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His eyes narrow.

I swallow.

“I’ve been avoiding you because I'm not interested.”

My pulse is pounding so loudly I'm amazed he can't hear it.

But I said it.

Finally.

No excuse.

No imaginary cat.

No fake plans.

No pretending I need to reorganize my sock drawer.

Just the truth.

I'm not interested.

For one second, Coach Williams looks almost stunned.

Then angry.

Something hot flashes behind his eyes.

Lion.

Predator.

“You're making a mistake.”

Every instinct I possess tells me to back away. But I don't.

“Maybe. But it's mine to make.”

Holy shit.

Who even am I?

I grab my bag.

“I'll see you at the next meeting.”

I walk away before my newfound backbone realizes what I've done and abandons me completely.

Behind me, Coach Williams doesn't move.

I don't hear him when he speaks.

“You won't be getting away from me, Maggie May.”

My heart is still pounding so loud, I can’t hear anything and apparently, I’m blind, too. Because when I leave the room, I almost knock down the principal.

“Getting away from whom?”