Chapter 23 #2
“Liar,” he chuckles, but he gives me exactly what I want anyway.
He pulls out almost completely, holding still for a moment while the anticipation builds, and then slams back into me.
He does this over and over, the pause between pulling out and sliding back into me getting shorter and shorter until he’s ruthlessly pounding me as I come, mumbling gibberish as my body begins to shake of its own accord.
His thrusts are uneven as he finishes inside of me on a low growl, and his warm cum fills me completely.
The only thought running through my mind is: he was made for me, and I was made for him. Nothing else matters.
It’s been a week since Gabriel and I started secretly sleeping together.
I almost feel like a teenager again—sneaking around, meeting him in private so that no one on the team or in town catches on.
It’s been harder than I expected, not just because I’m fairly certain my brother has figured it out, but because part of me is still hurt that Gabriel chose the tour over me two years ago, when I needed him more than anyone.
So when I get a call from a sponsor in Hawaii offering me a hefty salary to relocate and represent their products in competitions, I don’t say no right away. They email the details and contracts over, and the more I read, the more appealing it becomes.
It would give me breathing room from Gabriel crashing back into my life like a wrecking ball, and from the constant tension between him and my brother. A selfish part of me even believes that leaving might break that cycle and let the team refocus on what actually matters.
Surfing.
I spend three days turning it over in my mind before signing the contracts and sending them back. And just like that, the decision is made. Now I have to tell everyone else, and perfect timing because we’re about to have a team meeting in the Shredder House.
When I get there, I take my usual spot next to Zale and try to steady my nerves while the meeting drags on. When Gabriel asks if anyone has questions, I slowly raise my hand. I glance around, half-hoping someone else will speak first, but when no one does, I stand up.
It’s only once I’m standing that the weight of my decision truly settles in, along with the impact it will have on the team by leaving them with only two female competitors right before the season begins.
“Hi, team,” I say, clearing my throat and wiping my damp palms on my thighs. “I have an announcement to make.”
All eyes turn to me, and my nerves churn so violently I feel like I might throw up. “I was recently offered an opportunity by a sponsor in Hawaii to represent their line in competitions.”
The whole team erupts into cheers and applause immediately.
“That’s amazing, Zalea! Congrats!” Maliah beams from across the room.
I manage a small smile, though it clearly doesn’t reach my eyes because Gabriel and my brother notice right away. Gabriel’s grin fades, hands slipping into his pockets, and I can tell he must know that what I’m going to say next isn’t something he wants to hear.
“Why don’t you look happy?” Zale asks.
“I am,” I say quickly. “It’s just…one of the conditions of the sponsorship is…”
I can’t get the words out, feeling like my throat is closing in on me.
“One of the conditions is that she leaves the team,” Gabriel finishes evenly. “And moves to Hawaii. Is that right?”
Gasps ripple around the room, and Zale jumps to his feet.
“Is that true?” his voice sounds close to breaking.
I bite my lip and nod, unable to speak.
“Did you already sign the contract?” Gabriel asks.
I meet his gaze, trying to read him, but his expression is carefully blank. This isn’t my fuckbuddy Gabriel, this is Coach Matthews.
“Yes,” I say quietly. “I leave in a week.”
He nods once, looking down as he gathers his thoughts.
“Alright, team. The meeting's over. Practice is in three hours.”
He leaves the room without another look my way. I want to follow, to explain, but I’m immediately surrounded by teammates asking questions about the sponsor, about Hawaii, and about why I’d leave. I promise to explain at the team outing tonight, and slip away to find Gabriel.
It takes twenty minutes for me to realize he isn’t inside. I finally spot him on the beach, sitting near the shore, arms draped loosely around his knees as he stares out at the waves. I walk over, rehearsing what I’ll say, and when I reach him, I sit down.
“I just got you back, Z,” he says quietly. The sadness in his voice hits me hard.
My heart tightens in my chest, guilt clawing at me. “You’re not losing me,” I tell him. “Not really. I’ll only be a short flight away.”
“Hawaii isn’t a short flight,” he mutters, and I almost laugh at the childishness in his tone.
“I’m sure your pilot can speed you over,” I tease, nudging his shoulder.
He turns toward me. “I selfishly want to tell you not to go. You re-signed your team contract two years ago for five years.”
My heart pounds as I stare back at him, realizing I might have just fucked myself over.
“But, I won’t,” he continues. “If this is what you want, I’m not stopping you.”
I exhale in relief. “Thank you,” I whisper, resting my head atop my hands as I stare at him.
“But I’m still your coach,” he adds, eyes returning to the ocean. “I’ll fly in to check your training and I’ll be at every competition.”
I bite my lip to hide my smile. “Do I get a say?”
He shakes his head. “No.”
“Okay, Coach,” I say, my smile breaking free.