Page 137 of The Coach

I resist the urge to grind my teeth. “The example being set is that when life throws you shit, you handle it. Travis is stepping up. That’s all I’ll say on the matter. Do you haveanyquestions about next week’s game?”

Another reporter chimes in, shifting the focus. “Coach, is there any truth to the rumors that ownership is frustrated with the negative press?”

I exhale slowly, keeping my temper in check. “Ownership wants what’s best for the team. So do I. And that’s making sure we win games.”

Kara smirks. “So no concern at all?”

I fix her with a steady look. “Concern? No. Annoyance? Yeah. Because instead of talking about our upcoming game, I’m sitting here addressing a player’s personal business. I’m done answering questions about it. Next.”

A few chuckles spread through the room, but Kara’s not done.

Her eyes gleam with something sharper.

“What about the photo of you and the mystery girl? Any comment on that?”

I blink, my grip on the mic tightening.

A photo?

Fuck.

Drew shifts beside me, barely hiding his amusement. I can feel his eyes on me, waiting to see how I handle this.

I clear my throat. “I have dinner all the time. I eat food. Not exactly breaking news.”

Kara smirks. “Sure. But this wasn’t just any dinner, was it? You were spotted looking… cozy. That’s the word they used. Cozy with a brunette. Who was in a dress.”

My jaw tics. I glance at Drew, whose smirk deepens.

“Cozy,” I repeat flatly. “Great journalism. Real hard-hitting stuff.”

A few reporters chuckle, but Kara doesn’t let up.

“So, was it a date? Just asking. The photo is making the rounds on social media and everyone wants to know.”

I pause, my mind running a mile a minute. I could shut this down. Give them nothing. But the problem is, this won’t go away. The more I deny, the harder they’ll push.

I settle on a smirk. “Like I said, I eat food. Maybe next time, I’ll invite the press so you all can analyze my meal choices too.”

A wave of laughter rolls through the room.

Kara leans back, satisfied for now. “Alright, Coach. We’ll let you off the hook—for now.”

I nod. “Appreciate it. Next question.”

But inside?

I’m already pulling out my phone.

Because if a fan saw me with Ivy…

That means she’s on their radar now.

And that?

That fucking worries me.

I can handle the limelight. But she didn’t ask for this.

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