He chuckles, and his breath tickles my lips as his nose brushes against mine. “You know what I mean.”
Idoknow what he means, and it would be easy to succumb to the kiss he’s about to plant on me. Icouldspend the day with him, and there’s no doubt in my mind I’d have a great time with him.
But therein lies the problem.
I give him another gentle push, and take two steps back. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this. We have a good thing going. I don’t want to blur the lines, and mess that up.”
“I didn’t realize hanging out together—actually talking instead of fucking—would mess things up.” He folds his arms over his chest. “I like you, Ainsley. I thought you liked me too.”
“I do like you.” I throw up my hands. “I just thought we were on the same page when I said I wanted to keep things casual.”
“We were.” He threads his fingers through his blond hair. “But I guess we’re not anymore.”
Damnit. Now I have to start from scratch, and find someone new to mess around with all over again. That shit’s exhausting. Maybe I can salvage this somehow.
“Look, I don’t want to stop what we’re doing. I like things exactly the way they are. But I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. I’m not looking for anything serious.”
“You might. One day. Don’t you think?” He shrugs. “It’s been six months. Maybe after some more time together?—”
“No, Travis. And you’re great. It’s not you.” I mean it too. He’s handsome, and kind, and successful, and fantastic in bed. “I know this sounds like some bullshit line, but it’s just who I am. I’ve never been one for relationships.”
He nods, dropping his gaze to the floor. “You were clear about that from the beginning.”
My heart sinks. I hate hurting people, but it’s not my fault he went and caught feelings after I outlined the terms of this arrangement.
“I’m sorry I ambushed you with this.” He lifts his eyes to mine. “I’ll get dressed, and get out of your hair.”
“I’m sorry.” I should say more, explain myself. But where’s the sense in that? It’s better this way. Quick, like a band aid.
After the awkward five minutes it takes him to get dressed and leave, I jump in the shower, and then I’m out the door again. I don’t have time to stop and worry about Travis or his feelings. I have an important day ahead of me.
Today is going to be a good day.
“You wantedto meet with me, sir?”
I love referring to my colleagues in a professional manner after I’ve seen them six shots in at a holiday party.
The athletic director, Colin Danbury, waves me into his office. “Close the door behind you, Ms. Morgan.”
I glance up at the clock on the wall as the door clicks behind me. “Ready for tryouts?”
“Yes, I’m excited for this new season, especially coming off your state championship win last year. You’ve done well with the team.” He steeples his fingers on his desk. “Moving you from JV to varsity was clearly the right move.”
“Thanks.” I sink down into the chair opposing him. “They’re a great group of athletes.”
“I know you’ve got a lot to prep for today, so I won’t keep you long.”
I lean forward and rest my elbows on my knees. “Okay, shoot.”
“As you know, we’ve had to hire a new coach for the junior varsity team this year.”
I nod. “I kept checking the board minutes to see if we’d found anyone, but I didn’t see anything.”
Reading the district’s minutes every month is equivalent to a tabloid magazine for teachers. Salaries, hirings, and firings are all posted for public consumption.
And judgment. That’s our favorite part.
“Well, we’ve found someone. It’ll be announced at this week’s board meeting, but I wanted to give you a heads-up since you’ll be on the field with him today.”
