Page 14 of The Penalty

“It’s a nice house, though.”

“I know. Just big and empty.”

She sits down on her bed, and I follow suit, digging into my food as she turns on Netflix and picks a movie.

After I’ve thoroughly demolished my plate of food, Kylie hears her dad come home. “I’m going to go say hi really quick.”

I follow her downstairs so I can wash my plate but also to remind him that I’m here so there are no surprises in the morning.

Kylie greets her dad in the foyer, and I beeline for the kitchen.

“Hey, Dad. How was your day?” I hear her ask.

“It was good. Long, but good. What about you?”

“It was good. I’m pretty sure I aced a pop quiz today.”

“That’s my girl.” I glance over my shoulder in time to see him gently kiss the side of her head. It’s sweet seeing this side of him. On the field, he’s all gruff and serious, but with Kylie, he seems lighter.

My gaze suddenly collides with his. “Hey, McKenzie.”

“Hey, Coach. Ready for tomorrow?”

“I was born ready.”

I smile. “Thanks for letting me stay the night.”

“Any friend of Kylie’s is always welcome. It’s her home, too.” Kylie gives him a huge smile. It makes me miss my own dad so much. I haven’t been able to go home since last Christmas. I was so close to my dad growing up being the only girl. He always had a soft spot for me, and damn, do I miss his hugs.

“Well, I’m gonna go get ready for bed,” I tell them to give them some more privacy.

Coach looks me up and down, and I realize I’m still in my server uniform. He doesn’t ask about it, and I don’t volunteer any more information. I can only hope that Kylie didn’t tell him about my living situation. She promised me she wouldn’t, but you never know. The last thing I want is to be seen as a charity case.

I push off the counter and head to Kylie’s room to grab my pajamas. I go into the bathroom across the hall, take a quick shower, and change into my oversized T-shirt and old boxer shorts. I brush my teeth and quickly cross the hall to Kylie’s room.

She isn’t back yet, and I still hear voices from the kitchen. I climb under the covers in her bed. It feels so good to be in an actual bed. I feel like I’m lying on a cloud.

It must feel too good because the next thing I know, my phone is going off with the alarm I set for five a.m. I don’t remember Kylie coming back to her room, but I look over my shoulder and see that she’s sleeping soundly next to me. Damn, I didn’t mean to fall asleep so early. I’m just exhausted. It’s only been a few weeks since school started, and I’m already running on fumes. But I can’t afford to slow down now.

I slowly pull myself out from under the covers, the cold air hitting my bare legs and waking me up even more. I throw my hair up in a messy bun and grab my laptop, leaving Kylie’s room as quietly as I can. I don’t want to wake her up this early, but I have an article I need to work on.

The house is completely silent, so Coach must still be sleeping, too.

I set up my laptop on the kitchen counter and get to work. The words come so much easier for me in the morning when I’m not completely exhausted from a whole day of class and work.

About an hour later, I hear a sound from the hallway, but I’m mid-sentence on my last paragraph and don’t look.

“You’re up early,” a gravely voice says. Coach comes into view just before he flips the kitchen light on, making me shut my eyes quickly at the brightness. He’s in sweatpants and a La Vista University football shirt. It’s strange seeing him so casual. Not that he’s usually dressed up at school or anything, but he definitely doesn’t wear sweatpants. I can’t help but think that this look is really doing something for me. Sweatpants shouldn’t be so hot. Especially not on my friend’s dad. God, what is wrong with me?

“Yeah, I guess I fell asleep early last night. I didn’t want to wake up Kylie, so I just came out here to get some work done. I hope that’s ok.”

“Yeah, that’s fine.” He turns on the coffee maker and grabs a mug from the cabinet. “You want some coffee?”

“Oh, sure. Thanks.” He grabs another mug, and when he turns to look at me, I notice his eyes linger a little longer on my bare legs. Suddenly, I feel very exposed.

“Cream and sugar?” he asks, turning away from me.

“Yes, please.”