Double Play XLII

By Cruise

Chapter 48

"She was talking to Mary." Michelle looked at Brooke.

"She doesn't even know Leila." Brooke replied.

"Are you sure? Because they looked like they were having a pretty heated conversation."

Brooke inhaled, thinking. "I'm sure, besides why would Mary have anything to do with Leila?"

Michelle arched her brown eyebrow and glanced between Cassidy and Dakota.

Dakota and Cassidy looked at one another as a realization came over them.

"Maybe she's the one that has been helping Leila get info about you, Cass." Michelle said.

"What? But, how?" Brooke asked in disbelief.

The group stood silently, and then Cassidy groaned. "My journal, she had to have read my journal. Shit!"

"Just what did you write in there about us?" Dakota asked.

Cassidy grinned sheepishly. "Everything."

"When Leila told you the personal things did they match up to what you wrote?" Dakota asked, turning to her.

"Perfectly." She covered her face with her hands and slid them up through her hair. "How could I have been so stupid?"

"Actually, how could I have been so stupid?" Brooke asked, solemnly. "That means she only went out with me to get back at you. I fell hook line and sinker for it. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, you couldn't have known." Cassidy rubbed Brooke's arm comfortingly.

"I should have, I mean how stupid am I? You two dated, what was I thinking?" Brooke rubbed her temples frustrated and embarrassed. She looked up at Dakota. "I owe you a huge apology."

"Yeah, I suppose you do for the punch in the mouth."

"For that and so much more."

"What punch?" Cassidy asked confused looking between the two.

Brooke looked at her glumly. "I popped her in the mouth when she came looking for you. I thought she hurt you and my anger got the best of me." Brooke looked at Dakota. "I'm sorry for punching you and for thinking you were bad for Cass. I was wrong and I hope you can forgive me." Brooke stuck her hand out to Dakota.

Dakota looked at her momentarily. "As long as you keep your fists to yourself, I'll forgive you." Dakota laughed and shook her hand. She turned to Cassidy. "So, what are we going to do with Mary?"

"I don't know." Cassidy said softly and looked away, inhaling deeply to quell her anger.

"I'm going to call my father and let him know about this and see if he can get the truth out of Leila." Dakota said, pulling out her cell phone.

"No, it can wait. Actually, it's our Christmas break let's have fun and not worry about any of this crap!"

"It's up to you and if that's what you want to do, I'm with you." Dakota smiled and put her arm around Cassidy's waist.

Cassidy smiled and looked up at Dakota. "I do."

"Okay, well first things first, I need a shower." Dakota said with a laugh. "How about if you two stay here and we hit the beachside later for some fun?"

Michelle looked at Brooke who nodded yes with a smile. "Sounds great!"

The group walked to the house.

"We'll see you in a little while." Dakota winked and grasped Cassidy's hand as they walked through the living room. "Mamá! We're home!"

Angélica hurried in from the kitchen. "Mi amor! I'm so happy you are here and with Cass." She rushed over and hugged them tightly. "I have been so worried. Is everything okay?"

Dakota and Cassidy looked at one another grinning. "Everything is great." Dakota smiled. "We are going to take showers. Brooke and Michelle are going to stay here tonight, is that okay?"

"Of course! Michelle, you know the way to the guest room. Let me know if you need anything." She smiled and winked.

"Yes, thank you." Michelle replied and took Brooke by the hand, leading her away.

Dakota and Cassidy headed upstairs and both flopped on the bed exhausted.

"This shit is crazy." Dakota said still stunned by everything that had unfolded.

"Tell me about it. Just when I thought my life couldn't have possibly gotten any more complicated it did. The one good thing about all of this is you." Cassidy turned to look at Dakota who smiled warmly.

"I feel the same way." Dakota leaned in and kissed her. She lay back and inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly, her mind racing. "What are we going to do about Mary? What am I supposed to think about my father? I would like to believe that he is being genuine, but there always seems to be some kind of an agenda with him."

