I chewed my bottom lip, unsure how to fight the curiosity that bubbled inside me. Maybe I could just peek…
But instead I glanced away, fighting the urge, and caught Kova's pointed stare. Our eyes locked and all the air left my lungs. He openly watched me with a prudent gaze that simmered with thirst. The chain linking us tightened around my heart and drew me closer.
He gave me a subtle nod.
Kova wanted me to read what he wrote.
Shit.
My anxiety was flying high. This time when I glanced around at those surrounding me, I took note of their actions. When I believed no one would question me, I pretended to stretch out and leaned down. I made sure my bag shielded what I was about to do and flipped open the hardcover to the first page.
I took a risk for you. Now take a risk for me and drop every fear you have ever had. Go out there and be defiant. Refuse to lose.
He didn't sign it. Didn't give himself away. He kept it discreet.
A silent sigh of relief rolled off my lips and my mouth curved into a fainthearted smile. This man. My chest was lighter and so was my fear. I closed the book shut. Then I grabbed the small bag I used to store pads and tampons in and quickly stuffed it in there. I zipped it up, then topped it with my clothes and closed my gym bag shut.
I sat on my knees and pulled on my wristbands. I recalled the words in my head, hearing his voice each time. He had taken a risk for me. Many risks. Way too many risks to count. My goal had been the same since the start and now it just took a little deviation.
I was going to do as he asked. I would take a risk for him and drop every fear I've ever had. I would be defiant. I would refuse to lose.
After my grips were on, I realized I hadn't taped my ankle to alleviate the pain. I should've done that step first since my grip was now limited, but my mind had been elsewhere. A disgruntled huff escaped me as I ripped back the Velcro with a scowl and dropped the wristbands to the floor. Just as I was about to wrap the sports tape around my foot to relieve the strain on my Achilles, Kova walked over and crouched down. He placed his palm out and waved his fingers for the tape without speaking a word. I slapped the roll of tape in his hand and gave him my foot, putting my weight on my arms behind me. I glanced away. Kova was better at wrapping up my Achilles anyway.
"You ready for today?"
"Ready as I'll ever be."
"You do not think you could be better?"
I huffed, shaking my head. I knew he wasn't goading me. "There's always room for improvement, Coach. You know this, but as of right now, I'm ready." I paused, then took a chance and debated quickly whether I wanted his answer or not. "Do you think I'm ready?"
He didn't lift his head, but the corner of his mouth curved up at my question. He took a moment to respond as he expertly wrapped up my injury.
Lowering his voice, he tipped his head up just enough for me to see his eyes. Damn those fucking eyes of his. They always got me.
"If I did not think you were ready, you would not be here. Trust me. You are more than ready."
Kova placed my
foot on the floor, giving my ankle a gentle squeeze before he let go. His knees cracked as he stood to his full height, our gazes still connected. Reaching out with his hand, he helped me up. There was a stillness inside me amid the chaos surrounding us as we stared into one another's eyes. With Kova’s support, confidence roared through me. He changed my whole mind frame. I was a cub, and he was the lion who breathed strength into me.
A bashfulness came over me. I turned away, trying to hide the happiness I knew rushed from within. My cheeks burned, which didn't help the plum blush I applied earlier. His raspy chuckle caught my ears and when I turned back around, Kova had a full grin spread across his charismatic face. My heart nearly stopped. This wasn't just any old smile. This was a full-on, I'm so proud to call you mine, type smile.
And he did it in a place filled with cameras.
Be still my wild heart.
Kova cupped my shoulder and squeezed. "Everyone will be watching. Show them what you're made of, Adrianna."
Chapter Forty-One
I stomped my feet in chalk to absorb the dampness and watched as the powdery white smoke formed a cloud around my shins. I was next to perform.
My palms were clammy, and my body was jittery. I had an abundance of adrenaline pumping through me and shaky nerves to combat against it. I was worked up and excited, eager yet wired, but I also felt like I had eighty-seven shots of caffeine streaming through my veins.
Kova had walked with me to the end of the vault runway. I tightened my wristbands and shook out my legs as I listened to him speak only to me, giving me last-minute tips and reminders. Holly had already gone, so had Reagan. Holly took a giant step to the right, while Reagan stuck her landing. Naturally.
Now, it was my turn.