Page 9 of Stalked By the Coach

He tips my chin up and stares into my eyes tenderly. "Am I right in assuming you're a virgin?”

I feel my cheeks heat with warmth as I nod.

"Thank fuck," he whispers before he kisses me again, this time gently. "I'm going to take care of you, Lydia. In every way," he promises.

And I believe him. When the time is right, he'll take my virginity, and I wouldn't want to give it to anyone else.

I trust Burke.

He holds me close, our harsh breathing echoing in the silence.

I know nothing will ever be the same again. The line has been crossed, the damage done.

But I can't bring myself to regret it.

* * *

I stand under the shower spray at home, hot water sluicing over my body as I struggle to process what just happened. Guilt wars with desire, my thoughts chasing each other in endless circles.

How could I let this happen? Coach Thompson is nearly twice my age, my teacher and mentor. Pursuing a relationship with him would be completely inappropriate. If anyone were to find out, it would destroy his career and reputation.

Yet every fiber of my being longs to be with him. When we're together, the rest of the world fades away. I feel happy and alive in a way I never have before. I know in my heart that what we have is real, despite the obstacles standing in our way.

As I towel off and get dressed, I make a resolution: we have to end this before it goes any further. No matter how much it may hurt, it's the right thing to do. Burke deserves better than a scandal that could ruin his life, and I should be focusing on my training, not a forbidden romance.

But my determination wavers when I see him waiting by my car after practice. Heat flares in his gaze as it travels over me, and I have to clench my hands to keep from reaching for him.

"We need to talk," I say, struggling to keep my voice steady.

"Yes, we do." He steps closer, crowding me against the side of the car. I feel the solid strength of his body against mine and bite back a moan. "I can't stop thinking about you, Lydia. I know this is wrong, but it feels so right. We have something real here. Please don't ask me to give up on us before we've even begun."

His words reignite the longing in my heart. I lift my eyes to his, seeing the truth of them reflected there. My resolution crumbles into dust.

How can I possibly walk away from something so profound? I let out a shaky breath and surrender to the inevitable.

"I don't want to end this either," I confess. "I'm scared of what might happen, but I'm more afraid of losing you."

A slow, beautiful smile lights his face. He takes my hands, bringing them to his lips for a soft kiss.

"Then don't lose me," he says simply. "We'll face whatever comes together."

Joy and relief flood through me. I rise up on my toes, twining my arms around his neck to bring his mouth down to mine. The kiss is sweet and unhurried, a promise of more to come.

When we part, I lay my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. He holds me close, and I close my eyes.

CHAPTERFIVE

Lydia

The sun dipsbelow the horizon, its golden light bathing the track in a warm glow. Burke stands beside me, his hands shoved in his pockets, watching as the other athletes finish their laps.

A nervous energy crackles between us as we walk to the parking lot together. This feels different than our usual post-practice chatter. There's an intensity in his gaze that makes my pulse race.

When we reach my car, Burke clears his throat. "Do you have plans tonight?"

My stomach flutters. I know I should go home, but I can't bring myself to say no. "Nothing important."

"Come over. I want to talk." He squeezes my shoulder, his fingers lingering. "Please."

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