The Assistant Coach (BOOK 1: OMEN KING SERIES)

|𝟼𝟾|

Kohl Warren

"Are you sure they don't mind me crashing their Christmas party?" Leia questions, her eyes scanning the campus from the window as I struggle to stuff her oversized suitcase into the cramped trunk.

"They're totally cool with it, trust me." I assure her, flashing a cocky grin before sliding into the driver's seat.

Despite my confident words, Leia fidgets nervously in the passenger seat, smoothing out the wrinkles in the red flowery dress she borrowed from Ari. I reach over and give her hand a reassuring squeeze, trying to ease her jitters. Her smile, tinged with a hint of uncertainty, lights up her face, causing my chest to tighten in a way that is both exhilarating and terrifying.

I start the car, the engine roaring to life as we start our journey to Kansas City for my mom's annual Christmas bash. The radio blares Miley Cyrus's "Wrecking Ball" as we speed down the highway, Leia tapping her foot along to the beat while I mutter comments about the song's questionable lyrics.

I haven't had the chance to break the news about Leia to my mom or Sammie yet, as my mom specifically requested that I share important updates in person. I decided to bring Leia along on this trip because she mentioned that her mom would be working over the holiday break.

Leia's mom is actually a pretty cool person, except when she goes off on a tangent about fashion - that's when I start feeling like I'm in a foreign land.

According to Leia, her mom has been in contact with her for a whole month now, which is a huge deal for Leia, so naturally, it's became a big deal for me too.

As we cruise down the highway, Leia casually turns down the volume on the radio and reclines her seat to the max for some serious comfort.

"So, what do you think the rest of the guys are getting up to for Christmas?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Well, Owen's been pretty much off the grid lately, so my guess is he's making his way to Houston to spend the holidays with his folks and older brother," I reply, earning a genuine giggle from Leia that lights up her whole face.

"I never knew he was a Texan. No wonder he's always so tight-lipped about his past," Leia muses, and I can't help but nod in agreement, sensing that there's more to Owen's silence than meets the eye.

"Ant decided to tag along with Rocky to celebrate Christmas with Rocky's family in Boulder," I continue, watching as Leia shakes her head with a laugh.

"I bet Ant is this close to losing it with Rocky," she remarks, making a pinching gesture with her fingers, and I chuckle in agreement, picturing Ant's patience wearing thin with Rocky.

"And Tim? He's currently on a flight to Oklahoma to spend the holiday with his grandma," I add, observing as Leia closes her eyes and nods contentedly at the thought of Tim reconnecting with family.

Driving along the dark, quiet road, I can't help but notice Leia's soft snoring coming from the passenger seat. It's a funny sound, and I chuckle to myself as I glance over at her peaceful sleeping form.

Her lips are slightly parted, and I lean over to steal a quick kiss on her hand before turning my attention back to the road. The farmlands pass by in a blur, the only sign of life being the occasional farm twinkling with Christmas lights.

Hours pass, and Leia stirs awake, her eyes gazing out the window at the unchanging scenery. I can tell she's getting bored, her eyes darting back and forth between the dark fields and the festive farms. Her smile warms my heart, and I can't help but steal glances at her every time we pass one of those twinkling farms.