Coach Daddy (Dark Daddies 3)

“I know, it’s just…”

“Shit situation. Pain’s only pain.”

“Until it means more than that.” I sigh and start to manipulate his ankle, checking for range of motion. When I’m done, I’m pretty sure nothing’s broken, but he’s definitely dealing with some hurt.

“All right, get the shoe and stuff off, let me take a look.”

He nods tightly and takes it all off. When he’s done, I crouch down and prod at the skin. It’s not bruised, which is a good sign, but there’s definitely some swelling.

“So… I heard a rumor about you.”

I glance up at him. “Oh, yeah?” I feel my heart beating faster in my chest.

“The whole team’s been talking about it. I guess I just want to know if it’s true.”

I frown. “If what’s true?”

“You and Atlas Gage. The owner.”

I hesitate, surprised. I almost forgot all about that.

I don’t know what to tell him, though. I don’t want to confirm the rumor, but it is true, at least sort of. And denying it is only going to make the rumor worse.

I take a breath and sigh. “Okay, yeah, it’s sort of true,” I say.

He frowns. “Sort of?”

“I mean, he asked me out and I said yes. But that’s it.”

“Huh. I heard you two were, like, you know. Together.” He has a bashful grin.

I groan. “Sleeping together, you mean?”

He winces as I move his ankle. “Not what I said.”

“Right, sure.”

“Okay, okay, fine. That’s what people are saying.”

I sit back and stand. I head over to the equipment locker and grab a roll of tape. “Well, it’s not true,” I say. “I know you don’t really have to believe me, but it’s really not true.”

“Sure, okay. I believe you.” He sighs, looking away. “I’m sorry I even asked. I feel like an asshole.”

“No, it’s fine.” I crouch down in front of him. “Truth is, I don’t even like Atlas. I mean, he seems fine, I’m just not into him.”

“But you’re going on a date with him?”

I start to wrap his ankle, being as gentle as I possibly can. “He’s my boss, you know? I couldn’t turn him down.”

Sean nods a little. I can tell the wrapping hurts him but he’s staying still and keeping calm. “That doesn’t mean you should go out with him anyway.”

“I guess but that’s kind of how it works.”

“It shouldn’t. I mean, if I asked someone out and they said yes but didn’t really want to, I mean, I’d want them to tell me the truth.”

“You say that now. But wouldn’t you be upset?”

He laughs, shaking his head. “Hell, no. I get turned down all the time. I mean, look at me.”

I glance up, grinning. Sean is actually pretty good looking, but he is a redhead, and not the mild type. Flaming, bright red hair, pale skin, blue eyes. The classic ginger.

“I see your point.”

“I’m just saying, it’s worse if you go and don’t mean it than just telling him the truth. He can take it. He’s a big boy.”

“You really think I should say something?”

“Absolutely. Be honest with the guy. There’s no way he’d fire you.” He grins at me. “Plus, I’ll protect you.”

I glance away from him for a second. I’m not sure I need his protection… if I have Cole’s.

“Yeah,” I say. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“I know I am.”

I finish wrapping his ankle, cutting off the tape and setting it in place. “Ice, elevation, stay off it. We’ll check tomorrow on how it feels, and if it’s still bad, we’ll do some imaging. Okay?”

“Okay,” he says.

“And seriously, don’t go nuts tonight. Or if you do, stay off your feet. Lap dances only.”

He grins. “Roger that.”

“You’re good to go.”

He hops up, putting weight on his right ankle instead of the wrapped left one. “And hey, seriously, Leah. Tell him the truth.”

“I’m going to.”

“I know shit sucks for women sometimes in the workplace. I hope it goes okay.”

“Thanks, Sean.”

He nods at me and leaves, hobbling slightly from the wrapped ankle.

I sigh and lean against the table. I can’t help but smile a little bit.

Sean means well, and I think he’s actually right. The guy comes off as a big jock jerk asshole, but he’s surprisingly kind. That bit about women having it hard?

If only more men thought that way instead of worrying about themselves.

I sigh and leave the room. I have some confidence right now, a little momentum, and Atlas is probably in a good mood. I mean, his team just beat the Patriots.

Now is as good a time as any to break the news to him. Maybe I’m being an ass by putting a damper on his victory but I don’t have time to waste.

I hurry out into the hall and the sounds of celebrating come drifting toward me. I head in the locker room’s direction, following behind the hobbling Sean as the noise gets louder.

The players, surrounded by coaches and staff and media, are celebrating with champagne like they won the Super Bowl. Sean wades into the melee, but sits down on a bench right away, giving me a wink.