Page 34 of A Match Made In Fall

The second I step inside the house, I press my back against the door and let out a low squeal.

Whatever this feeling is, I don’t want it to end.

CHAPTER TEN

AUSTIN

Ioversleep and end up almost thirty minutes late to Coach Denton’s morning meeting. I’m never late. And it’s game day, which makes it even worse. But truthfully, it was one thousand percent worth it. If Coach wants to give me extra laps, push-ups, or a twenty-minute lecture about discipline and accountability, I’ll take every second of it with a smile.

After dropping Isabella off last night, my brain refused to shut off. I spent half the night replaying everything about the evening. Her laugh, the way she grinned when she teased me, and how excited she got when she talked about her nephew. Every time she smiled at me, it hit me like a bolt of lightning.

And then she reminded me that she will eventually be leaving. The second she mentioned soaking up all the aunt time she could, a knot formed in my stomach.

I don’t even know why it hit me so hard. Maybe because I’ve only spent one evening with her so far and can’t wait for the next one. Maybe because she’s the first woman I’ve really liked in a very long time.

By the time I finally fell asleep, it felt like I was out for ten minutes before my alarm went off.

When I rush into the arena, Coach Denton is already halfway through one of his legendary morning speeches. All my teammates in the room turn to look at me the second the door opens.

“Well, look who decided to join us this morning,” Coach exclaims. “Austin Reed. How wonderful to see you.”

A few guys snicker.

“How was your extra beauty sleep today?”

“Sorry, Coach,” I say, trying to sound more apologetic than I feel. “My alarm didn’t go off.”

Nick, sitting near the back, raises his eyebrows with a smug grin.

“Really?” Coach calls out. “And did the dog eat your homework too? Maybe your car wouldn’t start?”

I shake my head. “Nope. Just the alarm.”

Coach narrows his eyes like he knows there’s more to the story, but he continues his speech, launching right back into whatever leadership book he’s currently reading. He throws in something about excuses leading to failure, which I know was meant for me.

Normally those little digs would bother me, but not today. Nothing could ruin my mood after last night.

Eventually the meeting finally ends and we start gearing up for practice. Nick sits down beside me as I’m lacing up my skates.

“So,” he says casually. “Did you have a late night?”

I shrug. “Not really.”

“Well, did you at least ask her out again?”

I glance at him. “What do you think?”

“Did she agree to it?”

I snort. “Obviously.”

“Wow. Good job.”

“What can I say?” I reply, unable to hide the satisfaction in my voice.

Nick shakes his head. “Also, for the record, I won’t tell Coach the real reason you were late.”

“I appreciate that.”