"Well, Mary we can easily forget and as far as your father goes, maybe he is being genuine this time."

"It would be nice. You know what else would be nice, a shower...with you."

Cassidy climbed on top of Dakota smiling. "I would absolutely love that." She leaned down; sliding her tongue past Dakota's parted lips for a deep kiss.

Dakota slid her hands under Cassidy's shirt, pushing it up. She broke the kiss long enough for the material to pass. Continuing the passionate kiss, she completely undressed Cassidy who returned the favor. Dakota sat up with her naked lover wrapped tightly around her body, her lips never relinquishing their hold on Cassidy's as she carried her into the bathroom.

Cassidy gasped when she felt Dakota's hand slide down her back side to her moist opening.

Dakota reached in and turned on the shower as she continued to move her finger in and out of Cassidy's opening. "I want you so much Cassidy." Dakota whispered through her kiss as the pair moved into the shower.

"Have me baby." Cassidy said breathless and deepened her kiss, her heart quickening hearing Dakota speak her real name.

***

After a long shower and love making that extended onto the bed, Dakota and Cassidy laid in one another's arms content. Dakota sat up and moved off the bed.

"Where are you going? I was so comfortable." Cassidy whined.

"I have something to give to you." Dakota reached into her bag and pulled out a small present. She climbed back on the bed and handed it to Cassidy.

Cassidy sat up and smiled as she looked at the present. "Is this a Christmas present?"

"Yes, the one I had AJ make for you."

"I should wait until Christmas shouldn't I?" She grinned excitedly.

"I'd like you to open it now."

"Okay." Cassidy laughed and hurriedly opened the present. Cassidy smiled as she looked down at the diamond filled 'C4' pendant. "It's beautiful." She began to cry.

"Please don't cry. I can have it changed to your number if you'd like." Dakota lovingly rubbed her bare leg.

"No, I don't want to change it. It's who I am now and when the day comes that I can be myself I'll just have you buy me another one." She chuckled and wiped away her tears.

"I'll buy you whatever you want." Dakota said softly.

"You're so sweet. For now, it will be who I am and a memorial to my sister."

"That's very nice." Dakota hugged her tightly.

"I have a present for you too, but it's in Gainesville. I hope you don't mind waiting."

"You being here is my present." Dakota grinned. "Merry Christmas, Cassidy." She leaned back and kissed her passionately.

***

Christmas was festive and brief for the Colby clan as Rex had to return to his NFL team and Owen, Chad, Dakota and Cassidy had to return to Gainesville in preparation for the national football championship bowl game.

Dakota had filled her father in on the situation with Mary and Leila, with him promising he would finally get the truth out of Leila. The Colby children were surprised and cautious by their father's sudden personality change, for the better. They had dinner with him on Christmas Eve and all were pleasantly surprised that they enjoyed themselves in his presence. He was behaving like the father they had always wanted and hoped it wasn't another one of his games. They all agreed privately that they would give him a chance and see what would come from his new change of heart.

***

Chad was watching game film with his teammate Chris and looked back when their coach entered the room.

"Hey coach." Chad greeted, pausing the recording.

"Can either of you punt?" The coach paced back and forth nervously, looking down at the paper in his hand.

The pair looked at one another, and then shrugged as if the coach was from another dimension.

"Aah, no, sorry coach." Chris finally mustered for the pair.

The coach looked up with a pensive expression. "What about you Colby? You and your brother are all everything. So, Mr. Heisman, can either of you punt the damn ball?"

"No, sure can't coach. I could try, but I wouldn't expect much. Why?"

"John tore his hamstring and our other two punters are injured as well. We are screwed if I can't find someone to punt. All I need is forty yards, that's it." He scratched his chin, turning towards the door.

"I know someone who can get you forty yards." Chad stood up grinning and walked towards the coach.

"Excellent, tell me where I can find him." His demeanor turned more upbeat.

Chad clenched his teeth, inhaled and smiled. "More like HER coach." He stepped back, cringing.

