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Elizabeth West wasn’t kidding. The team is a mess. I watched from the sidelines for a few minutes, getting an idea of what I’d be working with, but when the coach started getting in one of the team’s faces, I knew I had to step in. I probably would have stepped forward sooner, but all my attention has been on her.

Joy.

It's been four years since I last saw her. Four years since the single worst decision I’ve ever made.

She looks incredible. I knew she would. Her body has always been toned and athletic, but now it bears the curves of a woman instead of the almost eighteen-year-old she’d been the last time I saw her. My throat is tight, and I fight to swallow—to keep the look of smug indifference on my face.

I can’t look at her. Can’t acknowledge her. Not after all this time. It’s too late. Four years too late.

I could pretend I didn’t know she was here when I applied for the job, but I’d only be lying to myself. I’ve followed Joy’s career since the day I met her. That didn’t stop because I’m an asshole.

“Who the fuck are you?” the coach snaps, turning toward me.

“Lane Masters.” I step forward and hold out my hand, smiling at my new ‘boss’ in a way I’m sure will get under his skin. “I assume you’re Coach McMann.”

I’ve done my research, I know who Doug McMann is, but I was hired to do a job, and it’s clear he needs the help. He’s fucking unhinged.

Doug stares at my hand before returning his sneer to my face. “Like I said, who the fuck are you?”

His British accent just makes me smile harder. If he wasn’t clearly such a dickwad, he’d be hot. “Your new assistant coach.”

Murmurs ripple across the poolside but I ignore them. I’m painfully aware that Joy is standing mere feet away, but I force my attention to remain on Doug.

His face pales then begins to turn red, his teeth clenching. “There is no assistant coach.”

“There is now. Personally hired by President Elizabeth West herself. I thought I’d come down and see a practice to get a feel for what I’d be dealing with. Looks like I showed up just in time.”

Doug is trembling with barely contained rage as he stares at me. I keep the smile on my face, my hands in my pockets, as I wait for the onslaught, but he just points in my face.

“No,” he grinds out.

Then he turns and storms toward the locker rooms. It’s as if the rest of the team holds their breath until the sound of his stomping footsteps fade.

Once they have, I turn and extend my hand to the student he was harassing. “Nice to meet you, Aldo. Are you okay?”

His big brown eyes widen at the use of his name. I did my research on all the team. I can’t remember everyone’s names, but I remember his. Because he’s captain. Not because he’s cute as fuck.

“You said you were the assistant coach?” His damp grip is firm as he shakes my hand.

“I did. West seems to think the team needs a little extra help. It looks like she’s right.”

Aldo frowns, glancing in the direction Doug stormed off in. “He’s not usually like that.”

“He should never be like that.” I’m aware that the rest of the team has gathered round, the remaining members dripping by the side of the pool where they’ve climbed out. All except Joy, who’s loitering on the outskirts. “How about we call it a day and I’ll see you all at practice bright and early tomorrow morning. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve got.”

Murmurs rise around us, and people start gathering their stuff and heading to the showers. There was probably only another twenty minutes or so of practice left, but I know no one’s mind is going to be in it after Doug’s temper tantrum.

My cheeks are aching from keeping the smile pasted on my face as the pool empties out, but inside my heart is hammering hard enough that I’m struggling to breathe. Ever since I got the call from Elizabeth West’s personal assistant telling me I got the job, I’ve been picturing the million ways this could play out.

I’ve imagined Joy falling into my arms, the past four years obliterated because the almost seven and a half years we had prior to my stupidity meant more. I’ve imagined her slapping me and tearing me a new one. I’ve imagined long, heartfelt conversations where I explain why I did what I did. Why I had no choice.

What I haven’t imagined, is her walking right past as though I don’t exist. My stomach lurches as she laughs at something a girl with bright pink hair says, and then they’re gone.

Standing alone by the pool, the sound of chatter leaking out from the locker rooms, I finally let my smile fall. Maybe this was a mistake after all.

DOUG

People say they see red when they’re angry and I always thought it was a saying. Perhaps I’ve just never been this angry. Stomping across campus, I don’t so much as flinch at the bitter wind biting at my exposed skin. Too furious to grab my jacket from my office, I left the pool in my t-shirt and sweatpants with one sole purpose: to get answers.

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