Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 169(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 169(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
I should have stuck with what I know.
What I’m used to.
Instead of giving in to every impulse that prods me to turn tail and run, I swing into the last row and slide over a couple of desks before settling on an empty seat. I promised myself I’d give this a couple weeks before dropping out, and that’s what I intend to do.
No matter how painful.
Here’s my dilemma—in order to coach college ball long term, I need a degree from a four-year institution. It took a lot of cajoling on Coach A’s part to convince the athletic department to overlook that credential. They only agreed to hire me with the caveat that I take courses each semester and steadily work toward my bachelors.
If I quit school, I lose the offensive coordinator position. Not to mention, disappoint Coach, a man who has put his name and reputation on the line for me. Even though I’ve only been on the field with the kids for a couple of weeks, I already love it. This job is a dream come true. Now that I’ve made it a reality, I’m loath to walk away and go back to working on cars full time.
When I was a kid, I lived and breathed football. I played in a Pop Warner program before moving onto my high school team. And then Claremont. I have no idea if I could have played professionally after college, but I loved every moment of the experience along with the camaraderie I found with my teammates. The kind of friendships you make in a team sport aren’t easily duplicated.
Until I walked away from football the summer before junior year of college, I didn’t realize how much it consumed my life. I did the only thing I could and threw myself into steering my brother in the right direction. As satisfying as that had been, it’s not the same as being on the field and playing.
Coaching isn’t the same either, but it’s damn close.
As close as I’ll get.
So, no…the last thing I want is to give it up. Which basically means I need to do whatever I can to make the situation work. Since I haven’t been in a classroom for a while, I decided to slowly dip my foot in the pond by taking a couple of classes. If the fall goes well…then I’ll consider a full course load in the spring.
I still get my hands dirty by working on cars. It’s just not as many as before. Coaching takes up a significant chunk of my time.
I glance around the room again and watch the other students grab their computers from their bags and fire them up. I can’t help but shake my head. Back in my day, we used a notebook and pencil.
Isn’t that easier than lugging around a laptop?
Just as that thought rolls through my head, feminine laughter catches my attention and I swing around and find the same girl I ran into yesterday outside Coach’s office.
Poppy.
There hadn’t been a doubt in my mind that she was young when I’d been staring down at her. But that hadn’t been enough to stop me from yanking her close enough to feel the pebbled tips of her breasts pressed against my chest as her big blue eyes nearly swallowed me whole. It had taken every ounce of self-control to rip my gaze away.
Have I ever seen eyes such a bright and vibrant hue?
My initial response had been to drag her even closer.
Instead, I’d forced myself to do the appropriate thing and set her free.
A couple minutes later, Derek had stepped out of his office and introduced me to his daughter.
His daughter.
She’s a junior like me…except much younger.
Seven years, to be exact.
What had he said while introducing us?
Right…that she’d been in middle school when I’d been in college. Even though it’s been a couple of days, that comment is enough to make me cringe.
Obviously, she’s way too young for me.
The girl is practically a baby, for fuck’s sake.
Just like the rest of these damn kids.
But still…
My attention stays riveted to her as she flashes a grin. It’s a little surprising when my cock twitches with interest.
When was the last time that happened?
Not recently.
The past seven years have been too busy. First, working at the garage in town and then branching off and starting my own business in the pole barn on our property. There’s never been room for a woman.
All right, maybe that’s not altogether true.
When I needed a warm body, I found one.
It wasn’t difficult.
But a relationship?
Hard pass.
Even the most persistent of women tended to stop calling and messaging when they realized I had zero interest in being exclusive.
You want to spend a couple hours of no-strings attached sex between the sheets?
I’m your man.
Other than that?
Not so much.
When she laughs, I realize with a jolt that she’s not alone. There’s a guy at her side. One who’s smiling down at her, staring like she’s the only girl in the world.