I wasn’t lying when I told Renee she didn’t need to worry about Coach Rutching taking Norah. I loved the two of them more than anyone in this world and somehow I’d ensure they were safe and happy. I needed a plan and quick.
The next day I had a semi organized plan. I stayed up all night thinking it through, and I was hoping to get something solidified today that was foolproof. Coach Rutching being the fool.
My thought was if I could get Coach Rutching in a compromising position he’d be fired and never allowed to coach in high school or a college, ruining his life.
I made peace knowing I’d lose my spot on the team, and not be able to walk for graduation. The thing I was worried about was it somehow getting out in public if I was able to seduce him. I also didn’t want to hurt Renee, and I hoped against hope I wouldn’t lose my place at Dr. Bert’s office. But even with everything on the line it was still worth the risk.
“Raine, are you feeling better?” Coach Rutching asked when I sauntered past his new office.
Just hearing his voice made my skin crawl, and I almost aborted my plan before executing it. I pictured Renee smiling as she made wedding plans, and Norah calling Brian daddy. My resolve solidified and I moved into his office with a smile.
“I feel a lot better, Coach. How have you been? It’s been forever since I’ve seen you.”
Coach Rutching gave me an odd look and I wondered if my shaky plan was already failing. Renee and I ensured Coach Rutching was never looked at by spreading the marine rumor, and we graduated right after, so hopefully he didn’t realize how close Renee and I became.
“I’ve been good. Busy trying to get this job set.”
He was acting too professional, and I wondered if I was lacking so much in the flirting department that I wasn’t going to be able to tempt him at all.
“Wasn’t it you all those years ago who lectured me about setting my standards higher than San Diego?”
You can do this, McKenna.
I walked into his office and leaned over his desk like I was sharing a secret with him. Coach Rutching’s eyes shot to his door before turning back to me.
“Now, Raine. I just wanted what was best for you. We don’t need to mention that it was in the past. Obviously you were right.” Coach Rutching winked, and I wanted to vomit all over him.
“Coach, there’s one thing you need to learn.”
“And what would that be, Raine?” He leaned closer until I could smell the mint gum on his breath.
“I’m always right.”
Coach Rutching threw his head back and laughed.
“You’re different than high school, Raine. I like it.”
“Raine, there you are. Are you ready to practice?” Trip’s voice was hard when he interrupted my little flirting session.
I jumped and turned, guilt gnawing its way up my spine. Trip leaned against the doorframe, his eyes blazing into mine.
“Sorry, Coach Butler. I was just catching up with my old coach.”
I smiled at Coach Rutching before booking it past Trip and heading toward the mound. My mind spun at how smoothly it went. Or at least until Trip interrupted.
It was too easy. Something was going to go wrong.
I shushed my mind and hefted a bucket of balls toward the mound.
“I can’t believe how much you’ve improved since high school. I thought you were good then, but now.” Coach Rutching put his hand on my shoulder and I suppressed the look of disgust wanting to surface.
Instead, I let out a giggle similar to the one Claire would use when Trip was around. Trip caught my eye and frowned, but I ignored it and looked away.
“Well, you were such a good coach, I guess it stuck with me.” I giggled again and hoped I didn’t puke.
“Let’s see if I can help you get even better.”
Holy shit, I thought Trip was cocky.
