Page 49 of Not In Love

“Done.”

They clinked glasses. The warmth from the bourbon chased away the chill in Diego’s chest. For a second.

“You miss it?” Coach asked.

He didn’t have to ask what it meant. To his own surprise, Diego shook his head. “No. I thought I would. But I don’t.”

Coach studied him for a moment. “Because you’re building something new and bigger. Because you’ve got a kid now. Because... something else?”

Diego exhaled through his nose and leaned back, one hand running down his face. “It’s Tia’s aunt.”

A slow grin spread across Coach’s face. “The one who’s nothing like Kat.”

“Did I say that?” Diego asked.

Coach nodded. “A long while ago.”

“She’s... everything,” Diego said, almost to himself. “And she won’t even admit we have something. Says it’s just sex. Keeps it locked down. And I can’t—” He stopped, shook his head. “The worst part is we’re committed to Tia, which means we’re always going to be in each other’s lives.”

“It’s not just a passing fancy?” Coach said, watching him carefully. “A way to lock her down along with Tia?”

“Of course not,” Diego said, hating even the idea.

“Don’t bite my head off, kid,” Coach said, chuckling. “You were always a relationship guy rather than a player.”

“Kash isn’t a convenience or a phase or an itch. She’s beautiful, strong, caring. She’s mine. Or should be.”

“I see. So you want to build a life with her?”

“Yes, Spend the rest of my life looking after her, loving her. As she deserves to be.” The words rolled off his tongue easily.

Saying it out loud hit different too. Like it couldn’t be contained anymore. Like it was out there in the universe, becoming a part of everything else.

The moment he realized he was in love with her, every little resentment and complaint had come surging up. As if he had a right to expect things from her.

Her lack of trust all these years was one thing. But her judgement of his character still stung. That she didn’t question Kat’s version of events even now. And yeah, it was unfair to expect that. Ridiculous even, given the painful history with her father.

Coach tilted his glass. “You know what doesn’t suit you, Ferrara?”

Diego raised a brow. “What?”

“This brooding shit. You were never the guy who moped on the bench. You were the one who took the damn shot or at least made a clown of yourself trying. So why are you sitting here waiting for her to shut you down before even taking the shot?”

“I don’t want to scare her off.” He threw back the rest of his drink. “You know what the worst part is? She might never need me like I need her. Not once she feels whole and free.”

“You’re playing not to lose,” Coach said, slamming the table. “That’s not you. You said she’s strong? Fierce?”

Diego nodded.

“And she likes how you handle her—ahem—on the field?”

Diego gave him a look, flushing slightly. “Coach?—”

“I don’t need the details. Been married thirty years however, so I know that part is important. Anyway, listen. If she’s half the fighter you say she is, then show her what she stands to lose if you walk away.”

“I don’t want to manipulate her,” Diego said.

“You’re too honorable for this shit, kid,” Coach said, with thundering laughter. “I was on the phone with your Mama not a week ago and she was asking me if I knew of any eligible ladies for her soccer star.”

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