Coach Daddy (Dark Daddies 3)

It’s fucking pathetic.

“You okay, Coach?”

I glance over at my quarterback, Sean. He’s grinning at me like I just made some mistake.

“What do you need, son?” I snap at him.

“You just seem distracted. Kenny dropped that pass, you know.”

I glance at the field. The guys are milling about and Kenny, our number two receiver, looks forlorn.

“Kenny!” I snap. “What the fuck is your problem?”

Sean laughs as I berate my receiver for a mistake I didn’t even see. I glance back at the QB and he’s shaking his head, a smile on his face.

I wonder if he knows, but of course he doesn’t. He just thinks I’m being an asshole and it’s funny.

I keep my head in the game for the rest of the day. I don’t need any more stupid mistakes like that. It’s pretty fucking obvious something’s going on when I miss a play and don’t even say a word when someone drops a damn ball.

I can still sense Leah, standing over near the field, talking to some of the players. It’s like we have some weird connection now, and I know where she is at all times. It’s a strange feeling, but comforting.

Like I know she’s there if I need her.

I rub my thigh as the day progresses. Staying on my feet for hours at a time isn’t doing anything for my pain, although seeing Leah definitely helps. Once practice wraps up, I hobble back into my office, trying not to glance back at anyone as I move.

Robby joins me and we discuss strategy. I let the conversation go on for longer than I normally would, mostly because I want to prove to myself that I’m still invested in this. By the time six rolls around, Robby gets up and stretches.

“Time to hit the old dusty trail,” he says. “You going home tonight?”

I shrug. “I gotta sleep at some point.”

“Doesn’t mean you’re going home.” He grins at me. “See you tomorrow.” He waves and leaves my office.

I sigh and stretch. Robby’s right, I’ve slept in here more than a few times. That couch over by the far wall’s like my second home at this point.

I get up and gather my stuff. Might as well try and have a normal life, and besides, I can work more at home if I want to. I hobble out into the hallway and head toward the exit.

But I stop before I can get there. The light’s still on in the training room, and curiosity gets the better of it. I hobble on over and poke my head inside.

My heart jumps. Leah’s still there, folding some towels. She looks up as I step into the room.

“You’re here late,” I say.

“Would you believe me if I said I was hoping the head coach might come in and see me?” she asks.

I grin. “Probably not. That’d be very, very bad.”

“For who? Him or me?” She shrugs. “Seems like it’d be great for me.”

“But bad for him. Having a sweet little thing like you always on his mind?” He shakes his head. “Could lead to disaster.”

She grins at me. “Maybe I like disaster.”

I walk slowly over to her. “I bet you do. You’re trouble.”

“Trouble’s fun.” She cocks her head. “You could use some fun, old man.”

I laugh softly. “Old man, huh?”

“You don’t like that?”

I stop right in front of her, tip her chin up toward me. “I prefer Daddy.”

She smiles. “Okay, Daddy.”

I kiss her, low and slow. It feels good, like finally relieving some of the pressure I’ve been feeling all day, since that’s exactly what it is.

I’ve been thinking about her all afternoon. Even when I’m working and trying to think about her, I’m thinking about her. She’s in my head so deep, I think she’s never going to be able to detach herself.

Not that I want her to anyway.

I luxuriate in the kiss. I let myself enjoy it. I fucking deserve it. I’ve worked so hard, given up so much. I finally deserve a little bit of happiness.

Even if that happiness is inappropriate. Even if that happiness could cost me my career and hurt the one person I really don’t want to hurt.

Fuck it. I don’t care.

I just need this kiss.

I lean into it, pulling her body against mine. She wraps her arms around my neck, and as I slide my tongue into her mouth, someone clears their throat nearby.

She steps back like a shot went off. She stands there, staring over my shoulder.

My whole world goes dead. I picture all the possibilities. Some people might be okay, some people might flip. If it’s Atlas, I’m finished. So is Leah, most likely.

I slowly turn around. I feel like my legs are lead, but I have to face what’s coming.

Sean stands in the doorway. He’s grinning a little bashfully.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he says stupidly. “Uh, Leah, I just wanted some of that tape.”