ryker knew what his friend was trying to say. But Axel didn’t know Ryker had reasons for what he did, for the fun knuckle bonk. Trista could get any guy she wanted. He suspected that as long as Ryker was just a step out of reach, she’d stick around to see if she could win him over. He’d seen her move on again and again in the tabloids, on the internet. When he searched her name, she was always with a different guy. He had to keep her close as long as possible so he could win her over before she got that “I’m finished with you” feeling.

  They wheeled in a black bullet bike and Axe Man returned wearing leather.

  “Ooh.” Trista opened her mouth. Ryker suddenly wished he hadn’t invited all the guys.

  She turned to him. “Our part is next.” Her genuine smile and the sincere look in her eyes gave him a zing of hope. And then she whispered, “I’m looking forward to it.”

  His mouth went dry. He was too, despite the fact that they were doing a deodorant commercial. because it meant he could hold Trista in his arms as though they were a couple—something he’d been wanting to do again since they’d danced at the gala.

  Chapter 3

  The camera moved around the room from one group to the next, shooting the clips for the commercial. In reality, once the editing cuts were made, everyone would only get a few seconds of screen time, if any. Once he’d gone through everyone else, the director moved to Trista and Ryker. The camera came in close, and Trista stepped back so they could get the shot they needed of him alone.

  Ryker’s gaze flitted to hers, and she smiled. He must like her, right? He’d agreed to this. And he kept glancing at her for approval.

  Axel came to stand beside her. “So, you two are dating, huh?”

  She smiled, pleased. Were they dating? “I hope so.” She laughed at the confused tilt of his head. “I can’t tell if we are friending or if he’s really dating me, or what.” She glanced at Axel, suddenly concerned she’d revealed too much.

  He was quiet for so long she didn’t know if she was going to get a response. But then he nodded. “He’s into you.”

  Her attention was drawn back to the scene with Ryker even though she was dying to see if Axel was kidding. “I don’t know. He’s definitely not all in.”

  “But are you?”

  Ryker passed the deodorant over his armpit and said, “For the protection I need during workouts and after.”

  That was her cue. She ran to him. His arms circled around her, their faces inches apart, as fans blew her skirt and hair around.

  “And cut!” The director grinned. “That’s a wrap. You guys are g
reat.”

  But Trista didn’t move. She couldn't. She’d wanted to be exactly where she was for so many days she’d lost count.

  Ryker’s face relaxed. “This is nice.”

  “How about we stay right here?”

  “You won’t find me complaining.”

  Happiness zinged through her like a pinball in one of those machines, setting off all kinds of electricity. “We could do this more often?”

  He eyed her, his arms adjusting so he held her closer, just a touch, but she noticed, oh boy did she notice. “I think I’d like that.”

  She felt her face heat. Usually she could control her blushes. But not with him. And suddenly she felt brave. Moving things along between them might take a nudge from her. “So, first baseman. You some kind of expert on getting to first base?

  His eyes darkened, and his hands clutched at the back of her dress. “Ask me again. Later.”

  The other guys gathered round, clapping, and she reluctantly stepped away.

  Trista hid her blush and turned on her inner actress. She bowed. “You were all fabulous. Let me know if need help setting up auditions.”

  Grizz shook his head. “Getting paid to skip rope. Can’t beat that.”

  “And we know the product ain’t half bad since Levi here uses it.”

  Sawyer pretended to smell him. “Roses. Smells like roses.”

  “Knock it off.”

  “Is everyone free after this?” Ryker asked. The other guys nodded, and Ryker looked like he couldn’t believe he’d have a whole evening with the guys. He turned to Trista. “You free?”

  “To hang with the guys?”

  Levi snickered.

  “Well, sure,” Ryker said. “I never see these guys, but I’d like you to be there too.” His eyes were sincere and earnest. He totally didn’t get that he was lumping her in with the gang. It made her feel more like a friend than ever. As she searched his face, as platonically friendly as ever, she wondered if maybe he did know what he was doing and was making a point.

  She shrugged. “Hang out with a bunch of hot guys in LA? You bet!”

  She didn’t know how to erase the disappointment that flashed across his face. What did he want from her?