Page 9 of Spiral Lies

"Would you lower your voice and stay in your seat?" I growl, trying to wrestle her back down before she breaks into a dance and we end up having this conversation on the jumbotron. That's just what I need.

"You can't kill my vibe, Seraphina," she says, falling back into her seat. "You're finally having sex with that fine specimen of a man. Let me enjoy the moment."

"We aren't having sex."

"Yet." She cackles so loud I'm sure they hear her in the dugout. I swear to God, I can't wait until she's finally forced to face the way she feels for Huxley. I'm bringing popcorn, booze, and a comfy blanket so I can live in luxury while I enjoy watching her squirm.

"I should have called Emelia instead," I grumble.

She flings an arm around my shoulder, giggling. "I'm just happy for you because you want the man, even if you are too stubborn to admit it."

"Huh. Sounds like someone else I know."

Her gaze drifts to the Hux on the pitcher's mound and then whips back to me. "No idea what you mean," she sniffs.

"Right." I roll my eyes at her, not buying her bullshit for a second.

"When is the date?"

"I didn't agree to go."

"But you are going to agree, right?" When I don't immediately answer, she glowers at me. "Right, Seraphina?"

"Fine!" I cry. "Yes. I'm probably going to agree, okay?"

She smiles like the cat that ate the canary, and I swear to God, I feel the gates of hell slamming closed.

This is going to be a disaster.

Chapter Four

Stone

Ithought working beside Seraphina all day was hell before I knew I might have a chance. Now that the truth is out, it's a whole new level of torture.

And she is not playing fair.

She comes to work on Thursday in a flirty little pink dress and chunky boots, her hair up in an intricate braid. She looks utterly fuckable as she flits around the office, pretending I don't exist.

I let her get away with it until lunch, when one of my players comes in and takes a seat at her desk. The bastard makes no secret of the fact that he's flirting with her. They never do. Half my team would do all kinds of sketchy shit just to earn a smile from her. When she watches practice, keeping them focused takes a fucking miracle.

I don't know what Stevens is saying to her, but she throws her head back, her sweet laugh ringing through the office. That's about the time I decide enough is enough. I'm done behaving for the day. That laugh should be mine.

"Stevens!" I bark, stomping out of my office with a thunderous scowl.

He glances up at me, smirking. "Hey, Coach."

"Why are you in my office instead of in class?"

"Oh. I came to see Seraphina," he says. "She helped me out with something. I owed her an update."

"Have you given it?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"Good. Get out," I growl. "She's here to work, not to entertain whatever crush you've got going on."

"Stone," she objects softly.