Page 88 of Coach's Temptation

Natalie's green eyes catch mine as Dad and I enter the kitchen, and something warm sparks inside me when she smiles.

It's natural. Unforced.

Like she’s always belonged right here at our kitchen island, sharing tea and gossip with Mom.

"Oh good, you're here!" Mom waves us in, already setting plates down at the table. "Lunch is ready. Hunter, sit next to Natalie, please, so she can tell you how cute you were at five. She absolutely loved the Halloween costume pictures."

Natalie grins wickedly, eyes sparkling. "You made a pretty impressive pumpkin, Coach."

I shake my head, groaning playfully as I slide into the seat beside her. "I told you she'd embarrass me."

Natalie nudges my shoulder gently, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "Honestly? I think it only makes you sexier."

Heat creeps up my neck, and I shoot her a look that promises sweet retribution later. Natalie just laughs, settling comfortably beside me, reaching for my hand under the table.

Dad clears his throat, reaching for the carving knife. "Natalie, did Hunter tell you he practically lived at the rink down the road when he was a kid? Spent every waking hour on that ice."

"Only about a hundred times," Natalie teases, squeezing my fingers softly. "But I'd love to see it in person."

My heart thuds gently, realizing this is exactly what I want… To show her everything, the good and the messy parts of my past.

"Then we'll go after lunch," I promise, meeting her eyes. "It's about time you see where the legend began."

Mom beams, handing out plates piled high with her famous roast chicken, warmth filling every inch of the kitchen.

"Perfect. Now, eat up, everyone."

As we dive into lunch, laughter and conversation swirling around the table, I can't shake Dad’s quiet warning from my mind entirely.

But glancing over at Natalie, smiling at something Mom is saying, her eyes lit with joy, I know I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.

Natalie isn't a distraction.

She's exactly what I need, now more than ever.

If anything, she's the reason I'll finally hold that trophy.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Natalie

Stepping onto the ice of Hunter’s childhood rink feels strangely like coming home, even though I’ve never been here before.

Growing up in Iron Ridge, skating was practically a rite of passage.

But here, beneath the glittering fairy lights and nostalgic 90s themed music filtering through crackling speakers, there's something magical in the air.

Something that feels uniquely…Hunter.

“I spent half my life here,” Hunter says softly, skating up beside me. His gaze drifts around the vintage rink, a wave of memories clearly etched on his handsome face. "This is where it all started."

I listen to him carefully, heart squeezing at the warmth in his eyes as he takes it all in again.

Spending the afternoon with his parents had shown me a side of Hunter I'd only glimpsed before. He’s confident, strong,commanding. But beneath it all is a boy who grew up loved fiercely by parents who’d do anything for their son.

Hunter's parents welcomed me instantly. Judy's hugs and endless affection, his father’s quiet pride… they felt more like family in a single afternoon than my own parents ever did in a lifetime.

I try not to let it sting, but I can't ignore the quiet ache deep inside me. It's everything I ever wanted when I was growing up, and the closest I got was when I lived with my grandmother in her apartment.

---