Balance (Off Balance Book 1)

by Lucia Franco

  Glancing around, I realized I’d stepped into an office. It was similar to my dad’s but smaller. The desk was placed in front of the window and a bookshelf adorned one wall. My eyes locked on a framed picture of Katja on a shelf.

  Walking over, I picked it up. She wore a white button-down men’s shirt. The sleeves were rolled up, but the front was left opened so it showcased an outline of her plump breasts and toned stomach. She looked like she just woke up. Her messy hair was flipped to the side while giving a wide, playful smile as she sat upon an unmade bed. She appeared to be the happiest woman on the planet, and there was no doubt in my mind she wasn’t. I could only hope to be as naturally stunning as her one day.

  Placing it down, I looked around and noticed another framed photo, this time on his desk. Curious, I brazenly walked over and picked it up. Katja was sensually sliding off a rumpled sheet, wearing black stilettos and black thigh high lace trimmed stockings in a matching bra and panty set. Her dainty fingers just grazing her fair cleavage while her hair was curled loosely around her. She was every man’s fantasy in this picture. Her back was partially against the side of the bed, her breasts perfectly round and plump as they pushed up. And the look she gave the camera screamed sex as she twirled a lock of hair around her finger.

  The photo was breathtaking, striking.

  I bet Kova took these photos of her. Why that stung, I had no idea. It shouldn’t have. After all, he was my coach, but something in my belly tightened at the thought of Kova framing provocative images of her in his office. In that moment, I envied Katja. She oozed confidence and power. This was tasteful, artistic...and it made me realize this was something I’d want my future husband to do one day.

  “Adrianna?”

  Startled, I gasped, nearly dropping the frame.

  “What the hell are you doing in here?” Kova spat each word, a hand propped on his hips.

  “I, ah,” I was rendered speechless. Completely speechless. My jaw bobbed and my eyes were huge as I tried to find words.

  Kill me now.

  Kova slowly stepped toward me, eyeing my fingers that gripped his frame. “I caught a view of the sunset as I was walking back and stopped to look at it.”

  He lifted a brow and waited for more. “And?”

  “And...And I saw a picture of Katja.” Fuck. I was scared.

  “Keep going?” His voice was low. “Were you snooping around my office? This is a very private picture of her for my eyes only. Who said you could just waltz right in here?”

  He was goading me, but with every right. I was in his personal space. “I wasn’t snooping, I swear. I just happened to see the photo on the bookshelf. Then I saw this one on your desk and wanted to see it.”

  I glanced down at the frame clutched to my chest and pulled it back. Handing it to him, I apologized.

  “I didn’t mean to be nosey. I’ve just never seen photos like these before.”

  “They were a gift.”

  Confused, I asked, “What was?”

  “The photos, they are boudoir photos taken by a local photographer. Katja gave them to me on our second anniversary. At first I fumed she would let someone photograph her in hardly anything, but once I cooled down, I found the photos alluring.”

  This was getting strange, and I wasn’t sure how to respond. It was one thing to talk about his life and his mom, but not about Katja and how alluring her photos were. Kova stared lovingly at the frame while I stood awkwardly next to him. I felt like I was invading on his moment. “She really is beautiful,” was all I could think of to say.

  Hard eyes snapped to mine. Kova loomed over me and stared down. His eyes traveled down my face, pausing on my lips. His jaw flexed as he exhaled. The throbbing vein in his neck caught my attention, it was beating as fast as my heart.

  Tension swirled and the air thickened as his gaze landed on my chest. Only the tension wasn’t like it was with him and Katja. Sensuality was woven around us and it changed the whole dynamic. I wore a white, low scoop neck shirt with a push-up bra that gave me heavy, supple cleavage. It wasn’t often I wore clothes other than a leotard, so I took extra time getting dressed, carefully picking out my outfit. I wanted to look better than all the other girls combined.

  The room grew hot as the weight of his stare was felt on every inch of my skin. This wasn’t the first time an older man had stared at me, I’d met some men who were acquaintances of my dad’s, but this was different.

