Chapter 28 Ian #2
“You went there. You’re either brave or stupid as fuck,” another one says.
“In love,” says another one.
I don’t reply. They’re all right.
Coach Parker’s voice booms from the other side of the field. “Weston, get your ass in my office.”
“Good luck, you’ll need it,” Roman says and even makes the sign of the cross my way—the jester.
I stand up, every muscle screaming from overuse.
I am right behind him, but he keeps ignoring me. When we reach his office, he opens the door and shuts it with such force that it almost rips the door from its hinges.
He paces around his office as if to gather his thoughts. I remain perfectly still—a convict awaiting his verdict, pleading not guilty while faced with damning evidence.
Striding to his desk, he sinks into his chair and slams his fists on the top. The items bounce around like rubber balls. This is bad.
“What the fuck were you thinking?”
“Coach—” I try, but he cuts me off.
He lifts a finger. “I’m not done talking. Apparently, you haven’t been listening to a fucking word I’ve said since the beginning of the preseason. Your name is plastered all over the internet, some saying this is not how a football player should behave, losing his cool and starting a fight.”
Staring me down, he shakes his head as if clearing his mind. Poker face on, I simply listen to his rant, not feeling as guilty as he wants me to be.
“Now my name is out there, thinking my player and my daughter are together, and I am too lenient with you. What would you do in my place? Because the owner and the PR department are in fucking tizzy over you. The star quarterback who couldn’t stay away from the coach’s daughter. I’m a laughingstock.”
He pants heavily, and I inhale deeply. This could go from bad to catastrophically worse within seconds.
“I’m not sorry, Coach.”
“You’re not sorry?” he snickers.
The sarcasm isn’t lost on me.
I take a step toward him, looking him dead in the eyes. “I’m not sorry for defending Lilly. It’s not in my nature to let some asshole disrespect my girl. The woman I love.” The words rush out, blasting from the vault where I kept them locked down.
There, I said it, and the weight I’ve carried with me disappears, making me feel lighter.
He hikes a brow. “You love her more than football? Shall I test that?”
“I can have both and I will have both,” I say, determination filling up my chest that expands with each breath.
His eyes bore into me, the wrath in them scalding. “You might be talented, but football is a team sport. Pissing off your head coach would be really stupid.”
I cross my arms over my chest and spread my legs, holding my ground. “I can tell you with absolute certainty that if you ask me to stay away from Lilly, I won’t.”
His chest shakes with barely contained fury. “Get out. I’ll tell you about my decision soon.”
Fuck, I get he’s angry at me, but I feel like I need to save the situation, not because he’s my coach but because he’s Lilly’s father.
Inhaling deeply, I place my palms on his desk, bending nearer to him, so he can see how earnest I am.
“I’m sorry I disappointed you. It was never about that or disrespecting you.
Lilly and I met five years ago, and now that I’ve found her, I won’t lose her again.
I tried, Coach, but I can’t stay away. Fighting my feelings for her is not only exhausting, it’s in vain.
” I seek his eyes, not breaking eye contact.
I need him to see how serious I am and about my intentions.
“So, whatever you decide, I’m going to accept it.
I love your daughter. Just give me a chance to prove those aren’t just empty words. ”
He loses a bit of his hardness by the end of my speech. He jerks his chin toward the door, dismissing me. It’s as if I carry lead, making each step feel heavier. This man will decide my fate and there is nothing I can do.
Once in my car, I find three missed calls from Levi, so I call him right back.
“Hi, man. How are you holding up?”
I rub a hand down my face. “I just got ripped a new asshole by Coach. Said he’ll let me know what he decides.”
“It’s fine. We’ll find a solution,” he assures me. “Every team would love to have you.”
“Yeah, but he could also say I’m not a team player, that I don’t listen to my coaches. He could make things difficult for me if he wanted. It’s not like the last time when Seattle traded us after the consecutive Super Bowl wins,” I sigh, aware of the troubles piling up.
“This is bullshit. This was an extraordinary situation. And hey, at least you didn’t end up punching him like when I lost my shit.”
I chuckle, having the hotheadedness in common.
“I wanted to. You have no idea how badly I wanted to. Do you think they’ll suspend me?”
“Probably. You know it’s about the image we present to the outside world. The good part is that asshole doesn’t want to press charges. All eyewitnesses said he was being a dick, every guy insisted he would have done the same.”
Suspended. I am not as fazed as I thought I’d be.
“I don’t know how you managed all those years, man.”
“Fuck it all. Go get your girl.”
I intend to. Nothing and no one could keep me from my end goal.
“That’s the plan. You and Amelie?”
“We’re going on a date,” he says, sounding hopeful, which elevates my mood.
I smirk. “Serves you right.”
“I’ll put a ring on her finger the moment she lets me in completely. But I have a foot in the door.”
“Good luck with that.”
“I don’t need luck, asshole. We love each other,” he grumbles.
He hangs up, and I drive home. Thinking of Lilly, my problems vanish.
Inside my loft, I drop my gym bag in the corner.
Sagging on the floor, I press play on the video game.
When Coach calls, a rush of nerves has me shooting up, my palms clammy.
“You’re benched for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. People are mad at you. I’m mad at you. Your actions could cost us a Super Bowl. No one is happy about it. You’re the highest paid football player in the league and are supposed to lead by example.”
I swallow the lump in my throat, hating that I caused problems, but I know I’d do it again for her. “Anything else, Coach?”
“Nothing more to say in your defense?” His voice sounds harsh.
I rub a hand down my face, sighing. “I don’t know what you want me to say. I’ll do my best to counter what my action caused while doing my best on the field.”
“You don’t sound regretful,” he says, letting out a string of muffled curses.
“Because, Coach, I’m not. I regret not kicking his ass. That’s what I really wanted to do. I stopped because I can control myself. I also stopped because Lilly has a positive effect on me.”
“Yes, it’s there for the world to see,” he mumbles.
“Please, don’t blame her.”
“I won’t expect a hundred percent, but a thousand percent. You made me go back on my word, Ian. That’s never happened before. And it sets a dangerous precedent, but as a father, thank you for taking care of my daughter.”
He hangs up. Tossing my phone away, I get back to playing, losing myself in the video game. I have no idea how much time passes.
The click of my door closing interrupts my focus.
Lilly steps inside, studying me, and I let out a heavy exhale.
“Is there anything I can do?” she asks softly, walking to me.
I squeeze my eyes shut for a moment, trying and failing to contain my need. “Don’t ask me that now. I’m weak and I…”
“And you what?”
“Need you.”
She lowers onto my lap and locks her arms around my neck.
“I’m here.”
I slam my mouth on hers, and the world ceases to exist.