Page 103 of Coach's Temptation

I step closer, looping my arms around his neck, breathing him in as I open my heart to the man who's giving me everything I never imagined I would get.

"I love you, Hunter." My chest pounds with excitement. I've never said those words to anyone, but fuck, it feels good. "I. Love. You."

He smiles, eyes dark and earnest as he draws me close. "And I love you too, Natalie Hayes."

Hunter’s arms are still around me, his body warm and solid, grounding me in this perfect moment.

My heart is still hammering from everything. The overwhelming love of his parents, the shock of the team progressing the way they have, the sheer audacity of this man to pull off the most romantic renovation reveal of all time.

I glance down at the gleaming hardwood floors, a slow smirk curling my lips.

“So…” I trail a teasing hand down his chest, letting my fingers toy with the hem of his shirt. “You really went all out, huh?”

“Only the best for you,” he says, tilting my chin up and kissing my lips.

I hum against his lips, then pull back just enough to arch a playful brow. “Think the new flooring is sturdy enough to handle, say… a little durability test?”

His hands tighten on my waist. “Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?”

I shrug, feigning innocence. “Well, it would be a shame if we didn’t make sure my knees don’t, you know… slip.”

He groans, his grip tightening as he pushes me back toward the nearest wall. “Natalie Hayes, you are so damn lucky I just had these walls reinforced. But maybe before we test out the floors, there’s one last thing I should tell you.”

My stomach drops.

I freeze.

Oh.Oh no.This is it.

The rumors. The Olympics chatter that just won't stop.

He’s leaving.

This insane, beautiful, over-the-top renovation… this was his parting gift. His way of making sure I’d be okay when he takes off for Team USA, for the Olympics, for the life that doesn’t have room for me.

My throat tightens, my vision blurs, and suddenly, the perfect morning I was just having is imploding before my eyes.

My fingers tighten on his shirt, but it’s too late.

He’s leaving.

I just told him I loved him, and now…

Now he’s about to rip my heart out.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Hunter

Natalie is staring at me like I just told her I ran over her childhood dog.

Seriously. The joy at my renovation reveal has drained from Natalie's face so fast it's like someone flipped a switch. Her eyes are wide, pupils dilated with shock.

“…Baby?” I frown, stepping closer, because what the actual fuck is happening right now?

She sways slightly, like she’s about to collapse.

“Oh my God. Oh myGOD.” She presses a hand to her chest, like she’s about to faint. “This is it, isn’t it? You’re leaving. You’re leaving me.”

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