The Assistant Coach (BOOK 1: OMEN KING SERIES)

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Leia Welsh

"Wakey Wakey."

I groan, pulling the covers over my head to block out the cold. The room is chilly, making me shiver as I reluctantly open my eyes to see Ari standing there, her hair a tangled mess and a mischievous glint in her serene eyes.

I glare at her, the exhaustion evident in my voice as I mutter, "Go away, Ari. I'm not in the mood for your perky morning routine."

She rolls her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips as she teases, "Well, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Or should I say, didn't wake up at all?"

It's Sunday, and of course, it's around seven in the evening. I didn't get a wink of sleep last night thanks to that jerk Warren. Did he seriously take a picture of me to jerk off to? It's creepy as hell, but for some reason, my brain just goes haywire every time I dwell on it. My heart is pounding in my chest like a trapped bird trying to break free.

"Leia, earth to Leia."

I've been in a bit of a dry spell when it comes to sexual thoughts lately – okay, who am I kidding, it's been forever.

But then Warren had to come along and make me question everything with his stupid words.

Now all I can do is lie here in bed, picturing his phone with my picture displayed on the dresser – if he even has a dresser. I imagine him standing there, completely naked, with a cocky grin on his face.

My heart starts racing at the thought, but then I quickly snap out of it. He's got to be joking about the jerking off part.

I need to stop thinking about him. It's ridiculous.

"We need to do something today, I can't stay inside," I exclaim quickly, sitting up so fast that Ari backs away, her eyes widening before she smirks and throws her arms behind her back, intertwining her fingers.

I grab a pillow and shove it in my face to muffle my groans. "I know you're going to suggest something horrible, but I can't stay inside, so yes,"

Ari grins like a schoolgirl and sits on the edge of my bed. "I don't want you to back out of saying yes, so I won't tell you where we are going, but what I will tell you is that you will have fun," she says, her eyebrows wiggling playfully.

I can't help but nod in agreement, already resigned to whatever crazy plan she has in store for us.

"By the way, what's up with you and Owen Hall?" I ask, trying to change the subject. Ari's face instantly flushes with a deep blush, making me raise an eyebrow in amusement.

She lets out a small cough. "We are just getting closer, platonically," she adds with a careful tone.

Her soft serene colored eyes meet mine, a hint of uncertainty in her gaze as she twiddles her fingers nervously.

"Uh-huh, just remember to keep it platonic," I continue. "I like Owen and all, but he is a man-whore like the rest of them."

The silence that follows is deafening, and I feel a pang of guilt for my harsh words. Did I go too far?

I mean, I'm only trying to protect her from getting hurt. But her silence speaks volumes, and I can't help but wonder if she's hiding something from me.

I shift uncomfortably in my bed, pulling the warm blanket closer around me. I bite my lip nervously, my mind racing with thoughts. Am I being hypocritical by pretending that my own relationship with Warren is purely platonic?

The truth is, it's anything but. But I can't deny the connection between us, no matter how hard I try to keep things casual. Do I like him? Nah, maybe. Geez.

Ari looks lost in thought, a mixture of emotions playing across her face. I want to reach out to her, to reassure her that I only have her best interests at heart. But the words stick in my throat, and all I can do is watch in silence as the moments tick by.

I let out a small sigh, feeling the chill of the room as I throw the fluffy oversized white blanket off me. "I'll get dressed, I guess,"

I notice the small flicker of emotion on Ari's olive toned face as she walks to the doorway. I can't quite place it, but it looks like she's feeling slightly anxious. I open my mouth to speak, but she shakes her head and quickly walks out of my room, leaving me confused and blinking rapidly as I try to process what just happened.

I grab my phone from the side of my bed drawer after hearing a notification sound. Unlocking it, I see a message from an unsaved number and lean back against the bed frame to read it, the cool white oak sending a shiver down my spine.

(720)-XXX-XXX: I deleted the photo btw. Just in case you were wondering.

I glance at the screen of my phone, the cold blue light reflecting off my face in the dimly lit room. The sound of rain tapping against the window fills the silence.

I start to type a response, my fingers hovering over the keys before I think better of it and hit delete.

It has to be Warren, no one else would send such a ridiculous message.I shoot back a quick reply. I knew he was just messing around, but it's still funny. I can almost picture the smirk on his face as he sent that message.

Me: I'd be more impressed if you go ahead and block me!

I lazily stretch my arms, my phone buzzes in my hand, another notification. I open the text and can't help but roll my eyes at his attempt at charm. I save his number as 'Perv' with a chuckle, knowing it suits him perfectly.

Perv: After I went through all the trouble to get it, no thanks angel ;)

I can't help but scoff at his audacity. What trouble did he go through, really? Probably just sweet-talked Ari into giving it to him or came up with some lame excuse to Coach Johnson.

Me: Uh-huh.

Perv: I'm surprised you fell for it.

Me: Fell for what exactly?

Perv: That I actually deleted the photo. How can you be so sure?

I roll my eyes and let out a small chuckle before ignoring his message and setting my phone aside. I walk over to my dresser, I rummage through my clothes, searching for the perfect outfit for tonight.

I know he deleted the picture. He's just another typical playboy, always looking for the next pretty face to ogle at. I can picture him now, probably surrounded by a gaggle of beautiful women, getting all the attention he craves without even lifting a finger.

Who needs to jerk off when you have a willing participant right there with you?

I shake my head, pushing those thoughts aside as I continue my search for the right outfit. Ari always picks places with a lot of people, so I might as well dress to impress.

I finally settle on a cute dress and some heels, figuring I might as well make an effort. I'll just use concealer to cover up my scarred foot.

(How do we feel about this chapter?) —>

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