"What! No, I don't want a damn chick soccer player kicking the ball."

"If she can get us at least forty yards why not a chick?" Chad asked incredulously.

"Dude, you have freaking lost it." Chris elbowed Chad after walking up to him, shaking is head in disbelief.

"Shut up." Chad nudged him in return and moved closer to his coach.

"I need someone with experience who can hold onto the ball and take a hit. I would prefer it not be a woman."

"She has experience and can take a hit. I guarantee you won't be disappointed."

The coach looked down shaking his head. "I can't believe I'm even considering this, but I'm desperate. Who is she?"

"My sister...Kody."

"She's too skinny; they'll snap her in half."

"No coach, she's tough. She's tall so she looks skinny, but she's all muscle. I swear to you. She was the punter on our high school team. She can take a hit like any guy. In fact, hold on coach." Chad hurried toward the door and looked back. "Bear with me. Yo, Jamal come here!" He waved toward the tall, chiseled fellow receiver and smiled when he approached.

"What's up dude?"

"Tell coach about the hit Kody put on you in the state championship at the end of the game to save your attempted game winning punt return."

Jamal's eyes flicked up at Chad with a menacing glare. He whispered leaning closer to Chad, "why in the hell are you telling that story?"

"We don't have a punter for the national championship game; if you want to win the title get over your embarrassment."

"You owe me for this one bro." He looked from Chad to his coach. "It's true, she leveled me coach and walked away. She busted up my chin and gave me a concussion. She hit me harder than I've ever been hit."

Chad leaned towards him, "don't forget to mention you fumbled the ball too." He grinned sarcastically.

Jamal glared and cleared his throat. "Yeah, made me fumble too and she recovered it. She was the reason they won the game. That bitch is tough. She can punt and throw the ball pretty far too for a chick." He looked at Chad after the last comment. "That bitch comment is a compliment to her by the way." He smiled slightly and walked out of the office.

"Throw the ball too huh?" The coach was more intrigued.

"Yep, she was the backup quarterback to Rex. I'm telling you, she would be a serious secret weapon against the other team. They would think we were crazy putting a girl on the field in the first place and wouldn't know what hit them if you had her throw the ball."

"I'm not sure I can trust your glowing reference considering she's your sister. Although, you are your father's children and he was one of the best football players we have ever had at this school followed by you three." He contemplated a bit and looked at Chad. "I want to see her play."

"I'm sure there is some game film of Rex from high school laying around here that will have her in it."

"Okay, I'll have Gus check in the archives. Get her out to practice and we'll go from there. I'm not guaranteeing anything. I'm going to have to talk to her coach and see if I can get her on the roster, legally." He turned and walked out of the office shaking his head in disbelief, mumbling that he couldn't believe he was going to try out a female punter.

"Dude, what are you thinking getting your sister on the team? You've lost it."

"Oh, get over it. The only reason she isn't playing Division I college football is because of narrow minded idiots like you." Chad shoved Chris aside and hurried out of the office to find his sister.

***

Dakota looked down at her phone, noting it was Chad calling as she started the car. She flipped open the phone and lifted it to her ear. "What's up?"

"Dude, it's about time you took my call!"

"I was busy, what's going on?" She looked at Cassidy, winking.

Cassidy smiled and rubbed her hand down Dakota's arm, adjusting the Sterling Silver bracelet with Dakota's number engraved in the center that she had given her as a Christmas present. She smiled remembering the excitement on Dakota's face when she opened her present and clasped her hand.

"You have to get to football practice right away." He said excitedly.

"Why? We're not scheduled today."

"Just get your ass down there! I've gotten you a tryout as our punter."

Dakota sat up in the seat, her heart pounded. "Are you fucking kidding me?" Cassidy shook Dakota's hand, mouthing, "What?"

Dakota held up her finger to wait.

"This is no joke Kody. You know our punters are injured and he can't find anyone else to fill the spot so I talked the coach into checking you out."

