Page 19 of Stalked By the Coach

We stand there for a long moment, wrapped up in each other while the crowd continues to cheer around us. I breathe in the scent of him—sweat and spice, everything that means safety. Everything that meanshome.

My parents weren't too thrilled about our relationship at first, but they've since come around. Ultimately, they just want me to be happy, and they can see that Burkes makes me happy. Plus, Burke really does want the best for me. Everything he does is to make my dreams come true.

When he finally pulls back, it's only far enough to meet my gaze. His eyes are warm and deep, filled with a love I never dreamed I'd find. A love I know now I can't live without.

"I'm so proud of you," he says, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face. His touch ignites sparks under my skin, as it always does. As it always will. "You were amazing out there."

"I couldn't have done it without you." The words come easily, as natural as breathing. As natural as the way I lean up to capture his mouth with mine.

The kiss is hungry, filled with all the emotions churning inside me. Joy, relief, love—a maelstrom only he can bring me out of. Onlyhecan complete me.

We break apart, foreheads pressed together as we catch our breath. Burke's eyes meet mine, dark and smoldering, and a familiar heat coils low in my belly.

"Ready to celebrate?" he asks, lips curving.

I laugh, the sound husky to my own ears. "Absolutely."

The crowd fades away as Burke takes my hand, leading me off the track. Today, nothing else matters but him.

We slip into the shadows, away from prying eyes, until we find an empty storage room. Burke locks the door behind us and in an instant, I'm pressed against it, his mouth devouring mine.

I moan into the kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck to pull him closer. His hands roam my body, squeezing my ass and thighs before sliding under my shirt. Every touch ignites my skin, sets my blood on fire.

He yanks the shirt over my head and unhooks my bra, baring my breasts to his hungry gaze. I shiver as he palms them, rolling my nipples between his fingers until they harden into peaks.

"Look at these perfect little titties," he rasps, dropping to his knees. He presses a kiss to my stomach, tongue tracing the lines of my abs. Lower and lower until he reaches the waist of my shorts.

He tugs them down my legs, panties and all, and helps me step out of them. Then he's devouring me, tongue and fingers stroking my pussy until my knees buckle. I cry out, pleasure rolling through me in waves as I clench around his tongue.

Burke stands, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. The bulge in his pants is obvious and I reach for his zipper, freeing his cock. He hisses as I stroke him, hard and velvet steel in my grip.

"I need to be inside you," he growls, pinning my hands above my head. He lifts me, guiding my legs around his waist, and slams into me with one hard thrust.

I scream, stretched and filled so completely I can hardly breathe. But I don't want to breathe, I only want this, him, forever.

Burke fucks me against the wall, hard and fast, chasing the release we both crave. "You're mine," he says, claiming my mouth in a bruising kiss. "Always mine."

"Yours," I gasp, clinging to him as I shatter around his cock. Burke follows soon after, burying his face in my neck as he spills inside me with a groan.

We stay there for a long moment, still joined, his heart beating against my chest.

Burke lifts his head, eyes shining with more than just desire. "You were amazing out there today. I've never seen anyone run like that."

His praise makes me blush. I duck my head, but he tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze.

"Don't hide from me," he murmurs. "You have so much talent, Lydia. Raw, powerful talent. And the dedication and heart to back it up. You're going to do great things."

Tears prick my eyes at his unwavering faith in me. "Only because of you," I say softly. "You made me believe I could."

"No," he says firmly. "I only helped you see what was already there. You did this, Lydia. You worked your ass off and earned every victory, every record, every medal. I just gave you the tools and the opportunity. You're the one who used them."

He kisses me gently, reverently. "I will always be here to support you. But never doubt how much of your success is due to your own heart and determination."

His words fill me with warmth and purpose. I cling to him, hiding my face against his neck.

"Regionals are in a month," Burke murmurs, stroking my hair. "If you win there, you'll qualify for state. And if you take state again..."

He trails off, eyes gleaming. We both know what comes after that. Nationals. The biggest stage of them all.

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