Page 16 of Stroked Hard
“Oh, and how’s that?” Holly asks, challenging me.
“You know . . . with lust in her eyes.”
Another burst of laughter. “Oh Jesus. Hollis, you need to stop reading those novels of yours.”
“It’s true. She’s interested, I can tell. Shit, how could she not be interested?”
“So modest.”
“There is something holding her back. I just don’t know what it is.”
“Could it possibly be that she’s in fact not interested, and you can’t see that because your ego is clouding your vision?”
“No, that can’t be it,” I say matter-of-factly.
“You’re ridiculous. So, you’re feeling off because some girl doesn’t want to be in a relationship with you?” My sister knows me well. I’m not the kind of guy that goes around fucking women, never have been. I prefer to spoil someone, to cuddle them at night, to mold my soul with theirs. I like being in a relationship. I mean, why the fuck wouldn’t you want to be in one? There is something so fucking amazing about being able to connect with another human being not only on an intimate level, but on an emotional one as well.
“Maybe. I think it’s a combination of everything.” I run my hand over my face. “Fuck, it seems so stupid.”
“It is.” She laughs. “Do you want my advice?”
“If I say no, you’re still going to give it to me.”
She chuckles. “Only because you called me looking for it.” So true, I pretty much thrive off my sister’s advice. “Talk to Coach Ted, tell him how you’re feeling and how you like to be trained. You’re a two-time Olympian, two-gold-medal winner, Hollis, so you have worked out what makes you perform at your best. You have earned that right to ask your coach for what helps you perform at your best. If he is aware of what you want from him, I bet you anything he’ll change up tactics and start canoodling you like you enjoy.”
“I really enjoy being spooned by my coach. It makes me feel special.”
She sighs. “Now regarding the girl in your life, give it up. If she can’t see that you’re an amazing man then she’s not worth your time.”
“Aw, Holls—”
“Don’t. Accept that compliment and don’t make a big deal out of it.” Sometimes I wonder if she’s the guy and I’m the girl in our twin lives. Could quite possibly be the truth . . . “And as for Coach Wilson. There is not much you can do there besides think about him every day and make him proud. He worked hard to make you the man you are today, so honor him.”
And this is why I called my sister; she knows the right words to say.The words I need to hear.
“Thanks, Holls.” I’m silent for a second before saying, “Mom said you’ll be at trials.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“And Rio, if I make it?”
I hold my breath waiting on her answer. She has to be there, she’s my fucking rock.
“Not if, but when you make it to Rio, I’ll be there as well. You know I’m your number-one fan, Hollis.”
I briefly shut my eyes from the sentiment in her voice. Despite everything that’s happened, she’s still there supporting me, loving me, sharing in my successes . . . the successes she was supposed to have.
I open my eyes and catch sight of a familiar figure.
“If that’s all you wanted to talk about, I have to go. I have physical therapy shortly.”
Watching the familiar figure walk around in the bathing suit cover-up, I straighten in my chair and say, “That’s it for me. Love you, Holly.”
“Love you, too, Hollis.”
She hangs up just as Melony, the fucking bronze beauty, sits down, one lounge chair separating us. She must not have noticed me because she doesn’t seem to be running away. Every other encounter we’ve had, she couldn’t wait to end our conversation. She’s definitely not good for any man’s ego.
In fascination, I watch as she pulls water, a magazine, and some dried fruit out of her bag and sets it next to her. Her sunglasses are round and touch the tops of her cheeks, giving her a sexy vibe that I’m totally digging. Beneath the black cover-up that’s practically see-through, I can see she’s wearing a neon-blue two-piece. The color bounces off her bronze skin.
