Page 26 of Coach's Temptation

"It’s a cabin with a hot tub, Natalie."

I sigh dramatically. "Unless it also comes with a money tree, I am not moving into a hot tub cabin, Lucy."

She pouts, muttering something about lost opportunities, while Sophia crosses her arms, watching me like I’m a particularly stubborn case study.

"Okay, but your parents’ place—"

I groan. "Let’s not even go there."

Living with my parents? I'd rather eat hockey pucks for breakfast.

The last time I stayed there, Mom spent three hours reorganizing my sock drawer while Dad watched golf at maximum volume. My grandmother's apartment might be falling apart, but at least it doesn't come with a side of passive-aggressive commentary about my life choices.

Sophia's hand slides over my arm and she pulls my eyes into her. "Babe, it's okay. We'll work something out, okay? Let me talk to Blake."

Before I can answer, before I can even breathe,a voice… deep, rough, and entirely too close… cuts through my spiraling thoughts.

"You're not staying with your parents. You'll stay with me."

My heart does this annoying little stutter-step that I absolutely refuse to acknowledge. The words aren't a suggestion - they're a declaration, delivered with the kind of authority that makes my spine tingle and my defenses rise simultaneously.

Slowly, I turn around.

Hunter Brody fills the doorway like he was carved to fit it, broad shoulders spanning the entire damn frame. His arms are crossed tight over his chest, every muscle flexed enough to be distracting.

His jaw set in that stubborn way that makes me want to either kiss him or throw something at him. Maybe both.

"I'm sorry, what?" I manage, my voice coming out higher than intended.

I swallow hard as his eyes lock onto mine, intense enough to make my knees weak. "You heard me."

Lucy's phone clatters to the floor, breaking our staring contest. When I glance over, she's gaping at Hunter like he's just announced he's joining the ballet.

Sophia, bless her, tries to hide her smirk behind her hand. And fails. Miserably.

Great. Just great. Now I have an audience for whatever this is about to be.

Lucy and Sophia exchange a look that's way too gleeful for my comfort.

"Good luck!" Lucy sing-songs, practically skipping down the hallway.

Sophia follows with a quick pat on the back. "Text me later. All the details. Love you, babe."

I'm going to kill them both.

Hunter steps closer, his presence making the hallway feel suddenly smaller. The scent of his cologne – so fucking masculine – swarms me, and I hate how my body automatically leans toward him.

"I heard everything." His voice drops lower. "You're staying at my place. I have more than enough room, and I won't have you living in some run-down apartment or overpriced shit heap while your place gets fixed."

My eyes narrow. "How long were you lurking in that doorway?"

"Did you find a plumber?"

"Answer my question first."

"Long enough to hear about the hot tub cabin." The corner of his mouth twitches. "Which, by the way, was a terrible idea. Plumber?"

"I wasn't actually considering—"

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