Page 106 of Break my Heart

So I could bury him six feet under.

Every morning, I drive Ava to the rink and then stick around to watch her practice. I’ve also been picking her up after her night classes. There’s no way in hell I’m going to let her walk home alone.

Whenever I bring up the subject of her former coach, she brushes it off like it’s nothing, even though we both know that’s not the case.

By the time I twist the shower knob so the spray becomes more of a trickle, I’ve arrived at a decision.

No more procrastinating.

I need to tell Coach.

Ava might hate me for it, but I’d rather beg her forgiveness than have this guy take his obsession to the next level.

With a towel in hand, I make quick work of drying myself off before wrapping the damp material around my waist and heading back to my locker.

“Hey, Van Doren,” Colby calls out from a few lockers down. “Are we grabbing something to eat after this? I’m fucking famished. I’ll call the girls. They can all meet us at Taco Loco.”

“Nah, I’m good.”

He waggles his brows. “I’m sure Britt will invite Ava.”

I give him the finger. “I’ll call her myself.”

Bridger, who’s changing nearby, smirks as he pulls on a pair of boxers. “Seems like shit’s getting serious around here.”

“It is.”

He cocks his head and studies me. “Aren’t you getting bored?” He throws a quick look at Coach’s office before dropping his voice. “Or does this have more to do with the thrill of sneaking around behind the guy’s back?”

His words hit an unexpected nerve, and I glare at him. “This has nothing to do with sneaking around, man. I like her.” The word is too small for what I feel for Ava, but I say it anyway.

Bridger arches a brow, clearly not buying it. “Really? You sure about that?”

“Yeah, I am,” I say, more forcefully than intended. The last few weeks have changed everything.

Ava isn’t just some girl.

She’s the girl.

He shrugs. “I’m just saying, Coach isn’t gonna be thrilled when he finds out. You’ve got a reputation, and it’s not exactly squeaky clean. If he catches wind that you’re with his daughter, he’ll probably bench your ass.”

He’s right.

Coach would flip if he knew.

Which is one reason to keep silent. But I just can’t do it. This situation has become dangerous, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Ava safe. Even if that means taking the brunt of Coach’s ire.

Ford pops his head around the corner. “You sure you don’t want to come with us? Tacos sound pretty good right now.”

I shake my head, knowing exactly what I need to do. “Maybe later.”

Ford takes off, and soon, the rest of the guys trickle out of the locker room, leaving me alone. I pull on my clothes and mentally prepare myself for what needs to happen.

With one last look at my reflection in the mirror, I suck in a deep breath and make my way to Coach’s office. Each step feels heavier than the last.

As I knock on the office door, the sound of game film drifts through the frosted glass before he calls out, “Come in.”

My heart pounds as I push the door open and step inside. “Coach?”

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