Silk Encased Steel

Chapter Nine

As he wound down JT finally felt himself being scrutinized, he looked over to see the small group standing watching, obviously talking about him. “Yvegeny right? We met at that gala.” He said starting with the most familiar looking one. 

He got a nod in return and Frank chimed in to introduce him to the others, he couldn’t help the grin when Yves fiancé Robin blurted “oh jeez” and escaped blushing after he greeted her. It helped that Yve simply rolled his eyes at her fan girl moment, obviously it wasn’t the first time it had happened. “She’s not allowed on the red carpet at events still.” Wes explained.

JT  turned at the sound of the door opening,  “Look what I found wading through the snow. Can I keep her?” A deep booming voice announced. The large guy who walked in with Valentina thrown over his shoulder looked familiar. JT was sure that once he put down Val he would have an embarrassing fan moment himself. 

“Put Me Down John!” She ordered hitting his back with her fists. It was obvious it was not the first time she had requested it.

“Isn’t it cute how she thinks that hurts?” John asked everyone stomping the snow off his boots.

JT look at the others to see amused expressions that told him it wasn’t the first time he had carted Valentina around in a fireman's hold. 

“Hey JT Brodie, what are you doing in our neck of the woods?” John asked holding his spare hand out to JT.

JT felt awkward shaking the goalies big hand while  staring at Valentina’s jean covered ass beside his face. “ John Bradford, I can’t believe you  didn’t tell me you know Bradford.” He said peeking around John to see Valentinas face. “You know I’m a big fan, and never did you say oh yeah him we hang out.”

Valentina squirmed trying to get down again, “Don’t make me kick you in the balls again John.” She threatened, ignoring JTs less than helpful reaction.

John snorted, “Don’t make me steal your leg again.” 

Yve laughed.  “Brodie is Val’s rebound.”  Frank clarified, knowing it would get John to put her down. 

Valentina took the opportunity escape, she handed JT a bottle before squealing, “Yvie!”  And ended up in the air again as Yve gave her a bear hug. 

JT found himself frowning, “Drink up and get over it.” John ordered slapping him on the shoulder. JT looked down and realize Val had handed him a protein shake. He sighed knowing then that Frank was right, she had a lot of guys. He had to be content with the fact that he was the one she had let past the friend zone.

JT must have made a sound of surprise when he realized it wasn’t just a protein shake, but his shake. She had obviously gone home and made one before coming back. Valentina glanced back and winked at him as  they all walked into the back room. JT grabbed her from behind before she could sit, and hugged her.  “Thanks. Gonna go shower.” He murmured in her ear. 

Valentina fought the urge to follow him through to the showers, “Did Robin pass out because he called her maam?” She asked looking around for Yves fiancee.

Everyone but Yve laughed as robin came walking back in, “He is a bit much.” She complained sitting beside Yve and avoiding Valentinas face, knowing she would burst into giggles if she say her expression.

Val sat, “Yeah, I was a bit tongue tied the first time we had hot sweaty sex...” she said with a sigh enjoying the way Robin became beet red again. “He’s having a shower right now.” She added evilly. Robin dropped her head to the table. 

“I swear one day I will kill you.” Robin promised as the guys set out the food.

Wes had stayed uncharacteristically quiet, watching Valentina closely. He sat staring thoughtfully, Val knew him well enough to ignore him. He was working himself into a mood, of all of the men that came through the gym and in and out of their circle of friends, Wes was the one who took rejection the worst. He had asked Valentina out years ago during a short break up between her and Todd, and not taken it well when she had told him he wasn’t her type.

 Though she hadn’t been that polite about it, he had barged into the hot tub room when she and Frank had been talking despite the do not disturb sign. So when he had asked she had lifted herself out of the tub watching his reaction. He hadn’t just looked shocked at the missing limb, he had looked terrified she would say yes. He had eventually gotten over it, or developed denial Val never knew because she never really got close to him. Wes still flirted aggressively, and she blew him off every time. Others she would flirt back, be playful with. 

“Santa musta been very very good to JT this year to have you say yes.” John  broke in trying to kill the tension between Wes and Valentina. Everyone knew about their issues.

Val broke eye contact with Wes across the table, “We’ve been talking for a little while now. It’s just fun.” She dismissed with a shrug.

John sat back and smiled, “Oh sweetie you are so so wrong about that. JT Brodie is notorious for staying single, and you haven’t dated anything even athlete adjacent.. It is not just fun. If you had wanted fun you could have hooked up with  any number of us over the years. You might not know it yet, but there are no half measures with that one.” 

Valentina made a face, feeling that familiar pang of anxiety. She ignored the fact that it felt like John was right,  and asked Robin how the wedding planning was going instead. Trying to change the subject with these guys was impossible sometimes but John let it go for now.