Chapter 45 #2
I nodded hastily, taking joy in the fact that he truly understood where I was coming from.
I tried not to smile from ear to ear. This is why we clicked so well.
He more than anyone understood my drive and determination.
The need to succeed in the sport, not just because I wanted to be on top, but because I hungered for it, craved it.
"I was in your spot once," Kova continued.
"I understand what you are dealing with.
What we will do is hone in on tightening up a few things and some conditioning.
No tumbling passes for now, or vault. Let us get you started on the treatment first so your Achilles can begin to heal as much as possible.
You are there, Ria, your routines are solid.
" Kova paused. "You are there." Kova grabbed my biceps and gave me a little shake. My legs trembled, nearly giving out at finally hearing the words I’d prayed to hear since coming to World Cup.
"Coming in first place at the meet was huge.
All eyes are on you right now. And you know how I know that?
Because I have already gotten call after call wondering about who you are and where you came from.
Make no mistake, those little tears are extremely dangerous.
We will be smart about it, but we are not stopping. "
"You got calls about me?"
He nodded his head, hiding a grin.
"What did they say?" I asked excitedly.
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with right now."
"Kova! Tell me!" I teetered on my toes anxiously. "Just give me something!"
"Just some colleagues asking about which meets you will be at. They were impressed with you and said they hoped to see you at nationals."
My eyes went wide. Nationals were meets I had to qualify for, and the most important ones.
I had to be one of the top eight in my age division.
No easy feat by any measure, but it still made me happy and gave me a ton of hope.
A stupid grin split across my face. Nationals?
I couldn't even imagine. I mean, I could, but for his friends to call about me and make that comment was exhilarating.
"Remember nationals is where the college coaches go to recruit," he stated.
I nodded hesitantly. It may have slipped my mind.
"Not to worry. We have a little time before that." He put a hand up before I could say another word. "I know college isn't on your mind, but I still want you to be well-informed of all your opportunities as much as you can."
Without thinking, I threw my arms around his shoulders and dropped my face into the curve of his neck.
His words filled my heart as I leaned in between his hips.
Kova wrapped his arms around my lower back and held me snuggly to him.
He sighed into my neck. His confidence in me filled me to epic proportions.
I needed that, needed to feel like I could do anything, and that he had my back.
Tears poured from my eyes as I cried and thanked him repeatedly.
His words were music to my ears. I was petrified and angry when I walked in here today, ready to go toe-to-toe.
I feared this meeting would be déjà vu all over again and he’d tell me we'd have to downgrade my skills.
But he surprised me in many ways. I had no idea anyone had taken interest in me since the competition.
Kova's hand ran in soothing circles on my back.
He leaned his face against the side of my head and murmured, "You got this, Ria.
Focus but be smart. I will be right there with you every step of the way.
" He gave me a little squeeze and dropped a soft peck to my temple.
My body warmed and I began to catch my breath when I heard the door creak.
I froze, my heart stopped, and I sucked in a breath as Kova's hand stopped moving. His body hardened against mine and before we could move, the door flew open.
"What…what is going on here?"
I looked over my shoulder and met Katja’s vivid golden and peridot eyes. Fuck.
Kova pulled back. One of his hands slid to my hip and his thumb ran in small circles on my pelvis, only for me to feel and no one to see.
Katja’s eyes shifted rapidly from me to Kova, the accusation in her gaze strong enough to render me speechless. Oh, God.
"Katja, what are you doing here?" Kova asked as he stood and put a little distance between us.
"Why were you two…embraced like that?" She stared at me like I was a roach she wanted to step on. "What is going on here, Kova?" Katja glanced at him, then looked back at me. "She is a child," she spat, and I paled.
"I am aware, Kat, but it is not what you think."
"Not what I think? Then what the hell is going on? Why were you two holding each other like…like lovers," she bit out.
Kova's eyes darkened and he moved lightning fast to stand in front of her.
He began mouthing off in Russian, short and clipped words, but it didn't take a fool to realize he was furious.
The tension in the room was stifling, so much hostility it was hard to breathe.
I suddenly felt like a leper. Each time Katja tried to get a word in, he cut her off.
Her eyes shifted to me, but Kova snapped his fingers and his voice rose every time.
She jumped, and I rolled my bottom lip between my teeth as she looked back at him with shame in her eyes.
The conversation tampered off, then an uncomfortable silence filled the room for a moment.
"As you see, Adrianna has an injury."
Katja's eyes dropped to my foot that had been wrapped in tape. Her jaw bobbed. Her cheeks blushed. I'd never been so thankful to have this injury until now. The chair had blocked my leg from her view when she had walked in.
Her tune changed immediately, but there was something in her eyes that didn't quite sell me. I wish I knew what he said to her.
"I…I did not know. I apologize greatly."
"It's okay. I got a little emotional thinking my gymnastics career would have to change once again, and I couldn't handle that after coming so far." My voice shook a little.
"Kova has mentioned what a great deal of improvement you have made in the past year. In fact, he says you are his best gymnast and sees big things for you."
My lips parted and I glanced at Kova. Blood pumped faster through my heart as our eyes connected. His body was stiff, his mouth a firm, thin line.
"Now, if you will excuse me, I will see you for dinner tonight, malysh ."
Malysh. My eyes lowered.
Katja smiled and leaned in for a kiss, and I decided it was my cue to leave.
Grabbing my keys and cell phone, I mumbled my gratitude to Kova and that I'd see him tomorrow for practice.
Hayden tried to get my attention once I was in the lobby, but I limped my ass out of there as fast as I could.
The last thing I wanted to see was Kova kissing Katja.
Or worse, hear her mouth slurping over his body.