He stares at me from across the desk for a minute, then another, and it takes everything in me not to squirm. I'm a grown-ass man, a respected baseball player, a goddamn millionaire. And yet, the man has me feeling like a naughty kid who's about to get grounded.
“You and Isabelle,” he starts. “Tell me about that.”
My mouth goes drier than the fucking desert. “What do you wanna know, sir? We were friends back in Florida, when we both went to the same college.”
He nods slowly, then places his forearms on his desk, folding his fingers together and leaning forward.
“Is that all there is? Because my beautiful new wife said something to me the other day about you two. Something that had me questioning things. She wondered if there was more to the story about you two being friends in college. I guess Isabelle had some look in her eyes or some shit. And then yesterday, Isabelle's hanging with the other wives and girlfriends, waiting outside the locker room. Who was she waiting for, Yami?”
Fuck. What the hell am I meant to say?
“Honestly sir, I don't know why she was outside the locker room. Maybe she was just waiting with the others. We didn't make plans for after the game, so I’m guessing she was just tagging along with the other ladies. But I swear to you, we’re friends. That’s all.”
At least that much is true. I’m not telling him I had sex with her a couple of weeks ago and it was the best sex I’ve had in years. I’m definitely not telling him I want to have sex with her again, or that I hate the fact she’s leaving again soon.
The way he’s looking at me, I’m worried I’m laying it on too thick. And I start to sweat.
A knock on his door breaks the tension, and I’m ready to silently thank whoever walks in for saving my ass.
Until I see it’s Isabelle and her mom.
“Hey honey, sorry if we’re interrupting.” Leanne comes to a stop, smiling at me. “Hi Kai.”
I nod my head. “Nice to see you again.” Then, carefully controlling my expression, I look at Isabelle. “Hey Iz.”
“Kai. H-hi,” she stutters out.
“Hi sweetheart,” Coach says, his voice sounding different. Still gruff, but gentle, somehow. “What’s up?”
Leanne crosses the office and comes to stand beside Coach, leaning down to kiss his cheek.
And the awkward level of this just got higher.
I stare at the floor, anything to not look at Isabelle, who’s still just hovering in the doorway.
“Belles and I were just heading out for lunch, and I realized you forgot your scouting report.”
I’m still looking down so I don’t see his reaction, but I can hear Coach laugh, and then what sounds like the smack of lips. “You’re an angel, Leanne. Thank you. I didn’t want to bother you and ask you to drop it off.”
“Tony Stirling, you’re not a bother,” Isabelle’s mom chides.
Jesus Christ, how long do I have to suffer through this? I chance another quick look at Isabelle, and her face tells me she’s just as uncomfortable as I am. I give her a wry grin, then look away quickly. Enough to tell her I’m in this hell with her.
“Okay. We’ll be on our way and leave you to your meeting. Nice to see you again, Kai,” Leanne says, her hand landing on my shoulder as she walks past. I finally lift my gaze to give her a respectful smile.
“You too. Bye Iz.”
“Bye Kai. Bye Tony. Sorry again for interrupting.”
She’s gone before anyone can say anything else, but Leanne pauses in the doorway, something unspoken passing between her and Coach. “See you later, honey.”
The door shuts behind them, and I drag my gaze up to Coach.
He’s back to staring at me.
Neither one of us speaks for a minute or two. Then he leans back, takes off his hat to rub his head before putting it back on.
“You can go, Yami.” He exhales. “Just… Is there anything I need to worry about with you two?”
