Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 169(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42306 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 169(@250wpm)___ 141(@300wpm)
“Well, that’s a shame.”
“It is. I really liked him,” I admit. None of the guys I’ve dated in the past have affected me this way. They never came close to making my heart pound or my panties dampen the way Mason did.
“Perhaps the situation is worth revisiting to see if it can be salvaged.” She allows those words to sink in before adding, “Relationships aren’t easy, but finding someone you get along with and feel connected to is rare. And it shouldn’t be discarded simply because it takes work.”
My teeth sink into my lower lip before chewing on it. “I don’t know.”
Mason has suffered enough heartache and pain. The last thing I want to do is inflict more damage.
It’s so tempting to come clean. To get everything out in the open and see what her reaction is. It’s highly doubtful she’d be doling out encouraging advice if she knew the truth.
But being honest would put Mason at risk, and I’m unwilling to do that.
Mason
“The team’s really shaping up,” Coach says, standing next to me on the sidelines with a clipboard in hand. “Moving Erickson to the O line was the right decision.”
I nod in agreement. “He’s comfortable there and will make more of an impact.”
“Yup.” He yanks off his ballcap before wiping the sweat from his brow. “It’s hot as Hades out here.”
I glance at the cloudless sky. He’s not joking. Even though it’s the middle of September, temperatures are still hovering in the eighties. On the turf, it feels even hotter. Some of these boys aren’t from the South. They’re not used to this kind of heat and humidity.
“I have to say that you joining the program midway through the summer has gone smoother than expected.”
“It’s been a great experience so far,” I tell him.
“How are your classes? I know you were worried about them giving you trouble. Is that still a concern?”
“Nope, they’re going well.” Which is a surprise. I fully expected to crash and burn. “There was a bit of a learning curve in the beginning but I’m getting the hang of it.”
He nods, looking pleased with the admission. “I knew you would. In a couple years, you’ll have a degree to hang on the wall.”
It’s definitely one of the perks to working at the university.
When I remain silent, he adds, “And the guys have really taken to you.”
“They’re a good bunch.” For the most part. There are always a couple boneheads who need a little extra guidance, but that goes with the territory. Just the other week, a freshman player was picked up by campus police at two o’clock in the morning for underage intoxication. On top of the ticket, he’s now benched for three weeks and needs to complete a mandatory substance abuse program with the university.
“Is there anything on your mind that you’d like to discuss?”
I glance at him, surprised by the question. “Nope.” In fact, this coaching gig couldn’t be going any better.
Shifting his stance, he continues to stare at the players scrimmaging on the field. “Denison,” he barks, “where the hell are you supposed to be?”
The kid freezes.
“Wrong!” He points to a different place on the field. “Hustle over there.”
There’s a pause as the kid gets into position.
“Better.”
Silence descends as we watch the play unfold.
Just when I think he’s dropped the previous conversation, he says, “The reason I ask is because you’ve seemed a little off lately.” He squints against the sun. “I was worried you might be having second thoughts about coming on board.”
Instead of admitting the truth, I say, “No second thoughts. I’m good.”
As good as I can be, considering that the girl I was falling for just smashed my heart to smithereens.
“Guess there must be something in the air, because Poppy doesn’t seem much like herself these days either.”
My gaze slices to him. “Oh?” The last thing I want to do is appear overeager to hear about his daughter, even though that’s exactly what I am. “Is something going on?”
He shrugs as his gaze stays focused on the field. “Not really sure. She was over for dinner last week and just didn’t seem like her normal bubbly self.” He flicks a glance in my direction. “For the most part, she’s always been a happy kid.”
It takes everything I have inside not to wince.
Kid.
Because that’s exactly what she is.
“Her mother’s death was a difficult time for her.” His expression softens. “You’d understand that better than anyone.”
“Yeah.” It’s just one of the things we have in common.
“She and Anne grabbed lunch and did a little shopping the other day. My wife was hoping Poppy would open up and tell her what’s going on.”
My chest constricts as every muscle becomes whipcord tight. “And did she?”
“A little.” Coach frowns. “Guess she just went through a breakup.”
“Oh.” Everything inside me plummets.
“No father wants to see his little girl get her heart broken.”