The Assistant Coach (BOOK 1: OMEN KING SERIES)

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Leia Welsh

I let out a loud sigh as I finally finish all my classes, Ari and I trudge into the student union, the fluorescent lights glaring overhead and the smell of burnt coffee assaulting our noses.

I groan, looking over at Ari with a yawn. "Ah, the joys of college dining," I mutter, staring at the other students.

We make our way over to the muffin display, where Henson is already waiting, his oversized glasses perched on his nose and a smug look on his face.

I can practically feel the eye roll coming on as he starts babbling about the nutritional benefits of blueberries.

"Interesting facts" I mutter under my breath, grabbing a chocolate chip muffin and ignoring his ramblings.

As we sit down at a table, Henson launches into a diatribe about the history of muffins, completely oblivious to the fact that I'm losing my mind.

I can't help but snort with laughter as he launches into a detailed analysis of the muffin's crumb structure.

Suddenly, Henson turns to me, his eyes narrowing.

"You know, you really should try the bran muffin. It's much healthier than that sugar bomb you're eating."

I raise an eyebrow, "Oh, thanks for the tip, Doctor Parker. I'll be sure to consult you for all my dietary needs from now on."

Ari stifles a laugh, trying to hide her amusement as Henson sputters in indignation.

I lean back in my chair, staring at him. "You know, Henson, I think we've found your true calling. Forget business, you should become a muffin connoisseur."

He glares at me.

"Anything new happen?" Ari asks, her serene eyes locked on me as she takes a sip of her pumpkin spice latte.

I tap my left foot on the floor as I dart my eyes to all the students in the area.

I know I shouldn't lie to my best friend, but the truth about being the assistant coach for the men's hockey team is a secret I'm not quite ready to share yet.

Ari has a way of probing into things, asking a million questions that I'm not prepared to answer. And if she finds out, I know she'll tell Miranda, who will undoubtedly swoop in and mother me to death.

The thought of Miranda fussing over me makes me cringe. I can already picture her showing up on campus and dragging me out of class by the ear.

Jorge would probably find it amusing. He'd likely say something like, 'About time, I didn't raise no wimp.'

"No, nothing."

Ari raises her eyebrows. "Nothing? Really?"

"Yep. Nothing. Nada. Zilch." I say back, trying to convince her that nothing has happened. I'm lying.

"Are you sure?" she asks again.

I nod. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I know what's been happening in my life."

"Hey, did you know that there's a hockey party tonight?" Ari switches the subject, taking a bite of her muffin.

"Really?" I try to look shocked, but let's be real, they probably throw a party or attend a party every night.

"Yep. Everyone's going, and I think you should come too. Maybe you will meet someone who isn't an asshole." she laughs.

"I doubt that." I say, rolling my eyes as I remember Warren.

His touch is almost engraved into my skin, his eyes, deep and dark, and he smelled good. The guy is so persistent though, although I know he will change his mind later today.