"That is fucking awesome! I'm on my way. I have to stop by the house for my gear."

"Cool, hurry up." He chuckled.

"I'm on my way." Dakota backed the car out of the parking place and gunned it out of the parking lot.

"Oh, by the way you need to kick it at least forty yards. Aah, see ya later."

"Are you insane?" Dakota shouted into the phone. "Chad? Hello? No, he did not tell him forty yards." Dakota tossed her phone in her lap and ran her fingers through her hair nervously...excitedly.

"What is going on?" Cass asked worriedly.

Dakota glanced over at her and smiled broadly. "The football team needs a punter and Chad talked the coach into checking me out."

"Are you serious?"

Dakota nodded yes, with an even bigger smile. "I'm so psyched."

"My next question is, are you crazy?"

"Why would you ask me that?" Dakota asked, looking over at Cass.

"Those guys are huge, they'll kill you."

Dakota turned the car down a side road towards her house, mashing the accelerator. "Who do you think I played against in high school? Most of the guys playing in the powerful SEC."

"Yeah, but Dakota that was a long time ago. The SEC players are a lot bigger than you now."

Dakota parked the car, opening the door as she turned off the ignition. She slammed the door after exiting the car.

Cassidy scrambled out of the car, hurrying to Dakota who was opening the front door. "Dakota, this is crazy." Cassidy walked behind her as she made her way into her room.

"I tried out after high school and didn't get past the first punt. I've always wanted to play football here and now's my chance. I'm not going to be afraid." Dakota was upset with Cassidy's reasoning. She grabbed her cleats out of the closet and quickly headed out to the car.

"I just don't want you to get hurt that's all." Cassidy said over the roof of the car before climbing inside.

Dakota revved the engine and pulled out of the parking lot. "Give me some credit, I know how to play and handle myself on the field." Dakota's tone turned more agitated.

"Have you even punted since high school?"

"Yes, I punt balls to Chad all the time so he can practice returns." Dakota parked the car in front of the stadium.

"It's not the same and you know it. You don't have huge men running at you trying to maul you. There is no way coach will let you play."

"She won't have a say in it. Besides, if she says she won't allow it, I won't play this season." Dakota climbed out of the car.

Dakota's matter of fact attitude surprised Cassidy who leaned over in the seat, looking up at Dakota. "Dakota please, I don't want to see you get hurt."

Dakota leaned down and looked at her. "Then don't watch." She slammed the door and ran towards the entrance to the stadium.

"Shit!" Cassidy shouted frustrated. "What in the hell is wrong with her? She is out of her mind!" She ran her hands through her hair, exhaling slowly. "And what in the hell is she thinking speaking to me like that and slamming the door in my face?" Cassidy got out of the car and slammed the door behind her.

***

"It's about time you got here." Chad said nervously as Dakota walked onto the field.

"Chill bro, I got here as quick as I could." Dakota blew out her breath forcefully and sat down to change her shoes.

"Sorry, I'm nervous." Chad grinned sheepishly.

Dakota looked up at him as she tied her shoe. "You're nervous? Give me a break!"

He chuckled and patted her on the back. "You're going to be awesome, as usual." He smiled confidently when she glanced up at him.

"Hey, what in the hell are you thinking telling him I can kick it forty yards?" She stood up, staring him in the eye.

"You've done it before."

"Yeah, but it's been awhile!" She poked him in the chest.

"I have faith that you will kick it forty yards pretty regularly." Chad smiled encouragingly.

"Well, at least someone has faith in me." Dakota walked past him towards the middle of the field where the coach was standing. "Hi coach."

"Hey Kody. Let's see what you've got. Chad, field the balls."

"Sure coach." Chad hurried down the field and waited watching as Dakota stretched her legs.

"You ready Kody?" The coach asked looking her way.

"Yep." She nodded with a slight smile.

"Jeff, snap the ball."

The large man acknowledged his orders and leaned over readying to hike the ball.

