AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, sorry, coach. I didn’t want to keep my ride waiting,” Dale said then moved to the side.
Gia had to do a double-take. Dale’s coach was a sexy guy, with tattoos on his right arm, a great smile, and dark eyes. What was it with the men she was meeting lately? They had such intense eyes.
“Who is this? Where’s your mom or dads?” he asked.
“This is my ride,” Dale said and she gave him a look.
Gia removed her sunglasses and tossed them into the car on the driver’s side.
“I’m Gia, his cousin. Is there a problem?” She knew she sounded as though she was on the defensive, but she wasn’t certain if it was in defense of Dale or if it was of her instant attraction to yet another strange man.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I’m Wes McCallister. I’m the assistant head coach for the varsity football team. Are Deanna and the baby okay?” he asked and he sounded concerned.
“Oh yes. Baby Julia is just a bit colicky today and Jim and Teddy are working late. Can I help you with something?”
He stared at her a moment, almost as if he were speechless. Dale cleared his throat and laughed behind her.
“Um, well, I’m not sure if he spoke to his parents, but his grades are coming down a bit. We take education very seriously here and Dale is also a great athlete. We need him on the team, but he has to maintain a certain average.”
She looked at Dale.
“I am maintaining the school policy average, Gia. But the football coaches have their own requirements. I just did poorly on the last two math tests.”
“He’s in jeopardy of losing his starting position on the team. Opening day is next Saturday.”
“Starting position?” Dale asked, sounding rather shocked himself at the information.
The fine-looking coach turned to Dale. “Yes, Dale, a starting position. You’re really good and I don’t want you to lose this opportunity. You know how hard it is to get a starting position on the team and especially as a freshman. I just don’t want you to lose this chance.”
“Holy crap. No, coach, of course not. I just have a hard time with the math we’re learning.”
“How about a tutor?” the coach asked.
“I don’t know if I’ll feel comfortable with that.”
“Hey, Dale, don’t worry about it. I can help you.”
“I’m in advanced classes. It’s algebra, Gia,” Dale said, sounding defeated.
“Not a problem. I’m good at math. I can help you after football practice during the week and especially before tests.”
“Thanks, Gia. I don’t want Mom and the dads to start worrying.”
She looked at the coach.
“Coach McCallister?”
“Please call me Wes,” he said to her and held her gaze.
“Wes, do you think we could maybe hold off on telling his parents about this little conversation? I mean, you have my word that his grades will improve. I’ll make certain he doesn’t screw up or I’ll just sic his dads on him.”
He stared at her a moment and looked her over.
“I guess so. But he has a test this week on Wednesday.”
“He’ll be ready,” she replied as Dale said “thank you” then got into the car.
“It was nice meeting you and thank you again,” she said.
