Page 27 of Coach's Temptation

"Right. I'll organize the repairs. Meanwhile, you're staying with me." His tone leaves no room for argument. "End of discussion."

I cross my arms, mirroring his stance. "Oh, so we're back to you making decisions for me now?"

Hunter doesn’t even flinch. "This isn’t about that."

"You do remember we're 'done', right? Your words, not mine."

A muscle ticks in his jaw. His stupidly perfect jaw. He’s so broody. So grumpy. And so obviously still obsessed with me.

Hunter exhales sharply and shakes his head. "You need a place. I have one. Simple."

I scoff. "Thanks, but I’ll stay at my parents’ place."

Hunter's eyes burn red hot. "That’s a joke."

I step closer, watching his throat work as he swallows. I hate how my body responds to his proximity. Imagine living with him. Sheesh.

"You know what's funny?" My voice comes out softer than intended, barely a whisper between us. "You act like you have the right to make these decisions for me, but you couldn't even be bothered to text me back."

His green eyes darken, and his hands clench at his sides. I know that look – the one he had in the weight room. The one that says he's fighting for control.

Good. Let him struggle.

He chose this, not me.

"Natalie." His eyes drop to my lips. "I know how much you hate it there. You won't last one night at your parents."

Before I can fire back, he closes the space between us until my spine presses flush against the wall.

My breath catches. My core heats.

Fuck. He's so big.

His arms bracket me in, broad chest inches from mine, heat radiating off him like a furnace. Every inch of him is tense, like he’s fighting some silent battle not to touch me. Not to do exactly what we’re both thinking about.

His eyes drag across my face, down my body then back up again. "Don't forget, baby. The best night's sleep you ever had was when you were inmybed."

Oh, God.

I should shove him away. Should tell him to go to hell.

Instead, I lean in closer, close enough that my breath fans across his mouth. His whole body goes rigid, and for a moment, I let myself remember how those lips felt against mine. How his hands felt on my skin. How everything felt right before he decided we were wrong.

"You just watch me."

Chapter Seven

Natalie

At least the rain has stopped when I step back into my apartment later that night. But the moment I close the door behind me, I regret stopping by.

Thedrip, drip, dripis still going, echoing off the warped floorboards like some kind of sad, offbeat metronome. The towels I threw down this morning are soaked, the makeshift bucket system is barely holding up, and the air smells like damp regret.

And yet, the only thing looping in my head?

"The best night's sleep you ever had was in my bed."

I make a noise—something between a groan and a strangled yell—and yank my phone from my pocket.

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