Page 80 of Penalized Love

I delve back into focusing on the words flowing through my headphones, and soon, I watch as the bus carrying all of us pullsinto the hotel parking lot. With that, a fresh wave of nerves washes over me. I gather my things and wait for the team to exit before I stand up. Dad is at the front, giving instructions about room assignments and curfew. I try to focus on his words, but my heart is pounding loudly in my ears.

We file off the bus and into the lobby, where a frazzled-looking receptionist is waiting with keycards. Dad steps forward to handle the check-in process, and I hover nearby, unsure of what to do with myself. Asher is standing a few feet away, engrossed in conversation with Levi, but I feel his gaze flicker to me every so often. The guys are handed their keycards one by one, but when Asher receives his, he glances over his shoulder at me before walking toward the elevator.

I check my phone as I wait for it to be my turn to get my room key.

“Isla,”Dad calls out, waving me over. I snap to attention and hurry to his side.“There’s been a mix-up with the rooms. You’ll have to stay with me.”

My stomach drops. Sharing a room with Dad? For the entire weekend? I force a smile and nod, trying to hide my disappointment.“Sure, no problem,”I say. But I was looking forward to having a room to myself.

Not to mention, it feels as if this is shoving our father-daughter relationship down people’s faces even more. I still have a chip on my shoulder about showing that I got this job because of my talent and hard work, not because I’m Coach Johnson’s daughter.

With a sigh, I take the keycard from Dad’s hand as I’m trying to think of anything positive related to this situation. I follow Dad to the elevator with my things. My irritation is at an all-time high as the doors slide shut.

At least I have a place to sleep.

“I know it’s not ideal,”Dad says.“But we’ll make do.”

“Yeah, it’s not a problem. I’m flexible.”

It’s a lie, and Dad glances over at me out of the side of his eye to confirm he doesn’t believe my shit either. Thankfully, neither of us says another word because the elevator dings, and the doors open, announcing we have made it to our destination. We step out onto our floor and make our way down the hallway. Dad swipes the keycard and pushes open the door, revealing a standard hotel room with two queen beds.

I set my bag down on the bed furthest from the door. I throw myself on the bed while Dad moves around, unpacking his things and hanging up his suit for tomorrow’s game. The room feels cramped only because I don’t want to be here.

I pull out my phone, desperate for a distraction, and see a text from Asher. My heart skips a beat as I open it.

Asher: Room to myself tonight. 704. Wait till Coach falls asleep and come up.

I stare at the message, confused about what I’m seeing. What the hell is that all about? How did Asher get a room to himself?

I glance over at Dad, who is still moving around the room, oblivious to the fact that I’m potentially going to have a panic attack. I type out a quick reply to Asher.

Me: How? What about your roommate?

Asher: Carson stayed back because he is sick. Trey is taking his place and already has his own room booked.

The butterflies in my stomach flutter hard as I read his words. How did I miss this? A room to ourselves, even just for tonight, could have been magical. Sure, Asher should be focusedon tomorrow’s game, but I can’t stop the possibilities swirling through my mind.

But then reality crashes back in. Dad is right there. How am I supposed to sneak out without him noticing?

I need to come up with a plan. I know Dad falls asleep early the night before a big game. If I can just wait him out...

“I’m going to grab a shower,”Dad announces, interrupting my scheming.“You need the bathroom before I go in?”

I shake my head, and he disappears into the bathroom. As soon as I hear the water running, my brain goes into overdrive once more. Dad sleeps pretty hard and has been known to use the pair of sleep headphones I gifted him for Father’s Day a couple of years ago. Hopefully, he brought them with him, and that will make this so much easier.

But if I go, I don’t want to be a distraction to Asher.

Me: But you need to rest ahead of your game.

Asher’s reply comes through almost instantly.

Asher: I’ll rest better with you here, promise. I want to see you. No, it’s a need.

I tap my phone on my forehead twice as I think about my options. The temptation is overwhelming, even as every part of my brain whispers that this is a bad idea. But this is an excellent opportunity for us to be together alone. As long as I don’t get caught.

As. Long. As. I. Don’t. Get. Caught.

Me: Okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can.

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