  Everything a woman could want in a man, Kova had it in spades. The perfect body, the perfect face, a successful business, goal driven. And no matter what I did, I couldn’t get him out of my mind. He was tall, dark, and handsome. And the more he stared at me, the more I found myself liking it...wanting more of his attention.

  Kova took one small step toward me and my lips parted. I could hear my heart thumping loudly in my ears as my chest rose faster with each breath I took.

  “Kova,” I whispered. “What are you thinking about?”

  He swallowed and said hoarsely, “Things I should not be.”

  My stomach tightened, my panties suddenly wet from the raspy sound of his voice, it rumbled in a deep baritone. Rolling my lip between my teeth, I tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. “What do you mean?”

  He groaned low under his breath. “Do not do that.”

  “Do what?”

  “Look at me the same way I am looking at you.”

  My heart was pounding so loud I wondered if he could hear it.

  “You are blushing.”

  “You know, that only makes me blush more,” I whispered.

  One more step closer, and we were almost touching. “I like the way it tints your skin.” The back of his hand grazed my flushed cheek. “You know, you are just as beautiful. If not, more. Gorgeous.”

  A little gasp escaped my lips. My heart raced a mile a minute, my fingers trembled. Kova called me gorgeous.

  Dropping his hand, he looked down at the picture frame and then back to me with remorse in his eyes. “I am sorry I made you rip so badly on bars that day...I have felt terrible ever since.” And then he turned, and walked out of his office, leaving me speechless.

  What in the ever loving fuck just happened?

  Once I caught my breath, I left Kova’s office and walked toward the formal dining room. My head was spinning and I needed some fresh air.

  Long, elegant crimson drapes held open by a gold sash gave view to a canal that lead to the Caloosahatchee River. I stopped to take in the breathtaking sight before meeting up with everyone outside. After what just happened only moments before, I needed to get my head on straight and taking in the view did the trick. There was something about the water that washed away any stress and helped me focus. Growing up, I’d always had a view of the Atlantic Ocean from my bedroom. Anytime I needed to get away, needed to think, the ocean was where I went. Nothing could compare, but this was just as spectacular. The sun was setting over the winding canal that was wrapped between heavy trees. A warm cascade of colors illuminated the sky, the most evanescent sunset worthy of being framed. It was all so grand, and not at all what I expected from the man I saw every day in the gym to have.

  Freaking Coach Kova. Confusing. Contradicting. Exhausting...And maybe a little sinful. I expelled a heavy breath and decided I’d deal with that moment later.

  Stepping outside, people were gathered around chatting with one another. It was late afternoon, and with all the foliage in the backyard, thankfully it wasn’t too hot. Despite making the effort to avoid him, I glanced around and my traitorous eyes automatically found Kova. His back was to me as I watched through intrigued eyes. My head tilted to the side. I could hear the lilt in his voice drift through the air. He appeared deep in conversation, his hands moving fluidly as he spoke.

  With my shoulders back, I took a deep breath and confidently made my way to a group of girls to make it appear like I wanted to be involved in their conversation. Though, if I was being honest, I didn’t feel like talking to anyone here. My mind
was everywhere at the moment and I needed Avery to talk to. I smiled politely, but I couldn’t take my eyes off Kova as he turned and began grilling. His girlfriend was at his side, dutifully helping him. He did a quick flip of the meat and shut the grill lid. He placed the cooking utensil to the side and wrapped a loving arm around Katja’s lower back. Kova pulled her in, their hips meeting and he dropped a kiss to her cheek. With all the one-on-one time I spent working with him, it was obvious to me his jaw was set tight, but she smiled timidly in response and my heart gave a little pang. After what I witnessed when I arrived earlier, coupled with what happened in his office, I was more baffled than ever. I began wondering if this meant I had deeper feelings for my coach. I knew it wasn’t right, but this feeling inside, this feeling of being unsure, the way my stomach tightened, and my heart fluttered, the longing said more than I wanted to acknowledge.

