Playing to Win

and rocks.
    “Some of this stuff is heavy,” he told Savannah as she bent to try to pick up a rock. It wouldn’t budge.
    “You’re right. There’s no way anyone can pick this up. We’ll need a loader.”
    Kaman, one of their linemen, nudged Savannah out of the way. “I got this.” He picked up the rock like it weighed nothing and toted it over to the trash bin.
    Savannah looked to Cole, who shrugged and grinned.
    Savannah was having the time of her life. So much of what she did involved sitting at a computer, challenging her mind. It was nice to get out and work with her hands. Even with gloves on it ruined her manicure, but she could get that fixed later. Just being with Cole’s family and friends was always a plus.
    Not only had his team members shown up, but Cole’s family was here as well. Tara, Jenna, and Elizabeth had all said hello to Savannah when they arrived, and Savannah had noticed Cole’s sister, Alicia, his parents, and even his aunt and uncle.
    Savannah went over on her break to grab some water. Alicia was there chatting with Tara, who was in charge of the drink tent, since she’d been given strict instructions by Mick to do no heavy lifting.
    “How’s it going out there?” Tara asked.
    “Good. Everyone’s doing such a great job.”
    Tara sighed. “And here I stand, handing out bottles of water.”
    Alicia laughed and shoved an errant hair away from her sweat-soaked face. “You can hardly move boulders in your condition.”
    “I know, but it’s frustrating. I’m not incapacitated. I’m pregnant. I’m healthy. I do yoga. I work out all the time.”
    “But you can’t lift heavy objects. And what if someone whacks you with one of those old rusty metal pipes or a board?” Savannah asked.
    “I know. You’re right. I’m safer here. I’m just whining.” Tara handed out a couple waters to a few of the players who stopped at the tent.
    Pizza was brought in for lunch. The guys came in, grabbed several pieces, then ran off to chat and eat, leaving the women to sit under the tent together. Savannah was more than happy to take a few minutes to sit down. She was in good physical shape, but all that bending and lifting was hard. Her back was going to be killing her by tonight.
    “I’m exhausted already,” Liz said as she swiped the napkin across her lips. “I won’t need to work out for a week.”
    Alicia laughed. “I know the feeling. Pilates was never this hard.”
    “I was just thinking how nice a hot bath is going to feel tonight,” Jenna said.
    “So maybe I’m not jealous of you all anymore,” Tara said, biting into a slice of cheese pizza. “The baby makes my back hurt enough.”
    Jenna stretched her back and let out a loud groan. “Between this and the work we’re doing over at the new club, I’m ready to throw the white flag. I’ll end up in great shape when we’re done, though.”
    Liz rolled her eyes. “Bitch, please. You’re a stick.”
    Jenna flexed her biceps. “Yeah, but I’m a stick with hard-core muscles now.”
    Savannah laughed.
    “Isn’t it fun being around us, Savannah?” Alicia asked. “All the bickering and bitch-slapping?”
    “Yeah, but she doesn’t mind, because she’s having hot sex with your brother.”
    Savannah gaped at Liz. “I can’t believe you just said that.”
    Alicia’s lips quivered as she fought a smile.
    “She can’t believe it, but she’s not denying it, is she?” Tara asked.
    “I noticed that,” Jenna said. “So, come on. Spill. But not in too much detail. Cole is my cousin. I get enough of that from Liz who likes to go on and on about her sex life with my brother.”
    “Hey,” Liz said. “I have to talk to someone about Gavin.”
    Tara let out a soft snicker. “You can talk to me, you know.”
    “And I do. But I like to annoy Jenna.”
    “Bitch.”
    “Jenna does have a point, though. We’re all curious, but since Cole is my brother, hold the sex detail to a minimum,” Alicia said, leaning forward in her chair. “How long has this been going on?”
    Four sets of eyes were focused intently on her.
    She hadn’t planned to say anything at all about her and Cole. Until Liz had to blab.
    “So, come on, Savannah, spill,” Tara said. “I want to know the details about Cole putting that dreamy, I’m-getting-a-lot-of-sex look on your face.”
    Alicia laid her head in her hands. “Oh, crap. I do not want to think about my brother having sex.”
    “Exactly what I always say to Liz. She ignores me and