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Levi drops onto the middle cushion. With no other choice, I settle gingerly next to him.
Mason
What the actual fuck?
Did Poppy just disappear into the pool house with Levi?
I glance at her father only to see that he’s deep in conversation with our defensive coordinator. He probably doesn’t realize his daughter just went missing. Anne is busy checking out the food situation while she chats with one of the coaches’ wives.
I drag a hand over my face and grit my teeth until my jaw aches from the pressure before glancing at my sports watch.
“Mason?”
“Yeah?” My attention reluctantly returns to Jason, another assistant coach. Honestly, I have no idea what the hell he’s been yapping about. Maybe a new exercise regimen he wants to implement? I’ve spent the past hour covertly watching Poppy, all the while nodding and grunting at appropriate intervals.
I can’t stop my gaze from dropping to my watch again. It’s been three minutes since they shuttered themselves inside the structure.
What the hell are they doing in there?
Only one answer comes to mind.
My hands tighten at my sides.
“I asked what you thought about adding a nutritionist to make the guys protein shakes after practice as part of their active recovery.”
I clap Jason on the shoulder. “I think you’re definitely on to something.”
“Really?” He perks up. “Should I mention it at the next meeting?”
“Nah. I’d talk to him about it right now.”
His expression morphs into one of surprise as he shifts his stance and considers my advice. “You think so?”
“Absolutely.” I point to Coach. “There’s no time like the present.”
“Thanks, Mason. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
“You be sure to do that.”
As soon as Jason walks away, I take off for the pool house. It’s been five minutes and counting. So help me god if I find the door locked. I’ll bust the damn thing down. The thought of Poppy shuttered away inside with Levi sends my temper skyrocketing.
A few players attempt to catch my attention as I stalk around the rectangular-shaped pool.
“Hey, Coach! Want to—”
“Nope.” I don’t even bother making eye contact. I’m a man on a mission. And that mission is to disrupt whatever the hell is going on in that room. And maybe wring Levi’s neck. That has yet to be determined.
The closer I get to the small building, the harder it becomes to contain my anger. Once there, I grab hold of the handle and yank with all my might. The door crashes against the wall before reverberating on its hinges. Levi startles, nearly jumping from the couch where he sits next to Poppy, before staring at me with wide eyes.
“Out!” I growl, jerking a thumb over my shoulder.
His brows slam together as his face scrunches. “Coach?”
“Get. Out.” I grit those two words through clenched teeth. If the kid doesn’t get his carcass moving, I’ll gladly do it for him.
He shoots Poppy a questioning look as if she has any say in the matter.
“You should probably go,” she murmurs. “We’ll talk later.”
