Page 57 of Learn Your Lesson

“No, don’t ask,” Livia said. “Move. Grab his hand, or run yours along his back. Hell, go in for a kiss next time you two are alone, if that’s what it takes. Just show him you’re interested, and if he doesn’t take the cue from there…”

She shrugged, and Maven finished for her. “Then he isn’t worth your time.”

“Thanks,” I said, and this time, my smile was genuine. “I’m not used to having someone to talk to about stuff like this.”

“We’re here anytime,” Maven assured me.

“I’m here almost all the time,” Arushi said under her breath, which made us all laugh.

And Livia rounded it all off with another low whisper, leaning in close so only I could hear. “And when you and Noah are ready to take things to the next level, you letme know. He sounds a little submissive.” She grinned salaciously. “And I knowjusthow to handle a man like that.”

You Know Why

Will

I wished the pool was colder.

I wished I didn’t heat it, that I would have thought to cut the heater earlier in the day so that when I plunged into the deep end, it would be frigid.

I wished that the water stung my skin and stole my breath instead of welcoming me like a warm bath because what I needed right now was an awakening.

I needed a cold, hard reality slap.

I needed to stop fantasizing about my nanny.

When I’d returned home from Ava’s school event earlier, I’d promptly gone into the garage, torturing myself with a strenuous jump-roping session that left me gasping for air and wincing against my sore ribs.

But the pain didn’t last.

Soon, I was in my hot shower, with all my thoughts drifting to Chloe.

Chloe and her sweet mouth that was always sporting the softest smile.

Chloe and her copper hair that she couldn’t resist touching, that mademewant to get my own hands tangled up in it.

Chloe and her hand-sewn skirts that hugged her lush hips. It never mattered what top she wore with those skirts, because baggy t-shirt, oversized sweater or spaghetti strap crop top — it was impossible to hide her soft, supple breasts.

No amount of masturbation could help.

So, I’d quickly dried off, dressed, and spent the rest of the evening at the range.

It was highly frowned upon during the season. Coach didn’t want us doing anything where we could potentially injure ourselves. But I kept it mild, just getting in reps and hitting balls as far as I could in my own personal form of therapy.

When I finally dragged my ass home, I dutifully ignored Chloe and her impossibly irresistible smile while focusing all my energy on my daughter. After Ava was down for the night, I disappeared into my bedroom, not willing to chance even a moment alone with Chloe.

I didn’t realize how bad I had it, not with the season in full swing and a playoff run on the horizon. When I had practice and games, it was easy to forget about her until I came home. She only existed for brief snapshots of time before I could snuff out every thought of her and focus on my job.

But it was bye week. I didn’t have any games. I didn’t have practice. I wasn’t even allowed at the fucking arena.

And every waking thought, every dream, every second was filled with thoughts of Chloe Knott.

I swam hard and fast laps in the stupid heated pool, pushing and pushing until my lungs were burning and myshoulders ached. Even then, I went for one more, and then one more after that.

By the time I stopped at the edge of the pool, the muscles in my stomach threatened to seize and take me under. Good. I wanted that pain. I wanted to punish myself like Pavlov’s dog.

Think of Chloe? Shock of pain.

Imagine her naked? Kick in the groin.