COACH (Boston Terriers Book 3)

by Jacob Chance

  Amelia finally tears her mouth from mine with a gasp. “Oh, damn. I didn’t mean to get so carried away.”

  Scanning the immediate area, I don’t see anyone else on the beach and I’m not too concerned because of the early hour. I heard the others return to the house around three a.m. and it’s not even eight o’clock now.

  Setting her on her feet, I sink down, treading water. “We should probably avoid kissing or touching where anyone could see us. No use inviting trouble.”

  “You’re right.” She shakes her head and grimaces. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

  “Don’t apologize. That was a great kiss and a hell of a way to start my day. From this point on we’ll just need to be more careful.”

  “I agree. No matter how bad I want to kiss you, I’ll control myself.”

  “Yeah, but only when others are around. Otherwise it’s open season for you and these lips.” I wink.

  Amelia pushes off the bottom sweeping her arms and legs outward as she swims past me. “Have you thought about how we’re going to find time to be alone?”

  “Don’t worry, I have some ideas.”

  Setting her feet down, she stands still, shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight with one hand. “Want to swim down to that bend in the shore?” Amelia points to a place where the land juts out into the water. It’s a good distance from where we are and the exercise might be just what I need to work off some of the sexual energy being near her creates.

  “Sure, I’m game. Is this a race or are we taking a leisurely swim?”

  She grins. “Why do you assume everything has to be a competition?”

  “Because I know how competitive you are.”

  “Maybe I just want to float through the water with you by my side?”

  I chuckle. “Yeah, sure.”

  Amelia points back toward the house. “What’s that?” I spin around to see what she means and hear a splash followed by loud laughter. Turning back in her direction, I find her ten feet ahead of me, swimming like her life depends on it.

  “Hey, cheater, I’m coming for you,” I shout and then dive forward into the water. Amelia’s fast, but she’s no match for my strength and size. I pass by her and keep going, never breaking my strokes until I reach the bend. Treading water, I wait for her and smile triumphantly when she stops before me. “Cheaters never win, Amelia. Even when they think they’ve pulled it off, everyone else knows. Pride is everything.”

  Her eyes narrow. “Are you seriously going to lecture me over a silly race?”

  I can’t hold back my grin. She’s so fucking competitive. She can’t stand that she lost, even though she did cheat. My arms swoop out and tug her to me. “Maybe I like to see you all fired up. You’re hot when you’re spitting nails.”

  “I’m not worked up,” she huffs.

  “Don’t make me dunk your ass to cool off your temper.”

  “Whatever.” She rolls her eyes and turns her back to me. Grabbing her, I sweep her from her feet and curl her to my chest. “Put me down,” she yells, looking annoyed. I do the opposite of what she wants, sliding one hand to the middle of her ass and jostling her weight until the other palm rests between her shoulder blades.

  “Hold still, Amelia.” I lift her past my chest, and over my head, as if I’m bench pressing weights.

  “Zeke, what the hell are you doing?”

  “Having some fun at your expense.” I throw her through the air and she hits the water ass first with a loud slap of her skin. I grimace, knowing that had to hurt.

  She surfaces laughing and sputtering, “Ouch. That hurt my ass so much.”

  “I’ll kiss it better for you later.”

  “You better since it’s your fault.”

  Propelling forward through the water, I kick my legs until I reach her side. “Come on. Climb on my back and I’ll play dolphin for you.”

  “Dolphin?” She edges closer and walks her fingers up my chest. “I kind of liked playing horsey last night. I don’t think dolphin works as well.” She looks skeptical.

  “Maybe not, but any time you have to cling to me, is a win in my book. Now get on. I’m hungry and I need to eat before I get grouchy.”

  “Is that why you’re such a bear at practice? If it is, I can keep snacks in my bag for you,” she jests. “That’s easier than dealing with your sourpuss attitude.”

