An appreciative smile lifts one corner of my mouth as I mouth a quick ‘Thanks,’ to my friend. For the most part, Abel is quiet like me, but he’s always the first to stick up for me and come to my aid if I need it—it’s been the same since college, which is a testament to his character.
“Fucking idiots,” he mumbles under his breath while shaking his head.
“Abel’s right.” Coach steps into the room with his hands balled into fists and settled on his hips. Theoohhs come to a screeching halt, and it’s hard not to let the silent chuckle rumbling in my chest break free. “It’s been brought to my attention that some of you aren’t aware that men and women can have platonic relationships. Might be why some of y’all are still single.” He scoffs.
Platonic.
If Coach Sterling had any idea how non-platonic I was with his daughter last week, he’d have my ass handed to me on a dinner platter.
Coach continues talking, giving some speech to the players about being respectful and responsible… and more than one reminder that no one is allowed to date his daughter. All the while, my mind has drifted back to last week.
Thinking about the way Lea cried out my name as she shattered around my cock. How desperate she was to grind herself against me and make herself feel good while we were making out. What I’m stuck on is the way she kissed me, throwing caution to the wind. Pretty sure I’ll have that breathy, “Not a chance,” of hers on replay for years to come.
Coach Sterling calls my name and his voice is sobering, pulling me away from the lewd thoughts that I shouldn’t be having right now—or in his eyes, ever. “Parker, can I see you in my office right quick? Got something I want to talk to you about.”
My breath catches in my throat as I give him a nod and follow him into his office and take a seat. My heart hammers against my chest as I wait for him to break the silence.
“I want to thank you for taking Lea to that party last week and making sure she got back safe.” The way his face softens is a blow to the stomach. “Her and I talked on the phone a couple nights ago and she was singing your praises. Said you were an utmost gentleman.”
She was singing my praises in more ways than one, that’s for sure.
“She’s real committed to her work and such. Rarely goes out because of it. But it sounds like she had a nice time hanging out with y’all. Just wanted to let you know I appreciate you taking care of my girl.”
“Anytime, Coach.”
I mean it. Taking care of Lea isn’t something he should have to thank me for. It felt natural. Like I was hanging out with my best friend.
Her responses to our messages have been few and far between lately, and I can’t help but think it has something to do with me. Every time I let my mind reel down that path, I’m hit with the reminder that she does not know Lucky Charm is me. There’s a part of me that lives in turmoil, waiting for the ball to drop. For any chance at replicating the passion from last week to be dropped in an instant.
Which is why I’m hoping that tonight I can have some alone time with her and come clean. Explain myself before we move forward, and hope that she doesn’t hate my guts.
“How’s the whole situation with the name change? Has Vince reached out to you at all?” Coach leans back in his chair and makes himself comfortable.
I shake my head.
The most I’ve seen is his publicist putting out a statement in Page Six about Vince being “saddened” about the decision and hoping we can resolve this as a family behind closed doors. There’s no surprise that he has yet to reach out to talk to me directly, and I doubt he will.
He picks one game a season to show up to, but only if we make it to the playoffs. Purposely picking the most anticipated match up, the game we’re predicted to lose, so he can knock me off my game. Can’t risk his son outshining him when he’s around.
“Can’t say I’m surprised, but it’s probably for the best.” Coach tips his head at me and I nod in agreement. “Shame, though. The article came out well, and the media response has been positive for the most part from what I’ve seen.”
It’s true. The backlash and hatred I expected to receive from Vince’s long-standing fan base was superseded with understanding and benevolence. The reception has been better than I could’ve asked for, and I have Lea’s help to thank for that.
“Did I overhear correctly that you’re going to her party tonight?” Coach changes the subject after a beat of silence.
“Yes, sir.”
“Watch her for me, will you?”
I nod.
Always have.
* * *
The last thingI wanted to do tonight was leave the comfort of my couch to go to this party. If it was anyone other than Lea’s, I would be half asleep right now instead of pulling into the neighborhood. I promised her I’d be here when we saw each other in passing the other day, and I am a man who sticks to his word.
There will also be dozens of guys here, friends and family of teammates. Lea doesn't need protecting, but I'd feel a lot more comfortable being around in case she needs me. Especially now that Mae and Scarlett are preoccupied with their guys. If she needs someone, I want to be the one who swoops in.
