Page 103 of Stroked by (Stroked)
I’m trying hard to keep things steady in my personal life but it’s more difficult than I expected, given I’m being forced into a fake relationship with a self-obsessed asshat and hiding a relationship I want to shout to the rooftops about.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about Paisley. She tries to pass off her fight with Jonathan as something that will iron out over time, but I can tell she’s upset, that their little scuffle has put a damper on her usually bright outlook. Last night, although loving and sweet, there was a lack of spark in those steely eyes of hers, which puts a huge amount of worry on my shoulders. I’ve just found this woman; I want the chance to continue to get to know all the idiosyncrasies that make her Paisley.
And then there is Bellini to worry about.
“Two more days until you leave for San Antonio. Are you feeling good?”
“I am.” I continue to towel off, letting the sun dry my skin as well. “I’m feeling healthy, strong, and calm.”
“Good. The next two days we’re going to push you harder than before. Make sure to hit the chamber after each practice and refuel. It’s more important than ever right about now.”
I smile at my coach and grip his shoulder. “I know, Coach. This isn’t my first time.”
“But it’s your last,” he says sadly. “I want it to be your best.” Isn’t that the fucking truth?
“Me too.”
“How’s your mental game?”
Of course Coach Fern would ask about that. He knows it’s my biggest weakness; it’s the sole reason why I don’t have a gold medal sitting in my trophy case back home; it’s the reason I’m known as the biggest choke artist in Olympic history, and the reason why I’m breaking my neck this last go around in the pool.
“Solid,” I answer, knowing damn well he can tell when I’m lying.
Eyeing me skeptically, he says, “What is it? Don’t tell me it’s a girl.”
I wince, knowing the number-one rule with Coach: do not let the female race affect my swim. From day one, he’s been adamant about it.
“Shit.” He chuckles and guides me over to the bleachers where we both take a seat. His reaction is light-hearted, something I wasn’t expecting. “I was wondering when this day was going to come. You’ve finally broken my number-one rule. Hell, I’m proud of you for making it this far. Is it that Bellini girl?”
I shake my head, feeling like I’m about to let down my coach. He’s been like a second father to me growing up. I don’t want him to make him think less of me. “Can you keep this between us?”
“Who the hell am I going to tell? You’re my number-one project, Reese. Do you really think I’m going to ruin that for a little gossip?”
“True.” I laugh. I clear my throat and continue. “Uh, everything between Bellini and me is fake.”
Silence sits between us for a few seconds. “Oh, thank God.” Coach Fern let’s out a long breath, causing me to chuckle next to him. “I knew you had more sense than to hitch yourself to that haggard witch.”
“Don’t give me too much credit. Pretty sure I’m falling for her assistant, my assistant.”
“Paisley?” Coach asks, and I nod with confirmation. “Well, I can see that. She’s quite the looker and seems to have a good head on her shoulders. I’ve seen the way she looks at you, but then again, I’ve seen how almost every girl looks at you. That damn tattoo you got on the off-season has been my worst enemy.” I laugh some more. “But you’ve lasted a long time, never bringing girls into the mix. What’s changed?”
“Everything,” I reply, leaning back on the bleachers, letting the sun caress my body with its rays. “I’ve never felt like this before with a woman. I want to protect her, take care of her, be with her every fucking second of the day.”
“Sounds like love,” Coach says with a twinkle in his eye.
“I have a feeling it’s getting there, and I haven’t even known her that long.”
“Sometimes you just know. So what’s the problem? She’s your assistant? Just fire her, problem solved. Let’s get you back into training with a clear mind.”
“It’s not that easy.” I chuckle. Coach always tries to find the easiest solution to every problem. “She’s had a rough go of it trying to get a job in TV production. This is her one in with Wally Rose Productions and she’s doing great at it, so she doesn’t want to burn the bridge. Plus, there is Bellini to consider.”
Coach purses his lips together and stares out at the pool, pondering my current predicament. Sighing, he pats my shoulder and says, “Well, you’re in a bit of a clusterfuck.”
Laughing, I reply, “As if I didn’t know that already.”
“You can’t make it easy on us, can you? You always have to have something up your sleeve to throw a wrench into our plans.”
“What’s life if it’s not a roller coaster?” I ask.