  Kova must’ve felt my confused stare. He looked over his shoulder and his emerald eyes traveled up to mine. Something in my gut said to hold his gaze. His hand tightened his hold on Katja’s hip and he tugged her closer to him. I swallowed hard at the sight and realized how I stupidly wanted that to be me. With a small nod of his head, Kova gave me a tight lipped smile, clearly only meant for me, then turned around.

  Thankfully, thirty minutes later the food was placed on the table and chairs were quickly filled. I looked around and saw an empty seat beside Reagan. I’d rather eat my mom’s bark flavored, pre-packaged meals than sit next to her.

  To my left, Holly took a seat next to Sarah. I walked toward her when Hayden called my name.

  “Adrianna! Come sit here.” I groaned through a faux smile. There were chairs opened on both sides of Kova’s. One of them obviously reserved for Katja. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of Reagan’s scowl. I ignored her and made my way over to Hayden. He pulled a chair out and whispered in my ear, “I know how much you’d rather sit next to Reagan, but sit with me.”

  “You know me so well,” I chuckled. Hayden thankfully sat in the seat next to Kova’s. There was no way I could sit that close to him. This was enough. “The view is stunning.” He followed my gaze.

  “Growing up here, the view doesn’t do anything for me anymore.” He shrugged carelessly. “It’s just a bunch of canals and rivers on this side, but people love them and pay good money to live on the water. I bet you feel the same way about back home.”

  I thought about what he said. “Yeah, I guess so. People from all over come to our beaches, but it’s nothing to me either. Now that I’m here, I do kind of miss waking up to the sound of the ocean, the smell of the salt water, sand between my toes. I never thought I would.”

  I drifted off thinking about Palm Beach and how I was a bit homesick and I didn’t even realize it until now. With gymnastics constantly on my mind, I didn’t have time to think about anything else. I hadn’t spoken to Avery in over a week, except for a few texts here and there.

  “So, aside from this fabulous view, people mainly come here to apple bob.”

  I looked at Hayden with an arched brow. “Apple bob?”

  “Yeah, haven’t you gone apple bobbing? We’re famous for that. There’s a fall festival every year and a big apple bobbing competition. People from all over come to watch and partake in the festivities. We’re a very homey town.”

  I stared at Hayden’s straight face, gaping at him. “Tell me you’re joking.” Surely no one would travel for apple bobbing. Finally, he burst out laughing, a contagious smile spreading across his face. I found myself giggling and I playfully backhanded his arm. The empty chairs rustled next to Hayden. I looked up as Kova and Katja pulled out their chairs and took their seats. Katja was all smiles, not a worry on her serene face, while Kova stared intensely at me. His eyes darkened and shifted over to Hayden. My smile faltered the way he was watching him.

  “I’m joking with you,” Hayden said, grabbing my attention. I looked at Kova once more before giving my full interest to Hayden, but he was no longer looking my way. “You should see your face right now! Priceless!”

  “You jerk. I thought you were serious!” I punched his arm but felt the weight of someone’s gaze on me. My skin prickled in awareness but I refused to look up. I knew who it was. And call me crazy, but I had a sinking suspicion he wasn’t keen on the idea of Hayden being by my side.

  “I know you did.” He paused. “For real though, no one comes here to apple bob. I don’t even know if that’s a thing here. Cape Coral is a great place for an outdoor enthusiast. Boating, fishing, lots of water shit to do. Much like what you’re used to, I’m sure. There’s no apple bobbing competition. Not that I know of, at least,” he finished with a grin. “What about Palm Beach? What’s over there? I’ve never been.”

  Before I could answer, Katja exclaimed, “Let’s eat!”

  Dinner was served and it was probably the best I’d had in a long time. It felt good not to hold back for once and eat what I wanted. I could now, since I was on my own, but I was so used to my mother either watching me or making sure my meals were proportioned that it was an unconscious habit of mine to be careful.

  Plus, I didn’t want to be one of those “extra cardio” girls.

  Dessert was being brought out when Katja asked, “Adrianna, so your parents allow you to be here alone? Kova mentioned to me that you are here by yourself.”

  I glanced at him before I answered. “Yes.”

