Possessive Coach

“And I hope I never have to drug a player ever again.”

I kiss him and when I pull back, he stares into my eyes. “I love you,” he says. “You realized that already though, didn’t you?”

I bite my lip. I did realize it. I knew it the second he kissed me, I could see it in his eyes, but I wasn’t sure. “I love you too,” I say, breathless, wild with excitement and need.

He pulls me tight and kisses me deep again, letting it linger.

I stay in that kiss for as long as I can. I want to stay in it forever if I can.

I don’t know how I found him. We stumbled on each other in a terrible situation, but from that moment we managed to grow something new and better. If I get to have my David, if I get to be his, then I’d say it was all worth it.

His hands lace into my hair and he pulls my chin back. “So, Chloe,” he whispers in my ear. “Think you can handle being all mine?”

“I hope so,” I whisper back. “And I’m ready to find out.”

He lets me go with a laugh, holds my hand, and we leave the room together.23ChloeTwo Years LaterI sit back on my hands and watch as the waves break. It’s a rough day out, a little too windy to have the umbrella up, but the sun feels good on my skin as I raise a hand to shade my eyes. I see a figure out there in the waves start paddling then pop up onto a board, riding a decent-sized wave, cutting the board side to side and zooming cross the beach. I laugh as she disappears from view, although I know she’ll be back.

“There you are.”

I turn over my shoulder and spot David walking down the beach toward me. He’s wearing his usual black slacks and team polo shirt, but this time he’s got a hat and sunglasses on. “Oh, hey, Unabomber,” I say. “Do you really need both a hat and sunglasses?”

“Hell, yeah,” he says. “I look good in both. Gotta spread the love.”

I roll my eyes as he sits down on the blanket beside me. “I thought you had practice,” I say.

“I do in an hour. Thought I’d come visit with you.”

“Oh, thanks.” I lean my head on his shoulder and he kisses me.

“How’s Sara?”

“Killing the waves like always.”

“Of course.”

“How’s the team?”

“Who knows.” He sighs and shakes his head. “Ever since last season when Erik broke his leg, things have been a little shaky.”

“Did you get that kid you were recruiting?”

His face breaks out into a smile. “Actually, that’s why I came down here. His mom called an hour ago, and she says he’s coming to CU.”

“Oh, David, that’s so great!” I throw my arms around him and he kisses me.

“Careful now,” he says. “You’re only wearing a bikini. Don’t want me getting all worked up before practice.”

“You could always drag me back to your office and have your way with me.”

“Tempting.” He smiles a little. “But actually, there’s something else I wanted to do first.” He reaches into his pocket and takes out a small black ring box. My heart leaps up into my throat and I nearly scream as he pops it open and shows me a big diamond ring. The thing glitters in the afternoon sunlight, one big diamond surrounded by several smaller ones. White gold all over, smooth and elegant. “Marry me.”

“You’re not joking?” I ask.

“Not at all. I wanted to do a big, elaborate thing with the team and dinner, and all that shit, but… I can’t wait. I need you.”

“Yes,” I say.

He slips the ring on my finger and kisses me. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” I throw my arms around his neck and hug him tight.

I had no clue he was planning this. I moved in with him after graduation last year but I still didn’t know he went ring shopping. He must’ve gone with Sara, there’s no way he would’ve picked out such a perfect ring on his own. He has great taste, of course, but the idea that he could choose such a perfect symbol of our love just seems way beyond him.

Sara comes jogging toward us, wearing her black body suit and carrying her board under her arm. “Hey, guys,” she says. “Why are you two smiling so much?”

I hold up my finger. She laughs, delighted, and sits down. “Oh my god. Congrats! David, I thought you had this whole thing planned?”

“Couldn’t wait,” he grunts.

“Too cute.” Sara sighs and smiles. “I’m jealous. You two found each other and what do I have?”

“You’ll find someone,” I say, nudging her. “Don’t worry.”

“Maybe, maybe.” She shakes her wet head and leans back on her elbows. She’s a beautiful girl, blonde and toned and gorgeous. I don’t worry about her at all. If only she were more interested in guys, and less interested in surfing.