  “Are you done?” I stare pointedly. “Get your sexy ass up where it belongs.” I turn my back her way. Placing her hands on my shoulders, Amelia bounces on her toes a few times before jumping. Her inner thighs hug my hips as she lands on me. There are definite advantages to having her in this position. “Hold on tight.” Dropping forward smoothly, I push through the balls of my feet and gently launch the two of us through the surf, swimming parallel to the shoreline. Peals of Amelia’s laughter ring out just before I completely submerge myself below the surface. I breaststroke underwater while Amelia balances on my back. Her fingers clutch my shoulders and her knees squeeze my waist tightly as she works to remain seated on me as my arms swoop wide with each stroke and my legs frog kick. Every five or six strokes I raise my head to take in more air and Amelia squeals, holding on even tighter.

  We make it back to our original spot on the beach all too quickly and I’m disappointed when Amelia slides from my back. We slowly walk to the shore as if we’re both reluctant to end our playful time in the water. Glancing around, I notice a few families setting up umbrellas and laying out blankets, but there are no signs of our friends.

  “I need to shower and get some food in me,” Amelia tells me as she picks up her sneakers and other cast off items from the sand.

  “Me, too. I really worked up an appetite last night and this morning.” Bending down I grab my slides and t-shirt. “Want to meet me in the main house for breakfast in thirty minutes?”

  “Thirty minutes? Does it take you that long to get ready?”

  “Nope, give me five or ten minutes and I’m set. I assumed you needed to do whatever it is you girls do.”

  “I don’t know about others, but this girl,” she points to herself, “can get ready in a pinch. We’re at the beach, not a beauty contest.” Even with her dripping hair and makeup free face she’s the most captivating sight I’ve ever seen.

  We part ways once we reach the split in the path. Amelia heads toward the main house and I continue to the guest cottage. I can’t help but glance over in her direction and smile when I see her doing the same. What a great morning it’s been so far.

  Chapter Twenty

  Amelia

  “Can you please pass me the bacon before Trevor eats it all?” Leah prods Owen, holding out her hand.

  He hands off a tray with a mound of bacon piled in the middle. “I think you’re all set.”

  “No, she’s right to be concerned. The ten pieces I took aren’t nearly enough.” Trevor joins in.

  “I can’t believe you’re eating Babe.” Grace curls her lip up with disgust.

  “Who?” He shovels in another mouthful of eggs.

  “Babe the pig. You know, the movie?”

  “Yeah, whatever,” he answers mid chew. He raises a piece of bacon in front of him, waving it at Grace. “By the way, Babe’s delicious.”

  “You’re a barbarian.”

  “And that’s a bad thing?”

  “It’s not a compliment.”

  “So, what’s on tap for today?” I throw the question out hoping to put an end to their bickering. I don’t know what Grace’s problem is with Trevor. He’s been nothing but nice to her.

  “I was thinking we could hit the beach,” Owen offers.

  “I’m good with that,” Trevor agrees.

  “I was hoping to go shopping with the girls,” Leah interjects.

  “Hell yeah,” Grace whoops. “What about you?” She glances my way.

  I can sense Zeke’s blue eyes on me from across the table. I shrug my shoulders. “Shopping’s not really my thing, but I’ll go.”

  “You don�
�t like it?” Grace seems shocked.

  “I don’t dislike it, but it’s a necessity sometimes.”

  “Yeah, like when you’re in the Hamptons,” Leah replies as if it goes without saying. “Eat up, eat up girls, and we can be on our way.”

  “What do you think of this?” Leah questions, stepping out of the dressing room.

  “Wow, that looks amazing on you.” She looks like a model in the short, purple dress.

  “We might need to go out again so I can wear this bad boy. Maybe I can catch the eye of a certain player.”

  “Which guy’s attention do you want?” Holding my breath, I hope she doesn’t say Zeke.

  “Owen’s of course. Trevor is busy trying to impress Grace and Coach can’t seem to stop staring at you.”

  Oh shit. This is bad. This is so fucking bad.

