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Coach meant he was staying…being a coach meant we’d see him every game…it meant he’d have a major role in Cole’s life.
“I’m coaching. I tried to tell you last night…” His face shuttered just the smallest bit, but he pushed past it.
“But…you’re not…” I started, but a few kids running into the cement space interrupted us.
“Coach, time to start,” a kid declared. I thought his name was Dylan.
Ryan smiled, slapped his clipboard on his thigh, and turned toward the bench full of kids. I, however, stood stunned at this development.
More kids filed into the dugout while the opposing team prepared and warmed up. Ryan began going through his speech, an encouraging conversation regarding their skills and teamwork, then the umpire blew a whistle and both teams were running onto the field.
I still hadn’t moved; my feet were frozen to the ground. If Ryan was the new coach, he had to be moving back, right? No, it could be a million different reasons as to why he was there.
“Bex, will you stay in here with me? I need to show you something after the game.” Ryan’s voice was smooth as velvet, which shook me out of my thoughts.
“I’ll be sitting with your parents,” I replied curtly, spinning on my heel toward the stands.
I may have moved away from him, but it only took a single breath to see hurt flicker in his eyes. I pushed the pain down. He’d broken us; I didn’t owe him anything.
* * *
We won the game,and Cole was over the moon. He jumped and screamed with his fellow teammates. Gary and Gloria rushed down to the field, sweeping Bell away with them. Through the chaos, I managed to make my way back toward the dugout, where Cole was high-fiving his friends and clapping them on the back.
Ryan was there, beaming at the kids and parents who’d come to say hello and whatever else. The way his cheekbones looked under the bill of his hat was sinful, pure sex masquerading as a mere mortal. His eyes found mine as I crossed my arms defensively.
“Mom, Dad…can you guys take the kids for pizza? I need to show Bexley something important.” He walked over, abandoning the clipboard.
His parents of course agreed, because they were the best people in the world, and the kids heard the offer. Once they heard pizza, nothing would derail them.
Once the field was mostly empty, I stood with my arms crossed, feeling more exposed than I had when Ryan had me bare in front of him. His blazing eyes raked over me as though he could peel back every layer of my soul just by breathing. I couldn’t take it anymore.
“So, what do you need to show me?”
A small mischievous smile spread across his face, but he quickly rubbed it away.
“We have to travel to see it.” He walked away, ignoring how many moms had stayed after to talk to him. I shot them looks, and since Ryan’s back was to me, I didn’t mind sporting the worst bitch face known to man. Just because he wasn’t mine anymore didn’t mean he’d ever be theirs.
Once we were in the parking lot, I stopped at the passenger door.
“Where are we going?” I asked, feeling my chest burn. I didn’t want to get into an enclosed space with him.
Ryan leaned around me, opening the door for me. “Can you trust me?”
I scoffed. Was he serious?
“Please, Bex…just give me an hour of your time. That’s all I’m asking for.”
My arms found their way in front of me again, like a protective cage.
Ryan’s features softened as he held the door. The parents began pouring into the parking lot, curious glares stabbing at our little invisible standoff.
“Fine. One hour.” I slid into the vehicle and buckled.
Once Ryan was in, we silently headed out of town. The radio played, or whatever was connected to Ryan’s Bluetooth; otherwise we didn’t talk. What was he expecting? I’d said everything I needed to say then he’d never called or come back for me.
“You look good.”
I already knew his calculated gaze glanced my way, but I faced my window, ignoring him.
