“That boner you were sporting when you ran out into the foyer.”
My ears burn, and I cross my arms.“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Landon stands from his chair, rounds my desk, and pulls my chair out, spinning me to face him. He leans down and rests his hands on the armrests.
“Then what about the one you have now?”
“What about Abby?” I deflect, and he smirks.
“My brother is taking care of her, and we are not together.”
Being this close to him short-circuits my brain.
“We can’t do this,” I protest.
He comes in closer, and I can feel his breath against my lips. “But you want to.”
I swallow hard. Wanting something doesn’t make it possible, and it sure as hell doesn’t make it smart.
“You’re a player,” I say, even as my stupid pulse betrays me. “And I’m your coach.”
Landon’s mouth tilts almost into a smile.
“And yet,” he says quietly, “you haven’t told me to step back.”
The room feels too small, the air thick enough to choke me. I curl my hands around the seat of the chair, my knuckles draining of color.
“This can’t happen,” I say, trying to sound convincing. “Not now. Not ever.”
His gaze flicks to my mouth and then back to my eyes.
“Say it like you mean it, Tate,” he replies.
I meet his stare and hold it.
I can’t crumble because I want him.
I want him so badly right now that it hurts.
“Get out,” I tell him.
For a second, I think he won’t, but he straightens slowly and steps back.
“Yes, Coach,” he says as he turns and walks away, leaving the office.
I sigh in relief when the door closes and clicks shut behind him.
I don’t know how long I can survive this tension; I need to stay away from Landon Kane. Since I’ve already had one hurdle—a setback in my career—I can’t afford to ruin everything for a man who only wants to fuck me out of his system. I saw how possessive he was over Abby. He can say they are not together all he likes, but I’m not blind.
Chapter Sixteen
Abby
I’ve been seething for days. Seeing Anastasia wasn’t on my bingo card, though I’m glad I did so I could punch her in her stupid face. Sure, I may get into trouble, but she deserved it, and I will make sure I smile in my mug shot. Just thinking about her again has me coming up with several ways I could dispose of her body.
“I can be your alibi,” Jagger offers. “You were with me all night.”
“I appreciate it, but we both know I wouldn’t last long in prison. I’ve watchedOrange is the New Black, and I couldn’t be anyone’s bitch—I love cock too much,” I reply with a snort.