  “Oh, God. Don’t say that, please. He’s not staring at me.”

  “He really is, but don’t worry.” She places her hand comfortingly on my arm. “I won’t tell anyone. And I definitely won’t mention how the two of you have whole conversations with only your eyes.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “It’s true. You lock eyes and it’s like the rest of the world disappears. Everything falls by the wayside while you speak to each other without saying a single word. I’ve never witnessed anything like it before.”

  Do we really do that? And are the feelings we have for one another so obvious? How are we going to switch back to a purely professional relationship after this weekend when everything’s so horribly complicated by real feelings and emotions?

  “Come on. Let’s find you something new to wear that will make Coach’s eyes bug out when he sees you.”

  “Leah, I think you’re a bad influence. Shouldn’t you be discouraging me?”

  “What are you talking about?” Grace inquires as she steps into the dressing area.

  “I was telling Amelia how Coach has it bad for her.”

  Grace snorts. “Ya think? His eyes follow you around like a sad puppy.”

  “You guys are nuts.” I shake my head. “He’s been nothing but professional.” On the field, I add silently.

  “Maybe so, but that’s not what he wants to be,” Leah sings, and they both break into laughter.

  “Oh shut up. I’m done talking about this.”

  Leah holds out a pair of cut off shorts. “Here, try these on. They’ll look great with your ass.”

  “What do you mean with my ass? What’s wrong with it?” Turning my back toward the wall of mirrors, I twist my head over my shoulder and squirm, trying to see my reflection.

  “Nothing’s wrong with it. You have a great booty. Show it off.”

  “I’m not buying anything. I need to save all my dollars. My parents can’t afford to send me any extra.”

  “No problem. They’ll be my gift to you.”

  “No,” I say vehemently. “I don’t want you spending money on me.”

  “Too bad. I spend my cash on whatever I want.” She sticks her tongue out at me. “Grace, did you find anything you want?”

  “Yep, I’m good to go. Let’s hit the check out and get back to the house. We can still catch some rays.”

  “Hey, I thought you guys were dusting us,” Trevor jokes when we get down to the beach.

  “We thought about it,” Grace mutters as she walks off to grab a beer from the giant blue and white cooler. Trevor watches her walk away until I jab his arm with my elbow.

  “What?” He smirks.

  “Think you brought enough to drink?”

  “I like to be prepared. There’s beer, wine coolers, and soda in there. There are snacks in the bag on the blanket, too.”

  “Damn, you are prepared.”

  “No one wants to go back to the house once they’re down here.”

  “Looks like the gang has grown while we were gone.” I gesture to the new additions in our group. So many attractive guys in one place should be illegal. And they all bear the same Boston Terrier tattoo over their hearts. After my eyes carefully check them all out, I happily acknowledge Zeke’s chest is the most impressive.

  “Yeah, you already met Nick and Carter at our party.” He takes hold of my arm and leads me over to a blond giant of a man and a petite, black haired girl. “This is my ugly, older brother, Brady, and his fiancée, Harlow. Guys, this is my friend, Amelia. She’s the QB for the Terriers.”

  “Hey, it’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard great things about your skills on the field.” Brady shakes my hand.

  “Wow, coming from you that means a lot. My brothers and I followed your entire college career.”

  “Did you?” Brady smiles.

  “Ahem. I’m Harlow.”

  “Sorry, babe. I got caught up in football speak.”

  She rolls her eyes playfully. “No, you got caught up in a Brady Lincoln admiration moment. Don’t say anything more about his football career. His head has finally returned to normal size. We don’t need to inflate it again.” He grins down at her. “How awesome is it that you’re the quarterback of the women’s team, though?” Harlow glances at Brady. “Can we go watch a game sometime?”

  “Whatever you want.”

  “Why are you being so agreeable? Are you trying to make a good impression?”

  “I’m always agreeable.”

  “Hey, Amelia.” Nick waves as he walks past. Leaning over he pulls a green bottle from the cooler. “How’s football been going?”

