Page 204 of Whistle

“Goldilocks.”

I opened my eyes to see his right above me, more golden than green tonight.

“I love you so much, baby,” he murmured. “So goddamn much.”

“I love you too.”

He started to move then, thrusting his giant daddy dick and making me forget that tomorrow even existed.

46

Coach (Emmett)

Halfway through practice, Dean Cardinal walked into the natatorium. He looked completely out of place in a gray houndstooth suit, white dress shirt, and gray tie. As he came forward, his shiny black dress shoe trod in a puddle, sending a spray of chlorinated water all over the toe.

Frowning, he shook his foot and started ahead again, eyes zeroing in on me immediately.

“Emmett,” he greeted, voice brusque.

“What can I do for you this morning, Philip?”

He opened his mouth, but I drowned out his words with the wail of old faithful.

Phweeeeeeeee! “You’re doing it again, Vargas! Correct your form.”

Philip cleared his throat and tried again.

Phweeeeeeeee! “Streamline!” I yelled. “No breathing till you get it right! You earn your oxygen around here!”

“Still on the bleachers, I see,” Philip said, tone unforgiving.

The whistle bounced against my chest when I let it fall and followed his shrewd, unapproving gaze to the bleachers where Bodhi was sitting.

“You were at the meet yesterday,” I said coolly.

“We need to talk, Emmett.”

“If you’re here to tell me how to run my team, I don’t think there’s anything to say.”

“Might I remind you who pays for this entire program, including your salary?”

It was on the tip of my tongue to point out it wasn’t him, but what was the point? I knew this was coming. I was ready for it.

“Of course. Let’s take this to my office, Dean Cardinal.” I invited him, holding out my arm toward the locker room door.

He nodded once and strode ahead.

“Assistant Coach Resch,” I called.

Landry looked up.

“You’re in charge.”

Her stare trailed to the dean and then back to me, a frown pulling at the corners of her lips. “Okay.”

On my way to my office, I felt Bodhi’s attention and glanced at where he sat, his bicep snuggly wrapped. Just seeing him strengthened my resolve and solidified every decision I’d made. I gave him a reassuring smile so he knew nothing was wrong and headed for my office.

Dean Cardinal was already there, looking at a wall of certifications, awards, and other honors I’d received in my career. Before Lance died, I had dreams of going to the Olympics and really making a name for myself in swimming. But when Lance was gone, some of my dreams died with him. Or rather, they changed. I no longer wanted the spotlight, and maybe I didn’t think I deserved any medals. But I still loved swimming. I mean, it was where I’d found solace when my world went to hell. I craved structure. A predictable life without surprises. And with a daughter to support, a steady job was a necessity.

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