Page 78 of Coach's Temptation

Natalie stands in the hallway, her dark hair pulled back in a messy bun. She looks exhausted, poor thing. Her Icehawks polo clings to her chest in a way that has me now loosening the robe, but damn, those damn leggings she loves so much hug everyinch of her legs, making it damn near impossible to hide my delight at her sudden interruption.

But it's the triumphant gleam in her eyes that catches me off guard.

I open my mouth. Probably to apologize, to saysomethingabout being a fucking dick before… but then her gaze drops.

To the robe.

Her eyes drift down, taking in the fluffy monstrosity that is the hotel's oversized white robe, and her lips part with a giant smile.

"Oh. Wow. This is…" Her eyes continue doing laps up and down, taking in the sight of a grumpy hockey coach in a fluffy gown. "…a whole new look."

I glance down at the ridiculous robe wrapped around me, hotel embroidery stitched into the breast like a badge of honor.

"Shit." I shake my head in embarrassment and Natalie covers her mouth to stop the laughter flooding out. "All right, all right. Stop gawking. I'm taking this off now."

Her lips press together, her shoulders shaking with contained laughter.

“I… nope. Sorry. I need a second.” She lifts a hand, green eyes bright. “This is… a lot.”

Before I can stop her, Natalie whips out her phone, the camera clicking as she captures my fluffy shame for posterity.

"For the team group chat." Her eyes sparkle with mischief. "Coach Brody's new game-day look."

"Delete it." I growl.

"Make me." She bites her lip, fighting a smirk. “This is the best thing that's happened to me all day.”

“Appreciate the compliment.” I cross my arms, robe shifting slightly as I take a small step forward. “You’re late to the party, sweetheart. Could’ve been seeing this deluxe experience all season.”

She tilts her head. “What, you parade around in that every away game?”

“Only for special occasions.”

She lifts a brow. “And tonight is…?”

I should say something cocky. Something flirty. But instead, I glance at her face, and that fucking guilt crawls back in.

Because the truth is, I don’t deserve this playful back and forth right now. Not after today. Not after how I treated her.

I run my tongue along my teeth, trying to push the words out.

I’m sorry. You were right. I was a bastard back there, and I regret it.

Instead, Natalie shifts on her feet, and suddenly she’s the one breaking the silence. because you know what? She's a better person than I am. And here she is, proving that all over again.

She chose me tonight. Even after everything, she’s here, smiling at my worst fucking moments like they're exactly what she wanted.

No grudges. No hard feelings.

Just pure perfection.

Wrapped up in a bundle so damn beautiful, I consider myself lucky to even be standing this close to her.

“Well,” she exhales, pressing her knuckles against the doorframe like she’s testing the stability of it. “If it helps, youalmostredeemed yourself.”

My brow quirks upwards. “Almost?”

She shrugs. “Blake's improving. Your favorite person in the world might actually be able to play.”

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