Pushing past him, I walk toward the front doors, my heart hammering in my chest. Jacob calls my name but I don’t turn around and don’t acknowledge I’ve even heard him. The sound of an engine turning over roars behind me before the squeal of tires on the pavement fills the air.
I’m shaking by the time I make it inside. I’m late and it does nothing to ease the panic coursing through my veins. I need this job, and I can’t afford Jacob screwing it up because he found out I’ve finally moved on.
“Miss Richards,” Coach Turner says, peeking his head around the corner, “can I see you in my office, please?”
Son of a bitch.
Forcing a tight smile, I stand and brush my hands down the front of my skirt as I walk the few steps to his office. I’ve been in here countless times, but not like this.
Please don’t fire me.
Hovering just inside the doorway, I shift nervously as he drops into the chair behind his desk and motions behind me.
“Shut the door and have a seat.” Softening his expression, he adds, “You’re not in trouble if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“It crossed my mind,” I admit as I sit on the edge of the seat and will my leg not to bounce like a jackhammer.
“I wanted to make sure you’re all right.”
Opening my mouth, I stare at him in surprise before pressing my lips into a firm line, the latter doing nothing to stave off the tears.
“I’m all right.” He grunts in reply, the sound disbelieving, and honestly, I don’t believe me either. “Jacob has never done anything like this since we’ve been divorced, and he knowsI’m seeing someone but…” I say, my words trailing off because it’s embarrassing to say my ex-husband doesn’t like my new,youngerboyfriend even though he married his much younger secretary.
“How would you like me to handle it? I can have him banned from stepping foot on the campus. We can call the sheriff and file a report, maybe get you an order of protection?”
“Oh,”—my face heats as the magnitude of Jacob’s actions barrel down on me—“I’m not sure.”
“Why don’t you talk to Nessa about it and get her take. I’m sure Jensen would be more than happy to help you decide.” He pauses. “Personally, I’d like to ban him from the university, but I don’t want to do that until I know what steps you’re taking.”
“I’m so sorry this is turning into such a?—”
He holds up a hand and slashes it down. “Do not apologize for the actions of others. Your safety and the safety of everyone on this campus is my priority, Lana. I don’t want to ban him and then have him waiting for you down the street where we can’t get to you.”
Tears cloud my eyes as his words replay in my head. Jacob has never been violent. A grandstander, sure, but never violent. But today had been so unexpected. Adrenaline had fueled the interaction and I’d been strong, hadn’t folded under his scrutiny, hadn’t recoiled at his words.
Now, I’m questioning everything.
“I’ll talk to Nessa and let you know tomorrow.”
“All right, do you need to take the day? Maybework from home?” He makes air quotes aroundwork from home, and it has a smile tipping up the corner of my mouth.
“I think I’ll stick it out, keep myself distracted here.” Standing, I smile. “But thank you and thank you for talking with me.”
“My door is always open.” I nod and head toward the door. “Lana?”
“Yes?”
“Do me a favor, would you?”
“Sure, Coach.”
“If you go anywhere today or leave the building, will you make sure to let someone know? Have someone walk you to your car when you leave for the day? That includes me.”
This time I can’t stop the single tear that slides down my cheek. “I will.”
25
LANA
