Page 20 of Secret Love

Understanding her reasons doesn’t mean I haven’t felt like a failure though. My parents have been married for forty years and are still going strong. I’d planned on following in their footsteps, whether Bree and I had that spark or not.

“I guess I assume the worst of exes since Carrie is ready to stomp me with her five-inch heels at all times.” Rhodes makes a face as he wipes his face with a towel. “I know Bree’s not like my ex-girlfriend, but Carrie has put me on high alert.”

Coach Evans walks in and pauses when he sees us. “I think you’re the only players who aren’t on vacation right now. Can’t get enough of this place, huh?”

“Could say the same for you too, Coach,” I tease. “You know that’s why we’re your best players, right?”

“Damn straight, I know it. It’s the example the four of you set,” he says, nodding at Bowie, Weston, Rhodes, and me. “Becausethisguy would likely be on a nude beach chasing tail and drinking endless tequila right about now if it weren’t for you guys.” He points at Penn, who looks stung initially but then laughs like he’s in on the joke.

I’m not sure why Evans is so hard on Penn, but he has been from day one. Penn likes to have fun outside of work, but whether it’s the offseason or not, he’s as disciplined as the rest of us.

“Penn’s the one who got us here today,” Rhodes says.

“It’s true. He can outlift all of us and knows he’s gotta keep us old guys on track,” Bowie says.

“Who you callin’ old?” Weston says.

Bowie shrugs and grins.

“Well, make sure you fit in some downtime in there somewhere. I want you ready to win another Super Bowl when the time comes,” Coach Evans says. He slaps my shoulder and squeezes before walking away.

“I can’t win with that guy, man,” Penn says. “You’d think by now he’d let up a little bit. He makes it sound like I’m a pervy alcoholic.”

“Agreed, it’s gone on longer than normal. But I don’t think he means too much by it,” Bowie says. “I think it’s mostly habit by now for him to give you a hard time.”

“If you say so,” Penn mutters.

The rest of the workout, I zone out and try not to think about anything but my movements, but it’s hard to get this meeting out of my mind. Once I’m done, I shower and put on jeans and a nicer shirt than I’d normally wear to a teacher conference.

“Looking good.” Rhodes nods, as I walk past him. “Let us know how it goes.”

There are a few kids still hanging out when I pull into the parking lot, but it’s mostly empty. Bree wanted to pick up the girls today since she’s been gone for the past few days, and there’s a text from her saying she’s dropped them off at home and will be here in a few minutes.

I try not to think about how empty my house is without the girls there. Bree came and got them last night when she got backin town and the silence was deafening after they left. It was nice having them to myself for a while.

When I walk down the hall, it’s quiet. I pause outside the classroom door and knock twice.

“Come in,” I hear her call.

I step inside and Tru is seated at her desk. Once again, I’m rattled by how pretty she is…and how her eyes don’t waver from mine. Without her glasses, her eyes are a punch in the chest. Her plush lips are the color of red wine and even more distracting than her eyes.

“Mr. Ward,” she says, coolly.

“Miss Seymour.” I smile. “You can call me Henley. You know, we've already established that.”

“It's not necessary,” she says. “Mr. Ward works just fine. Have a seat.” She motions for me to sit across from her.

I want to ask her if she liked the cinnamon rolls, but I don’t.

“Bree should be here any minute.” I shift in my seat, taking in the way the sunlight makes her hair so shiny. Her hair is up again and I wonder what it looks like when she takes it down at the end of the day.

“Excellent, we can wait to get started when she arrives.” Tru puts a few files aside and I can see one with Cassidy’s name on top.

“How have you been?” I ask.

She pauses and looks at me with a close-mouthed smile. Her guard is still up, but she’s a nice person, so she’s extra polite. I hate it. I want to see the uninhibited woman I met.

“I’m doing well. I'm getting settled.”

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