Page 34 of The Coach

Shit, I knew this question was coming. She has been so sweet to me since I started here, and I finally agreed to spend the day with her, only to have to cancel because of what happened with Andy. I knew she would be disappointed, and I felt terrible, but Andy needed me. Dealing with a stalker situation was more important than a tour of the city. "I'm so sorry, Ava, how about we try again for this weekend?"

She rises a brow. "Not this weekend. We're in Kansas City for a game on Sunday, remember?" She looks at me like I'm losing my marbles.

"Yeah, of course, the following one then." I smile.

The back door swings open loudly, and we both turn to look at who's coming in so early. Andy, Luna, and Darcy walk in chatting and laughing. "Hey, Coach," calls Darcy with a wave.

I offer them a wave and a smile. Andy's eyes come to me, and a smile plays on her lips sending signals to parts of my body I need to have under control right now. She's cute in her training uniform and her hair in those adorable braids.

What happened between us yesterday was not a one-off kiss. I know we both got caught up in the moment and we shouldn't have done it… but I want it again. Screw the consequences. No more of this trying to suppress the feelings I know we both have for each other because of our work situation. If things were different and I'd met her after I had become the coach, it might be different, but I met her first, and that night we had together was something I want again. I reckon I can have her and keep this job, no worries, we just have to be careful about it.

The girls continue on to the change room and I watch her for longer than I probably should, wondering what she's wearing under that uniform.

Ava clears her throat. "What was that, Brad?" she asks, glaring at me.

"What?" I say, giving her my full attention. Might need to be a little more careful around Ava as well.

"Brad, is there something going on between the two of you that I need to be aware of?" she says in a hushed tone, knowing other team members are now making their way through the building. But she is pissed, and she wants me to know it.

"With Darcy? I'm not sure what you're talking about. Now come on, we have a lot of work to do if we're going to win this game against Kansas City this weekend." Yep, definitely need to be more careful around her if just a smile has her picking up on the vibes between me and Andy.

The morning session runs smoothly. The team have taken better to my new schedule than I thought they would, but when we have won our first three games, it's easy to convince them that my way is better.

It's midday now and we're all sitting outside having a break for lunch. I want to check on how Andy is after what happened, but I haven't had a chance to yet. It's too hard with the rest of the team around, and Ava has stuck to me like glue all morning. I need an excuse to talk to Andy so it doesn't look suspect. But I've got nothing.

While eating my lunch, Ava has been talking my ear off about some show she binge-watched over the weekend, and I listen as intently as I can. My attention is being drawn to Andy every time I hear that adorable laugh of hers. She's sitting on the table with her two pals Luna and Darcy who are sitting on the chairs in front of her. The three of them seem very close. It's rare to see them not all huddled together laughing or chatting about something.

Andy glances up and catches me checking her out. She winks at me, and I smirk back at her. I decide not to wait any longer but to text her. It could be the end of the day before I get her alone.

Me:How are you after the weekend?

I watch her as she receives the text and looks my way with a small smile.

Andy:Pretty shitty. I didn't sleep a wink last night. No big strong arms around me to protect me from the big bad world.

That goes straight to my heart and my primal need to protect her. I knew when I was leaving yesterday that she was feeling the same as me. She didn't want to be away from me. And to hear she didn't sleep. I feel torn up because I want to be there for her, but I can't.

Me:I would have been there if I could have been.

Andy:You would?

I wonder why she's surprised by that. I thought I made it obvious yesterday morning that I wanted her.

Me:Absolutely! I want a redo. We got interrupted yesterday when it was just getting good.

Darcy grabs her hand and tries to take the phone off her, but Andy keeps hold of it and gets up, walking away from her mates to stand under a tree alone.

Andy:You're a bad boy, Mr. Swift, you know we can't do that.

She smirks as she sends it.

Andy:But if we could… what would you have in mind?

She looks up to me and bites into her bottom lip. It's sexy as fuck, and I wish I could type out what I had in mind to do to her.

"Who are you texting with that stupid grin on your face?" asks Ava, bringing my attention back to her.

"Just one of the guys from my old team," I lie to get her off my case.

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