Page 54 of Coach's Temptation

"All Star" starts blasting through the speakers again, and Ryder whoops. Logan throws a handful of pretzels at him and changes the song to something we haven't already heard six times tonight.

"Speaking of occupied." Sophia nudges me with her knee. "You and Coach seem... friendly lately."

Before I can deflect, Connor materializes in front of us, all cocky smile and bedroom eyes.

"Ladies." He extends a hand to Lucy who gives him a look that could kill. "Dance with me, babygirl?"

"I don't—" Lucy starts, but he's already pulling her up. "And I told you to stop calling me that!"

"Come on, Luce. One dance won't kill you."

Sophia and I laugh as Connor leads her across in front of the speakers. The way he draws her against him, one hand sliding down to her hip, might actually kill her though. Lucy's eyes go wide and she slaps him on the chest and pretends to hate the way he grinds against her.

"They'll totally be making out in a corner within the hour," Sophia whispers.

I'm about to agree when I notice Hunter slipping away from his spot by the fireplace, heading toward the kitchen.

Seeing my chance, I'm on my feet, following him through the door.

"I'll be back in a minute."

I slip into the kitchen as Big Mike and Greg hold the door open for me, both too deep in conversation about how winning the playoffs will help profits and… blah blah blah to even acknowledge me.

The kitchen that greets me is straight out of an architectural magazine. All gleaming stainless steel and pristine marble countertops stretching for what feels like miles.

Coach Brody should look right at home in here… except he doesn't.

"Hey."

I look across the counter to see him all alone in the massive room. He's propped against the counter near a window by the sink, beer bottle loose in his grip. His other hand works at his knee - that knee - massaging slow circles into the joint through his dress pants.

I move closer, watching Hunter's face tighten as he works at his knee.

"It's been bothering you all night. Hasn't it?"

His attempt at a smile doesn't reach his eyes. "Yeah. Has been all day."

I move closer, close enough to get the strong whiff of his cologne. "You beat them tonight."

Hunter exhales sharply, tipping his head back against the cabinets as he keeps working his fingers over his knee.

"That was game one of seven." His carries the weight of a man who refuses to let himself feel relief. Not yet. "We still have a long way to go."

Jesus. Remember that fleeting moment where he enjoyed the win?

Yeah, that's gone.

I shake my head, crossing my arms as I lean against the counter beside him.

"You know, normal people celebrate when they accomplish something big. Maybe pop some champagne? Do a victory lap?"

Through the kitchen walls, we hear Ryder's voice boom followed by groans and cheers from the rest of the team. He's not playing Smash Mouth again, is he?

I nudge Hunter's shoulder. "See? Even Ryder knows how to celebrate."

Hunter's lips twitch, but he keeps working at his knee.

"I waved to the fans." Hunter lets out a short, humorless laugh and tilts his beer at me. "And I've had a few of these."

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