Page 82 of The Way We Win

“I’m no role model.” I look down, reconsidering my sexy librarian attire. “You’re not… pregnant, are you?”

“No!” She bursts out laughing, and I almost collapse with relief. “But I want to be a young mom.”

“Just finish your education first. Having a baby is a lot harder than it looks. I got lucky landing in Newhope, but it wasn’t always easy.”

“If you say so!” She twirls around, and I decide to have another chat with Austin.

I need to be sure he’s got everything he needs to be safe—and that he’s using it.

“Hi, Coach!” Her chipper greeting stops my heart.

“Hi, Sadie, Lana.” It’s Jack.

I turn around to see him standing there, looking like a dream.

“Coach Bradford…” I’m breathless.

“Hello, Miss Sinclair.” His gaze levels on me, and electricity flashes in my veins. “What do you have here?”

He looks at the makeshift poetry wall, and I do my best to get control. We’re standing right in front of the girls, for heaven’s sake.

“It’s a graffiti wall, where students can leave poems for others to read and comment on or write their own.”

“It’s very romantic, Coach.” Sadie’s eyes slide from him to me, and I hold my expression steady, not giving anything away. “The guys are leaving love poems, and the girls are supposed to write poems back.”

“They are?” My lips part, and it all makes sense now.

“Well, yeah,” Sadie laughs. “Why did you think I was asking? Only, some of them are originals… I’m not that good.”

“Wow, okay… in that case, add ‘Love’s Philosophy’ by Shelley or ‘Wild Nights’ by Emily Dickinson to your list.”

Her eyes light up with her smile. “Thanks, Miss A!”

“No problem.” She dances away, and my eyes drift up to the wall where I see a few new couplets have been added.

I can’t help a smile.It’s working…

“Hi, Coach.” Edward sits at one of the long tables and takes out a textbook.

“Hi, Edward.” Jack smiles at the school’s newest star athlete before turning that naughty grin back on me. “Can I see you in your office?”

Heat is in his tone, and I look around to be sure all the students are focused on their studies.

“I don’t… have an office,” I answer quietly.

“Is there somewhere private I could speak to you?” His tongue wets his bottom lip, and I lose the ability to breathe properly.

Is he really doing this here?I know what’s on his mind, and there’s no way in hell I’m saying no. I just can’t believe it.

“I have a, um… supply closet. This way.”

Walking quickly, I lead him through the tall rows of books to the back of the room where a metal door is situated in a corner.

My body vibrates with anticipation, and every brush of my thighs against each other stokes my arousal hotter. My underwear is already damp.

Glancing all around, I don’t see any students in this part of the library.

My hands fumble with the lock, and I quickly open it, hitting the first switch, which illuminates a row of pale green lights in the rear of the room.

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