He looked up at me with tired eyes—eyes that held more than his usual humor and kindness. “Coach…”
The rough edge in his voice was enough to undo me. Without thinking, I reached for him, pulling him to his feet. “Let’s go inside. You look like you could use a drink.”
He let out a sigh, his shoulders slumping. “I’d meant to bring wine…”
“It’s fine,” I reassured him, tugging him toward the open door and shutting it behind us. “I’ve got a stash.”
He didn’t say anything else as I led the way to the kitchen. I grabbed a bottle of Kim Crawford from the fridge and poured two glasses then carried them back to where he was still standing, unmoving in the entryway. His fingers brushed mine as he took the glass, tipping it to his lips and draining it in one long swallow.
This was it. He had come here to tell me that everything between us was a mistake, that what we were doing was doomed, and he was right. I knew it too. But I wasn’t sure I could stop.My days had become more complicated since he’d walked into my life. Work at the rink, my bike rides around town, and Teddy. Without even realizing it, my world had started revolving around him—when I’d see him next, what he would say, if it would ever stop feeling so messy.
“Hey.” I took the glass from his hand and nodded toward the kitchen. “Follow me.”
As I poured him another glass, I steeled myself. “You can say it, Valentine.”
Coach. Valentine. Those were the names we had for each other—reminders of the roles we were supposed to play in each other’s lives. Yet, I couldn’t help but love hearing him call me "coach," especially when he whispered it against my lips.
I turned back to face him, offering him his glass. He set it down on the counter, running a hand through his hair, a frustrated exhale escaping him.
So, I gave him mercy. “I get it,” I said, even though it hurt to admit it. “This was always temporary.”
“What?” His voice was rough, thick with disbelief.
“You and me,” I continued, my heart aching with each word. “We can’t keep doing this.”
“For fuck’s sake, Frankie, are you trying to break up with me right now?”
I took a long sip of wine, averting my eyes. Wasn’t that why he was here?
He moved closer, took my glass from my hand, and set it aside. The back of his hand grazed my cheek, his thumb gently pulling at my lower lip. This man… He unraveled me. I forgot who I was in his presence—my identity faded, leaving only the one he carved into me.
His gaze dropped to my lips before meeting my eyes again, dark with something unreadable. “Why does he still think you’re going to marry him?”
That… was not what I expected. I stepped back, pressing against the edge of the counter, fumbling for something to ground myself. My hands found a glass—not mine, but his was close enough. I drank it down, wishing the cup could somehow be as endless as the hollow feeling opening up inside me.
“W-what are you talking about?” I hiccupped, the tiniest burp escaping.
He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Stop.”
“Stop what?”
“That was fucking adorable, but I’m trying really hard not to lose my shit right now. Why the hell does that asshat think there’s a chance in hell you’ll walk down the aisle with him?”
He moved in closer, caging me in, his hands planted on the counter on either side of me. I somehow managed to set my glass down, but I couldn’t look him in the eyes. “He… His family is pressuring him to keep up the appearances. They think it’ll embarrass them if the wedding is called off.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
A sigh escaped me, my chest brushing his as I shifted. He leaned down, his lips grazing my ear, his breath hot against my skin. “Tell me why that fucker thinks he can get my woman to marry him.”
My woman.
The words hit me like a punch to the gut, making my heart race. The desire, hot and raw, rushed through me, but Teddy was still waiting for an answer. I couldn’t resist anymore. “If I tell you, you can’t go punching people.”
“Too late,” he muttered. “I already hit him.”
I winced. “Is he okay?”
Teddy growled, an animalistic sound that had my knees buckling. “I hope the fuck not.”
