Page 32 of Press Your Luck

Her silence spoke volumes, and I felt a pang of disappointment in my chest. Why did it bother me so much? We’d just hooked up, nothing more. But deep down, it was more than that. The chemistry between us was undeniable. Why was she fighting it? Why wasn’t she fighting the press if the gossip wasn’t true?

"Naomi, if there's something going on between you and Max, just tell me. I deserve to know." My voice was softer now, tinged with vulnerability I cursed myself for showing.

She looked back at me, her hazel eyes filled with a storm of emotions—frustration, confusion, and something else I couldn't quite place. Her lips parted as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out.

Dammit. Why was she being so elusive?

"Cat got your tongue?" I asked, my frustration rising once more.

She didn’t respond.

I laughed derisively. “That’s the game, isn’t it? You say you want to be treated with respect like other coaches while you and Todd strut your sexuality around for profit.”

Her eyes widened.

“Does Max know he’s being used too? And where do I fit in? Is your ploy to distract me or should I be expecting an extortion package from Todd?”

I think if I’d hit her, I wouldn’t have caused the hurt and shock I saw on her face from my words. Doubt niggled in my gut, but I ignored it.

“Congrats again, Coach Withers. Goodnight.” I turned around and was halfway back to the locker room when I realized I should have just walked out the door. Damn that woman.

16

Naomi

Iclenched my fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms. The sting was nothing compared to the burn of indignation that seared through my veins. Pierce had no right to call me out like that.

It wasn't any of his business who I might or might not be dating.

But as much as I wanted to dismiss his words, I couldn't deny that he had a point. How could I be taken seriously when everyone was focused on my sex life? Todd thought the rumors about me and Max were good for business, and I went along with it.

"Damn him," I muttered under my breath. I should just leave, but it really bothered me that he thought I was using sex to make my way in the world. Not just by this fake dating with Max, but by sleeping with him.

Did he really think I had sex with him to manipulate or distract him? That couldn’t stand. I needed to confront Pierce to make him understand that I wasn't a skank or a plaything for the press. And if he still refused to see reason? Well, then he could go to hell.

I stormed down the hallway toward the locker room. As I pushed open the door to the locker room, I second-guessed myself. What good would confronting him do? He was clear in his opinion of me.

But that was what rankled. For some reason, his opinion mattered. I couldn’t control the media or fans, but surely, I could make Pierce understand.

I made my way through the locker room, wondering if he’d even come back here. Why would he? Hadn’t he been leaving when we ran into each other?

I saw him sitting in his office, looking at something on his phone. I barged in uninvited.

"Naomi.” Surprise flickered across his chiseled features before he schooled his expression into one of cool indifference. "Here to gloat about your win?”

"Hardly. We need to set something straight.” I marched up to his desk, hoping I looked fierce as I stared down at him.

He sat back, crossing his arms over his broad chest. His blue eyes were unreadable, but I felt the tension radiating between us.

"About this stupid rumor and your accusing me of being a whore,” I spat, my voice shaking with emotion that I wished I’d been able to hide. "You think I enjoy being the subject of gossip? You think I want people to care more about who I'm sleeping with than how well I can coach?"

He shrugged with indifference. "Then do something about it. Tell the press the truth. If you don't like the attention, then stop feeding into it."

My breath hitched, and for a moment, I didn’t know how to respond. The words stung, probably because he was right.

"Maybe I will. But first, I wanted you to know the truth. I'm not dating Max, and I would never date a player. So you can keep your self-righteous judgments to yourself."

"Alright," he said finally. "I appreciate your coming here and telling me that."

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