Page 208 of The Coach

We pull out the win.

It’s a hard-fought battle, but we got it done.

Now? I’m exhausted, sweaty, and fucking starving.

All I want is a hot shower and to see Ivy.

But first?

This damn press conference.

I step up to the podium, rolling my shoulders. “Alright. Let’s get this over with.”

The reporters chuckle, cameras flashing.

“Coach Knox,” one of the ESPN guys starts, flipping through his notes, “great game today. The offense really found its rhythm in the second half. What was the key adjustment?”

I nod, relieved we’re starting with actual football. “Yeah, we made a few halftime adjustments—tightened up the O-line, switched to a faster tempo. I told the guys, ‘Just trust the system, execute, and we’ll be fine.’ And they did.”

A couple more normal questions follow. I almost let my guard down.

But then?

Kara fucking Richards—the reporter who’s been dying to dig into my personal life—leans forward, all butsalivating.

“Coach Knox,” she says sweetly, “you mentioned trust just now. That’s important on and off the field, right?”

My gut instantly tightens.

I fold my arms. “What are you getting at, Kara?”

She grins like a cat with a trapped bird. “Well, given the recentattentionsurrounding your personal life, do you feel like you’ve been a distraction to the team? Travis Carter’s situation was already causing waves, and now with your—shall we say—ownbaby mama drama, do you worry about the focus of your players?”

The room goes dead silent.

I can feel Drew shifting beside me. Reagan is standing in the back, arms folded.

Everyone is waiting.

I grip the podium. Stay calm.

And then?

I smirk. Because fuck them.

I lean forward, looking Kara dead in the eye.

“You know, Kara, everyone falls in love.” My voice is even, unwavering. Deadly calm. “That’s not a distraction. That’slife.”

A few gasps ripple through the room.

Kara’s eyebrows shoot up. “So you’re confirming you’re in love with her?”

I don’t hesitate. “Damn right, I am.”

The room erupts. Cameras flash, voices overlap.

I lift a hand. “Actually, why don’t we settle this right now?”

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