Dakota licked her fingers and rubbed her hands together for a better grip waiting for the snap of the ball. She secured the ball in her hands and went through her punting motion sending the ball in Chad's direction. 'Damn, didn't get that one very good.' She clapped her hands together to psych herself up for the next kick, her nerves churned her stomach.

The coach looked at her. "I need another fifteen yards."

"I'm just getting warmed up coach." She smiled nervously.

"I certainly hope so." The head coach murmured to his assistant coach standing next to him.

"Look, she's a good kid and a great athlete, Olympian. I like her; I just don't like the idea of her being on special teams. This is ridiculous." The assistant balked, shaking his head.

"I'm not very keen on this idea either, but we are out of options."

"We could go for it on every fourth down." He quipped sarcastically.

The head coach glared at him, and then turned to watch Dakota.

***

Cassidy entered her dorm room and slammed the door behind her. 'Why would she just totally disregard me like that? Man, I'm pissed!' She paced the room trying to work off her anger. 'This isn't working.' She put on her gym clothes and headed to the gym. She turned the speed up on the treadmill as her anger with Dakota burned deep within. Her heart pounded and she gasped to catch her breath. She slowed the machine to walking pace. 'When two people are in a relationship, they SHARE everything. Does she not get that? Or does she just not care that I would like to have a say in her safety? Oh, she is so frustrating!' Cassidy inhaled deeply and sped up the machine, jumping on and resuming her punishing run.

***

After kicking and passing for the next hour, the coach called Dakota off the field.

"Well, you did better than I expected. I thought your brother was just blowing smoke up my ass." He grinned slyly at Chad who had run up to the group. "However, I'd like to see how well you do in pads and with live action. So, I want you at practice in the morning. I'll have to talk to your softball coach and give her a heads up about you and figure out how I'm going to get you on the roster." He smiled slightly.

"I tried out when I first came to school here and was never given a chance like you have; I really appreciate the opportunity, thanks coach. I plan to speak with my coach this afternoon." Dakota smiled excitedly shaking his hand.

He shook her hand and smiled before walking away. He looked at his assistant coach. "Did Gus find any game film of her from high school?"

"He has it ready for you to review."

Dakota laughed when Chad engulfed her in a hug, picking her up.

"You did great! You are definitely on the team!" He laughed putting her down.

"I hope so." She laughed elatedly, patting him on the chest. They walked over to the bench to change her shoes. Once she changed, the pair walked towards the exit of the stadium.

"So, what do you think dad is going to say?" Chad chuckled slightly.

"No." She answered with a laugh as she looked at Chad. "Fortunately for me, this coach doesn't bow to him like all the others have. Hmmm, maybe with his new attitude he'll be excited." She stopped looking up at her car.

"What's up? Is there a problem?" Chad asked, confused by his sister's demeanor.

"Oh, yeah. A big one."

"What?"

"She looked at him and patted him on the back. "Don't worry about it; I've got something to take care of."

"Okay, is there anything I can do to help?"

"Nope, something I'll have to take care of on my own. I appreciate the offer. I'll see you later." She grinned and climbed inside the car. 'Fuck, Cassidy must be livid with me. Problem is I need to see coach first.' Dakota steered the car through the parking lot.

***

Dakota entered her coach's house and sat in the chair across from her. "Aah, coach I've had this great opportunity that I'm extremely excited about and wanted to tell you about it myself."

Coach Wills leaned forward, looking at her. "Okay, tell me about this great opportunity."

Dakota swallowed the lump in her throat; she knew the coach wasn't going to take it well. "I'm just going to get straight to the point. The football team needs a punter and I worked out for the coach."

Coach Wills sat back in her chair. "You are just joking around right?"

"No, I'm serious coach." Dakota looked her directly in the eye.

The older woman stared at Dakota momentarily. "As you can imagine I'm not at all pleased with the fact that my star player, the captain whom this team relies on, just before the season starts wants to play football!"

