Page 5 of Crazy for the Coaches

As Steve talked about his plans, I laughed. “Wait. You just moved here today.”

Aaron shook his head on the other side of me as we walked. “Steve’s never met a stranger. But he’s a tough coach. He will be good at getting the team into shape. What’s the deal with the mascot? Why isn’t he a player?”

They told me about seeing him working out.

“That is interesting. I know they picked him out of many who applied as head mascot because he did flips. I think he has a day job, too, so one of our interns will be the alternate.”

Soon we were at my door, and I kept touching my hair, my nervous tell. How did I make it clear I was interested? I mean, I’d agreed to see them again, though we’d pick a time later in the week when we knew more about the men’s schedule.

Aaron moved in front of me. “Thanks for meeting us, lovely Mandy. I’m enjoying getting to know you.” He cupped both sides of my face as he leaned in. His soft lips touched mine for a kiss that was longer than a peck but not too long.

My knees went weak. I’d always laughed at that phrase in books, but now I got it.

Luckily, then Steve pulled me into his arms. His kiss was a little more forceful, as his tongue teased my lips but didn’t push forward.

Whoa. “Whoa.”

I didn’t mean to say that out loud. I wanted to ask them in. Part of me wondered if I had any condoms. The other part warned me we’d just gotten started.

This was hot, and I didn’t want it to stop. I whirled around and pressed myself up against Aaron for another kiss.

I could feel him stumble back a bit, then steady as my lips touched his. My hands could feel his hard chest muscles. His tongue swept into my mouth as his hand gripped my hair, pulling my head back a little to fit us even closer together.

Then I felt Steve behind me, and I could feel his hardness pressing against my butt. His teeth closed over my earlobe.

This was intense and wonderful, and I didn’t know where to put my hands in my eagerness.

Then Aaron stumbled a little again, and I pulled my mouth off his. “Did I hurt you?”

“Oh no. And even if you did, that was so worth it.” He gave me another quick kiss.

Steve swept my hair off my neck and bit me lightly. “Until next time, Mandy.”

Whoa.

Chapter Four

Steve

I woke early and started the coffee, which was the first thing I’d unpacked in our new kitchen. We had a meeting with all the staff today, and I wanted to be ready. Aaron might be more organized, but I had twice his energy.

It was always that way. We were both in high school when our parents met while volunteering for our baseball team. We’d gotten along on the team and balanced each other out.

I hated he thought his injuries ended his career, but I wasn’t sorry we were both here coaching.

“Morning,” I said as Aaron shuffled in, wearing one of the dark blue Cruisers shirts we’d gotten at the stadium the day before.

“Umm hmm,” he said as he headed towards the coffeemaker.

“Did you sleep at all?” I asked him. I thought I’d be up thinking about Mandy but I had a cool shower before bed and then was out like a light.

He nodded, then took a sip of his coffee. “Yes. I fell asleep right after my shower. I’d wanted to make some notes about things we’d discussed, but just went to bed.”

“Mandy is wonderful.” I observed his face. I was already thinking about having Ted do our wedding, but I knew it took Aaron a while to think things through.

Another nod. “She really is. I know I always tell you to slow down and think things through, but I’m happy we are moving forward with another date. I wish I unpacked us enough so I could cook for her.”

“We could pick up some food. Some guys at the stadium mentioned a favorite restaurant they all love already. Or we could ask what she likes and offer to show her our townhome.”

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