Page 8 of Penalized Love

My stomach drops as I recognize Coach Johnson’s voice. Did I mess up somehow? I throw on my clothes, ignoring the curious glances from the other guys. When I step out of the locker room, Coach Johnson is waiting with a woman I assume is his wife and... Isla. My heart rate kicks up again, but for an entirely different reason.

“Asher, I’d like you to meet my wife, Molly, and my younger daughter, Isla,”Coach Johnson says, gesturing to each of them.

I force a smile and pretend like I’m seeing Isla for the first time.“Nice to meet you both.”

Isla avoids all eye contact, and I don’t blame her.“Hi,”she mumbles.

I watch as she briefly closes her eyes and holds her stomach before she looks at her father. Asking her what is wrong seems inappropriate, so I don’t.

“Isla’s somewhat shy at times, but she’s here taking photos for the team,”Coach Johnson explains, oblivious to the tension between us.“She’ll be a senior in high school this year.”

“Dad. Stop.”

Wait, what? Did he just say high school? I thought she was an incoming freshman like me. Oh God, I kissed Coach Johnson’s high school daughter. I’m fucked.

“That’s... great,”I stammer, trying to keep my face neutral.

Mrs. Johnson smiles warmly.“We hear you’re having some housing issues on campus. We’d be happy to have you stay with us until it’s sorted out.”

I blink long and hard because I’m shocked.“Oh, uh, that’s really kind of you. Are you sure it’s not an inconvenience?”

“Not at all.”Coach Johnson’s words leave no room for argument.“Consider it done. Grab your things, and we’ll head home.”

As I turn to walk back into the locker room to get my gear, I catch Isla’s wide-eyed look of panic. It mirrors how I feel. Howthe hell are we going to survive the next few days under the same roof with everything that has happened?

As I grab my things, Levi shoots me a questioning look.

“Everything okay?” he asks.

“Yeah,”I mutter.“Coach is letting me crash at his place for a few days until the dorms are ready.”

Levi’s eyebrows shoot up.“Seriously? That’s cool of him. You could have also stayed with me at my house.”

“Yeah,”I say, unsure how I should feel instead of being thankful.“It’ll be fine. Thanks for the offer. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I sling my bag over my shoulder and walk back out to where the Johnsons are waiting. Coach pulls me to the side before I can reach his family and says, “Ready to go?” he asks.

“Yes, sir,” I reply. “I’ll follow you in my car if that’s alright.”

“That's fine, but I want to speak to you about something first.”

I swallow hard and nod because forming words right now isn't possible.

“Since you'll be living under my roof for some time, I’m going to tell you this once. Stay away from my daughters or there will be consequences. Understood?”

My heart pounds against my ribs as Coach's words sink in. “Of course, sir,” I say, and my voice sounds strained even to my own ears. “I understand completely.”

Coach's eyes stay on mine, daring me to break eye contact. I assume he’s also trying to determine whether I’m lying to his face or not. In my head, I’m praying he can't see the guilt written all over my face. Because I’ve already kissed Isla, although that was before I knew she was his daughter. After what feels like an eternity, he gives a curt nod.

“Good,” Coach says. “See you at my house.”

As we walk toward the parking lot, I can’t help stealing glances at Isla. She’s still doing everything she can to not look at me, and I should be doing the same. However, I am fighting the urge to say something, anything, to break the tension, but I know this isn’t the time or place. Especially after Coach’s warning.

Next thing I know, I’m in my old Honda, following the Johnsons’ SUV out of the parking lot. I can’t help but wonder what the hell I have gotten myself into and how interesting the next few days are going to be.

4

ISLA

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