Dakota exhaled slowly and stood up, feeling more in control. "I know and I'm sorry, but I've always had a dream to play college football, here actually. I have that chance even if it is for one game. It's still not a definite, the coach wants to see how I do with live action tomorrow, but I don't want to miss out and end up regretting my decision for the rest of my life."

"This opportunity means so much to you that you are willing to risk injury to take it?"

"I wish everyone would stop thinking that I'm going to get injured." Dakota placed her hands on the back of the recliner and leaned forward. "I know how to play football, I've been playing it all my life and before you comment further, I've played with many of these guys in high school. My brother is in the NFL and my other two are on their way there, we play together in the off season and they don't go easy on me. They hit me as if I were one of them. I truly believe in my skill and have no doubt that I will be fine. To answer your question, yes. It means a lot to me." Dakota stood upright, intently staring at her coach.

Coach Wills searched her eyes for any hesitation and smiled. She rose to her feet and moved closer, standing before Dakota. "I'm not going to stand in the way of your dream, but I'm telling you right now you better not get hurt, this team needs you."

Dakota breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. "Thanks coach, I won't let the team down. I promise. Wish me luck."

"Good luck. I'll be in the stands holding my breath! I'll help the football coach any way I can with you being eligible to play." She smiled and shook Dakota's hand.

"Thanks again." Dakota smiled and turned, walking out the door.

'That is one crazy woman and she better not get hurt.' The coach shook her head and walked to her chair, sitting down.

Cassidy had finished her workout, showered at the gym and headed to the mall hoping to get her mind off of Dakota. After mindlessly walking around the mall for over an hour she stopped in the food court. She grabbed a sandwich and soda, and then sat at a table near the door. She bit into her sandwich and had an uneasy feeling as she looked up. She lowered her sandwich and sat back in her chair.

"Hey Cass." Agent Spencer smiled as he slid into the seat before her.

"What's wrong?" Cassidy's stomach churned.

Agent Spencer chuckled. "Why does there always have to be something wrong when I see you?"

"Well, you're a nice guy, but it seems like every time I see you my life changes in not such a good way."

"I actually have some good news for you. The trial date has been moved from June to February and we have another surprise for him. Another witness."

Cassidy breathed a sigh of relief and ran her fingers through her hair. "Wow..." She paused, leaned back and inhaled deeply. "That is incredible. Do you mean..."

"That your life might become a lot easier? YES!" He grinned and chuckled.

Cassidy's emotions range from complete elation to sheer terror.

"Hey, what happened to the smile?"

Cassidy blew out the breath she was holding. "I'm happy, but terrified. I don't know how to react really. I mean, it's great there is another witness, but I still have to testify. Once I do that, Constantino and people in his organization will know who I am. What is to stop them from coming after me? He can still do something to me from jail. Can't you convict him based on the other witness' testimony?"

"Unfortunately, we need you both."

"Great, so that means that the other witness and I are in even more danger once we testify. At least now, I have anonymity. We will both be sitting targets." Her heart pounded in fear.

"Hey, come on now. Calm down, I promise you it will be okay. Our sources within his organization have indicated that there is chaos and people are questioning his tactics."

"Yeah, so SOME in his organization will not come after me, but those loyal to him will. I'm not feeling any better about this and I will have to go into hiding right? The only way for me to live a life without fear is if that bastard dies!" Cassidy hurriedly wrapped up her sandwich and walked over to the trashcan, tossing it inside before she walked out.

Agent Spencer sighed and followed her. "Cass, you have to trust me. I will never allow that man to harm you."

Cassidy stopped and turned to him. "Then kill him!"

"If I ever legally had the opportunity I would."

"I have a new life now and I'm not going into hiding. So do what you need to do to make that happen. I have given up a great deal to help you nail this bastard and so far it hasn't gone my way. Things better change in a hurry!" Cassidy demanded and walked away.

