Maddox's POV 

"READY... HIKE" 

The ball comes flying back to me landing in my hands. I step back looking for my window. I pull my arm back releasing it down field to Tyler who catches it and continues running. Coach blows his whistle making the guys huff and take a breather. I look at coach who glances from each of the guys. 

"Take five gentlemen." 

I hear some sighs of gratitude before the men walk over to their bottles of water. I walk over sitting down next to Tyler. Tyler pulls out his phone before a smile lights up his face. I decide to check my own phone. 

Z (10:44) I made your sister step out of her comfort zone. 

Attached was a photo and I couldn't help but laugh loudly seeing the picture of my sister decked out in paintball gear. I look closely and can see the smile lighting up her face through the mask. I calm down with a smile still intact. 

Yesterday evening was nothing short of extraordinary. I was so grateful not only for how Zethora handled my sister but how she was able to calm me as well. I really thought our evening was ruined when my sister came all upset. I thought that she would want to leave... but to my surprise, she wanted to stay. 

She cared for me in a way that I have never had before. Yes, I have been with woman in the past that act like a perfect girlfriend but they never knew what to do other than leave when difficult things came up. I didn't have the support to lean on like I do now. Zethora has an uncanny ability to know what I need without me having to voice it.

I get nudged and look over to Tyler who is smiling showing me his phone. On his phone is a similar photo. It's of Zethora playing as well. 

"Looks like Z took your sister to her favorite spot." I nod my head lifting my phone to show him the picture of Cass as he chuckles seeing my sister all geared up. "She looks like she is having fun."

"Yea man, I'm glad... She needed it." Tyler nods his head not questioning any further. 

"Did Z tell you when she would be leaving for camp?" I exhale slowly thinking back to last night. I shake my head negatively. "She has six weeks before camp starts. Captain is making the arrangements so he can be there for her but-"

"Captain?" I ask cutting him off not recognizing the nickname. His eyes light up before he chuckles to himself. 

"Sorry man, I mean Coach Bridges. It's Zeth- Z's coach she has been training with." He clears his throat almost slipping again. I nod my head not commenting on the fact that I know her name. She told me herself and she will talk when she is ready... until then, it's not my place to tell. 

"I haven't met him" I state trying to loosen the tension. 

"Oh he's a real ball buster but he's good... like real good. He's been with Z for two years now and other than the argument over Shadow. They get along okay."

"Shadow? Is that her bike?" Tyler nods his head grinning. 

"Yea man, that thing is as important to her as Arabella." I chuckle lightly with him before he continues. "In all seriousness man, this is going to be the greatest and hardest thing she has ever had to do." 

I look over to him staring absentmindedly out to the field. I am slightly confused but wait for him to continue. He rings his fingers together before looking over to me. 

"Z has never been away from her sister more than a week at a time. She has had competitions and meets but she refused to stay longer than what was needed. With this camp, they will not let her leave. We can go visit on certain weekends and call but past that. She will be cut off." 

"TIMES UP! ROUND IT UP!"

We all snap our heads to coach as he blows his whistle. We all march back onto the field as Tyler's words ring through my head. She only has 6 weeks until she leaves for three months. Three months of not being able to see her... I didn't even think about before how hard this will be for her. 

Practice resumes and goes by pretty smoothly. Tyler, Luke and I decide to head out for a bite to eat together. Tyler recommend Derek's cafe. Luke rides with me there and we all walk in getting a great deal of stares from the current customers. A couple bulky men walking into a quaint cafe definitely turns heads. Tyler chuckles before walking up to a worker. The server nods his head and points over his shoulder. Tyler turns back to us. 

"This way guys." He waves us while we both give confused looks to him. Where are we going? I keep my mouth shut and follow back through where the workers are at. He pushes a door open and music comes blaring through the room. I look over Tyler's shoulder and the site makes me smile. 

The music is bouncing throughout this large spacious room where I can see a group of people dancing around. I smile seeing Chris dancing with my sister who is laughing and smiling genuinely happy. Derek is dancing with both Zethora and Macey. Everyone is nothing but smiles and laughter and it's contagious. 

Tyler whistles gaining the attention from all of them. They all snap their heads to us before Zethora runs over and I grin. She runs jumping into my arms wrapping her arms securely to my neck and her legs locking around my waist. I hold her tightly as she pulls back smiling widely. 

"Wow Z, feeling the lover here?" I laugh at Tyler as he pats my shoulder and walks over to the rest of the group. Luke following his lead walking by patting my shoulder as I continue holding my girl up. I turn around enough to see everyone talking to each other. Cass walks over to me and jumps up kissing my cheek. 

"I LOVE this girl!" She says jumping up and kissing Zethora on the cheek as well. Her eyes go wide not expecting that. I chuckle amused at her reaction. "I'm going to pick up Jackie but honestly Z... Thank you!" 

My sister practically skips out of the room. I turn my eyes back to Zethora who is still withing my arms and firmly attached to me. Her eyes light up and a smile is spreading across her face. She leans down connecting her lips to mine. I hold the back of her neck not wanting to let her go. She moans softly making me go stiff. She notices my reaction and I can feel her chest vibrate with laughter. 

"What did I do to deserve you?" 

She just rolls her eyes lifting one shoulder. I chuckle while shaking my head. I lean forward once more pecking her irresistible lips once more. She grins widely before wiggling out of my arms. She takes my hand dragging me over to her friends. I say hi to each of them and laugh when I notice blue paint in Macey's hair. Tyler then notices it and laughs loudly earning a hit from her. She points a finger at Luke making him raise his hands in surrender as he tries to not laugh. 

"What's wrong Macey, did someone give you blue balls?" 

That's all it took for a Macey to run after Chris as we laugh practically rolling around on the ground. Derek chasing after the mad woman saying not to mess up his 'god of man'. After a five minute chase and a few good punches to the arm. We all make it back into the cafe and sit down together. The afternoon going by blissfully as I have Zethora tucked under my arm and she is playing with my hand while resting her head on my shoulder. 

I could get used to this...