  “I must be honest, I cannot imagine allowing my fifteen-year-old daughter to live on her own even though I know others do it and cohabit with each other. How do you get around since you do not live with the other girls?” She had asked each one of us a few questions, so I knew my time was coming.

  I sipped my water then responded. “Well, my parents hired a driver for whenever I need to get around. Where I come from, it’s not uncommon for teens to be on their own at my age, or with a chaperon other than the parents. Plus, it helps that Coach is friends with my dad.”

  “Coach is friends with your dad?” Reagan repeated, with a look of disgust.

  “You have a driver? Like a personal one? How did I not know this?” Holly asked.

  “I do. He’s been with my family since I was a kid.”

  “Your family?” Sarah asked with general curiosity.

  I swallowed back, trying to figure out how to answer her statement without giving away too much. Thankfully Kova jumped in.

  “Her family…is an affluent one,” was all he said. He used his hands when he said affluent, as if it described the word. Everyone’s heads turned my way. Heat rushed up my chest, to my cheeks. My ears burned from the stares.

  “My dad’s a real estate developer. Think the Hiltons, only smaller,” was my explanation.

  “That’s pretty damn cool. So he can build me a house one day?” Hayden asked.

  I smiled, silently thanking him. “Possibly.”

  “So what’s your driver’s name?” asked Holly.

  “His name is Thomas, but I call him Alfred. He’s not too keen on it.”

  Sarah grinned. “Like Batman.”

  “Yeah,” I smiled. That lightened the subject. “Once I start driving he won’t be here. So I’m not really alone per se, since he’s always around…somewhere.”

  “It must be really lonely to have no one,” Reagan said, feigning sympathy. “That’s the one plus of living in a shared apartment, nothing like having a mom around to lean on. It’s really the best feeling.”

  I nodded slowly, pretending to take in her words like they meant something. If she only knew how happy I was to not have my mom around.

  “My dad is a bit of a control freak. There’s no way I’d be allowed to stay in an apartment with someone he doesn’t know, so I live in the penthouse in one of his condos. It’s really safe and private. I love it. The view is incredible and I have a ton of space. If I need anything, Thomas will get it for me, or he’ll take me. And since my dad and Kova are friends, if there’s some sort of emergency, he’s always here for me too. I’m reall
y very fortunate to have what I have and the people around me.” My eyes locked with Kova. He deepened the stare before agreeing with my statement.

  That shut her up.

  Fear was a bitch, and in this sport, it could cripple you.

  Literally.

  Fear challenged courage. It challenged the mind. Once we found courage, it meant never looking back. It persevered and defied. It gave strength to conquer the obstacles that rendered one weak.

  Successful people fought for what they wanted, what they desired in life no matter what they were up against. Willpower was key, and maybe if I turned my fear into desire, it would override my anxiety. It was the only way to escape the emotion.

  I knew I needed to practice what I preached, but it was easier said than done. As was everything. I’d rather train for a new tumbling sequence with front flips, or Level E release moves and bar changes before jumping on beam.

  I hated beam. Dreaded it. It was the one event I needed the most work on. I feared the four-inch piece of wood like it had the ability to incapacitate me. But only I could do that.

  When I was a child, my dad surprised me with a small, low balance beam for Christmas one year. My fear of the beam started early and I hardly used it. This fear I created in the front of my mind was hard to break. Balancing on a piece of wood that was four feet off the ground didn’t sound like much, but when you factor in leaps or turns while balancing on the tips of your toes—let’s not forget the back-flips and full-twists with blind landings on a four-inch width—yeah, good luck.

  Then try sticking it without straddling the beam and slamming down on your crotch and getting beam burn. That’s what I called it, beam burn. It was like rug burn, but from the balance beam. It looked and felt the same. Hurt like a bitch from my inner thighs to my crotch. I’d fallen so hard in the past I actually bled.

  It was literally like getting smacked with a piece of wood between your legs. Talk about excruciating pain.

  “Come on, Adrianna,” Kova groaned, while I wobbled on the beam after landing a double switch leap.