Page 151 of The Coach

Jackson parks, turning to face me. His hands settle on the wheel, but his eyes never leave mine.

“I hate this,” he mutters.

I let out a shaky breath. “Hate what?”

He gestures to the station, his voice low. “You leaving.”

Something tightens in my chest.

Me too.

I try to lighten the mood. “I mean, I could just quit my job and?—”

“Don’t even joke about that.” His jaw flexes. “I’d never let you give up your life for me. You’re not going to be some kept woman. You love everything about being in Riverbend. And you’ve worked to build the life you have. It wouldn’t be fair for me to take it from you.”

I open my mouth, but he beats me to it.

“I’m gonna be there for you, Ivy. I mean it. You and the baby.” He reaches over, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “And not just with groceries and home security systems.”

My throat goes tight.

I can’t do this right now. Not when I have to get on that train. Not when I feel like one wrong move will shatter me into a million pieces.

So instead, I lean in, pressing my lips against his.

A slow, deep, lingering kiss.

His hands tighten on my waist. Like he doesn’t want to let go.

When I finally pull back, his forehead presses against mine.

“See you soon, Emerald Girl.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, grab my bag, and slip out of the car.

As I walk toward the station, I don’t look back.

But I feel his eyes on me the whole way.

And when my phone vibrates in my pocket?

Jackson: Text me when you’re home safe.

I don’t even hesitate.

Me: I will.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

IVY

The second I step inside my apartment, I drop my bags and lean against the door, exhaling a long, shaky breath.

I should be exhausted. Iamexhausted. But my mind won’t shut off. The entire weekend felt like a fever dream—one of those moments in life where everything shifts, even though you’re not quite sure how yet.

Jackson.

I press a hand to my stomach, warmth spreading through my chest. He wasn’t justsayingthings. He meant them. He wants to be here. Wants to bewithme.

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