***

Dakota went back home looking for Cassidy but did not find her. She checked at her dorm room with no luck. She jotted a message down on the board for Cassidy to call her, and then knocked one more time. "Cassi.." She looked around nervously. "Cass, are you there?" She waited and walked away sighing as she lifted her phone to her ear. "Hey, it's me please call me when you get this message." She closed the phone and headed to her car, squealing the tires as she drove off.

Cassidy returned to her room still fuming from her conversation with Agent Spencer. She read Dakota's message and then erased it before she entered the room. 'You can stew for awhile for the way you treated me.' She exhaled still angry as she walked into the bathroom to take a shower wondering who the new witness was and whether both of them could ever live a normal life after the trial

After a sleepless night of tossing, turning and jumping up out of bed at every little noise Cassidy was tired. She opened a can of soda hoping it would wake her up. Sitting on her bed, she reached into the drawer for her journal and began to read what she had written about Dakota. She smiled as she read one page after the other seeing that they had come a long way since the beginning, but realized that even though Dakota was stubborn and passionate, that was one of the things she loved about her. 'She is a work in progress. I'm still ticked at her, but she is worth it.' She smiled as she closed her journal and climbed out of bed, heading to the shower.

***

Dakota leaned her head back in the hot tub trying to sooth her battered body after football practice. She had forgotten the soreness that accompanied practice. She tried to relax listening to the sound of the swirling water in the hot tub, but thoughts of Cassidy filled her mind. 'Why didn't you call me last night? Where were you? Why weren't you at practice?' She snapped her head up when she heard a door close. She sat up and looked around unable to see anyone. She was more attentive to her surroundings as she was supposedly the only one in the women's basketball locker room. Her tense pose relaxed when she turned to see familiar emerald green eyes looking at her. Smiling, she sat back. "I was just thinking of you."

"Hmmm, what a coincidence I was thinking of you too." Cassidy said her voice tinged with annoyance.

Dakota's eyes widened with surprise. "I called you a couple of times and left a message on the board hanging on your door."

Casidy stood before her with her arms crossed over her chest. "I take it you didn't get them?"

"No, I got them I just wasn't in the mood to speak with you."

"Okay." Dakota shrugged her shoulders and inhaled deeply standing up.

Cassidy's eyes couldn't help but deviate from the piercing blues focused on her, t down to Dakota's naked, dripping wet body. They quickly moved back up when Dakota pulled her closer.

"I'm sorry you're mad at me."

"Yes, I am. I didn't like the way you spoke to me yesterday in the car. I was worried about you."

Dakota inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled. "I know you were, but you upset me when you didn't listen to me either. You should have trust in my athletic abilities, well actually in me considering I would know my own limitations. How about being happy for me?"

"I don't think it would have mattered to you anyways. You were so focused on getting on the field that you were not in this place and time."

Cassidy sighed and looked down, thinking. 'She's right. I should trust her athletic abilities.' She looked up.

"This opportunity is a chance for me to fulfill my dream; I thought you might understand that."

"I do, it's just that I don't want to see you hurt and I want you to think about your decision. There are a lot of consequences that go along with it."

"I know that and I have thought about them, but I would really love for you to have faith in me, that I know what I'm doing."

Cassidy nodded her head reluctantly. "I'm still going to worry about you."

Dakota smiled slightly. "I guess I shouldn't expect anything less." She looked down and rubbed her thumb over Cassidy's hand, then glanced up. "I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you."

Cassidy smiled, her heart skipped a beat. "Thank you." She paused. "Well, I have to get going."

"Where are you off to?"

"To get ice for that knot on your left shoulder. It has swelled a couple of centimeters since I came in here." Cassidy leaned in and kissed her. She smiled and walked away. "By the way, after practice tomorrow you will have ice in that tub."

Dakota smiled and chuckled. "Is that for my own good or payback?"

Cassidy smiled slyly. "That depends on whether or not you continue to treat me the way you did yesterday." She winked and exited the locker room.

Dakota sat back in the hot tub and sighed heavily. 'What did I get myself into with her? Is this what I really want?'

To Be Continued...

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