Page 211 of The Coach

Ivy stiffens.

I turn.

And my entire mood fucking shifts.

Because walking toward us, smirking, cameras flashing behind her? Is Kara Richards.

Chapter Forty-Two

IVY

I should freeze.

I should panic.

Because this moment? It’s exactly what I’ve been dreading.

A public ambush. A journalist with an agenda. Me and Jackson—front and center.

But instead?

Something snaps into place.

Maybe it’s the fact that I’m pregnant and hormonal and so damn tired of people acting like I’m some kind of scandal.

Maybe it’s the way Jackson’s hand tightens around mine, like he’s already gearing up to throw himself in front of me.

Or maybe?

Maybe it’s just that I love him.

And I refuse to let some reporter turn that into clickbait.

So I take a slow sip of my sparkling water.

Then I set my glass down, lean back in my chair, and lift my chin.

“Kara,” I say smoothly. “Didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

Kara smirks, her red lips curving in victory. “I could say the same, Ivy. But I guessmystery womanisn’t quite the title anymore, huh?”

I arch a brow. “I mean,youcame here to interrupt a private dinner, so I’d say the mystery was already solved.”

Kara’s eyes flicker with something sharp.

Jackson tenses beside me. “Ivy, you don’t have to?—”

I press my fingers against his.

I got this.

Kara doesn’t miss it. “Aww, protective already? That’s sweet. So, tell me—what’s it like? Dating one of the most high-profile coaches in the league? Must be a whirlwind.”

I smile, cool and steady. “It’s not about the headlines. It’s about the person.”

Her brow quirks. “And you’re okay with all this attention?”

I shrug. “I’m a teacher. I spend my days withfourth graders.This? This is nothing.”

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