Page 194 of The Coach

Jackson tenses beside me.

I glance at him, but before I can say anything, a new voice chimes in.

“Well, well. So this is Coach Knox’s mystery woman.”

I turn to find a tall blonde in a designer cover-up and huge sunglasses, sipping something pink from a straw.

She’s stunning. Intimidating. And she’s looking me up and down like she’strying to figure me out.

I square my shoulders.

Cassie clears her throat. “Ivy, this is Sophia. Ronald Tillman’s wife.”

The star running back.

Which makes her a queen bee in the WAG world.

Sophia tilts her head. “So… how does a small-town girl end up with Jackson Knox?”

Oh boy.

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

His hand tightens on my waist as he smirks.

“Easy. She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

The room goes dead silent.

And just like that, the game has changed.

The WAGs dinner is an experience.

Some of them are nice—Cassie, obviously, and a few others who seem down-to-earth. But some? Fake-nice. And then there’s Sophia, who is straight-up ice.

“You better get used to it,” Cassie whispers as we sip overpriced cocktails.

Well, mocktails for me. Still, seventeen dollars for a fake mojito? This is not a life I’m used to. Luckily, the drinks are on the team tonight.

“Some of these women see the wife status as a hierarchy. You’ll be getting judged the whole time.”

I laugh it off, but honestly? It leaves a weird taste in my mouth.

I never planned much with Jackson beyond thinking he was hot as hell that night at the bar. He could have been a traveling truck driver for all I cared.

But sure, him being a Coach has its benefits.

By the time I get back to my hotel room, I’m exhausted.

I sink onto the bed, tugging my phone from my bag.

Jackson: You back in your room?

Me: Yep. Just got here.

Jackson: Good. Now get out.

Me: Excuse me?

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