Page 56 of Coach Sully

“No, I was afraid that you wouldn’t! You’re too selfless to leave me to do this alone. If I had told you, you would have quit. I didn’t want you to be the reason you quit your dream. I didn’t want you to resent me for robbing you of something you wantedso much. I thought I could wait, because at least then I wouldn’t be taking away anything from you!” I take a deep breath and continue. “Your anger would fade over time. Eventually, you would forgive me. But if you regret your decision, eventually, that will turn into resentment—and that resentment would turn into hate. I couldn’t live with myself if you hated me.”

He hunches forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “It hurts that you think I could ever hate you… but you’re right about one thing, I’m quitting the show.”

“What? Sully, no! Did you not just hear a word I said?” I won’t be able to forgive myself for this. “If you won’t think about your career, then think about mine. If you quit, I’ll be fired.”

“I’ll stay quiet about the pregnancy.”

“It’s more than that, if you quit, they’ll tell me to get you back. And if I don’t, they’ll find a producer who can.” I’ve seen it happen a hundred times. They will find a way to get him back. There has to be a way we can fix this.

He rubs the back of his neck as he stares at the floor. He knows I’m right. I can see him trying to find a solution, but there’s nothing we can do.

“Just for now,” I reassure him. “Please, Sully. Tell me you won’t quit.”

It’s almost as if I see a lightbulb go off in his head. He sits up and raises a single eyebrow at me. We stare at each other, the devious glint in his eye is suspicious. Then he crosses his arms and leans back. “What’s it worth to you?”

“What?” Blood rushes to my cheeks. Is he serious?

“What’s your job worth?”

“You’re going toblackmailme?” I don’t recognize this version of him.

He shrugs. “I’ll make you a deal.”

Fuck him. “What?!” How dare he use my fear as a bargaining chip.

“I won’t tell anyone, and I won’t quit… but in exchange, you’re going to give me a chance.”

I exhale relief and throw my arms up and drop into one of the upholstered chairs. “Fine. Once we’re done shooting and the contracts have expired, we can see each other.”

“No. Now.” He shakes his head. “Starting tonight.”

“Sully. We’ll get caught.”

“Then don’t tell anyone.” He continues. “When we’re at work, I’ll keep my distance. But in private, you’re mine.”

The possessive way he says “you’re mine” catches me off guard. Heat floods to my core. Holy hell. I shouldn’t want to be anyone’s dirty little secret. But for Sully? The idea kind of turns me on.

“What about the women on the show?”

“What about them?” he questions, exasperated. “You have nothing to worry about, Kendra. I know you see me staring at you on set.” He crosses his arms behind his head, stretching his shirt over his chest, which only makes him look even more tempting. I see his stares, but I never let myself indulge in them.

“You want to sneak around together.” It’s not a question.

“No.Idon’t want to. However, I suspectyouwill frown upon me proudly announcing to everyone I’m your baby daddy—but even if I’m not telling anyone, I want involvement in your pregnancy and life. I want to be present at the doctor appointments. I’ll take care of the yardwork, or groceries, or whatever the hell else you need. We’re going to pick up where we left off.”

“I’m not sure that’s possible,” I say with a chuckle. “I didn’t know I was pregnant when weleft off.”

Smirking, he gets off the couch and stands in front of the upholstered chair, then crouches down on one knee. “Then I guess we have some catching up to do, don’t we?” His hands cover mine, and he threads our fingers together.

I bite the corner of my mouth, imagining all the ways he plans to do that. Are we really going through with this? It’s dangerous… and a little exciting.

“Are you here out of desire or obligation?”

He pulls me out of the chair, I straddle his knee, and his palms travel up my back until he’s cupping my neck. “I’m not being forced. I’m here because I choose to be. I’m here because there is nothing in this world I want more. So don’t ask silly questions you already know the answer to,” he whispers against my mouth. “Do we have a deal?”

I smile against his lips and repeat his words back to him. “Don’t ask silly questions you already know the answer to.”

If he’s willing to take the risk, so will I. Are we crazy? Probably. But we won’t have to sneak around forever. I’m unsure how this will work out, but we’ll figure it out. I just want to be back in his arms and hear him say I’m his.

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