  “Hi, Nick. Everything’s been going well.”

  He steps closer and leans over. “How much of a dick is Zeke at practice?”

  My eyes seek out the man he’s talking about. I find him conversing with Owen, but his gaze is locked on me. “He has his moments, but most of the time he’s reasonable.”

  “On a scale of one to ten how dickish is he?” Nick presses, glancing at Zeke.

  “Eleven,” I giggle and Nick barks out a laugh.

  “I knew it.”

  “What did you know?” Zeke crosses his arms as he stops next to us.

  “I knew Tom Brady’s Amelia’s favorite quarterback.”

  Zeke casts a skeptical look in his direction, but doesn’t challenge him.

  “What d’ya say we liven up this beach bash a little with a game of football?” Nick shouts the question, rubbing his hands together. “We can play boys against girls.”

  I love this idea. It reminds me of all the games my family had in our backyard back in Maryland. “Sounds good. I’ve been looking forward to seeing what Owen’s arm can do.”

  Owen flexes his right arm, emphasizing his bulging bicep. “Girl, don’t think I’m going easy on you.”

  “Show me what you got, big guy.”

  “I love it when you talk dirty to me,” he quips.

  Zeke elbows him in the side before we break into two teams. The girls stand opposite the guys.

  “Owen, you belong over there.” Trevor points to the girls’ team. Everyone laughs.

  “Fuck you. You guys need me to stand a chance against Amelia.”

  “Hey, I may not play all the time anymore, but I’m still capable of throwing an accurate pass,” Brady defends.

  Zeke shoves two fingers in his mouth, whistling shrilly. “Ladies have the ball first.”

  “How’s that fair?” Trevor complains.

  “Quit your whining,” Grace spits out as boundaries for the makeshift field are marked off. We huddle up, I call the play, explaining in detail for Carter and Harlow. They nod when I ask them if they understand, but after being with Nick and Brady I guess they can’t help but learn the ins and outs of the game.

  Lining up in formation, Carter and Harlow fall into position exactly where they should be, as if they’ve done this before. I yell out the count and Grace snaps the ball into my hands before taking off down the beach. Dodging to the right, I barely avoid being tackled by Zeke. Drawing my arm back, I release the ball forward. It spirals through the air until Leah catches it, running in for a touch
down.

  “Woohoo.” Leah does a silly celebratory dance in our makeshift end zone.

  Owen scowls. “Come on, guys.” Circling up, heads bent together, they speak quietly.

  The girls and I all exchange high fives and plan our defensive strategy. We wait for the guys to line up before doing the same.

  Brady snaps the ball to Owen and I move forward to match up against Zeke. He grins as we come together and the chuckle that escapes his lips infuriates me. I want to kick him in the balls. Gritting my teeth, I stay on my assignment, sticking with him until I notice the ball sailing toward Trevor’s outstretched hands. Catching it, he sprints for the end zone. Grace runs like the wind, charging after him. She tackles him about five yards before the end zone. Hurtling toward the ground, he twists around, fumbling the ball between his large hands. Every time he’s about to gain a secure hold, the ball eludes his grasp until it finally falls to the sand. His arms catch Grace around the waist as they crash down sending up a cloud of sand. When the dust settles she’s sprawled on top of Trevor and neither of them are moving.

  Staring in stunned silence, none of us say a word. Grace scrambles off Trevor, rising to her feet. Backing away skittishly, she whirls around to face the rest of us. Cheeks flushed and chest heaving with the exertion of the play, she jogs over to the cooler. Popping the lid open with a snap, she disappears behind the cover as she reaches inside. Reappearing, she rubs a water bottle over her cheeks and forehead. Cracking the cap, she gulps down the liquid as if she’s been in the desert for a week.

  “Grace, that was awesome.” The soft cushion of sand is burning hot under my feet as I move closer to her.

  “Hell of a play, Grace,” Zeke calls out.