Teaching the Kot'oll Coach by Alina Riley

Author:Alina Riley [Riley, Alina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-08-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Winnie

After the assembly is over, I hurry out of the hall before Telke has time to talk to me. I can see it on his face. He has things to ask, which... I understand.

I’m just...

I don’t want to talk to him. I don’t know what’s wrong with me or him, but...

Heat simmers in my stomach and the same nudge that pulls me to him is back, which I hate.

I just want to be alone. I moved cities to do that, yet... Somehow, that four-armed guy thinks he can barge into my life...

A shadow shows up in front of me. I halt before I will run into the door of the library. If I slam my head against it, it won’t end well.

It’s all Telke’s fault.

I pull the key card and swipe to unlock the door. My stomach does a flip-flop as I head to the counter. I don’t have to keep thinking about Telke. There are a lot more meaningful things waiting for me to do. For example, to sleeve up the new books from yesterday that I procrastinated over because Telke distracted me.

I pick up the books from the bag and clear enough room on my desk for the equipment. The colorful books always brighten my day.

After the terrible fallout with my ex, I’ve had enough staying with someone or trying to stay with someone. I’m fine on my own. All I have to do is to keep my head down and not get fired, then I’ll be able to save up and take care of myself, which is the only thing I should be caring about.

Not Telke, even though he gives great hugs.

I wrap up the books in transparent plastic sleeves, putting them to the side for indexing. Fresh new books smell amazing. I flip through the pages and enjoy the illustration. I think books aimed at adults should have more illustrations too.

I wrap up another book when there are steps coming my way. I put up a smile for the business.

But... It’s Telke. I’m not surprised, but...

“Winnie... So...”

I shrug. “How can I help you?”

“Hey, you can’t do this to me.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Like... I’m sorry if I’ve done something wrong.”

“No, you didn’t. I don’t want to talk about that ever. Just forget about that.”

He frowns and it hurts me more than it should. I don’t have to care. Even though we may have spent time with each other, it still doesn’t mean I have to care.

He says, “I don’t understand what changed overnight. If there was something you didn’t want, you could have told me.”

“I told you nothing’s wrong.”

“But we know something has shifted since. I may not be the smartest, but I’m not that dumb either. Why don’t you let me know what’s wrong? Like... Why are you keeping your distance from me?”

I hate him... I just want to be left alone. “I’m busy.”

He rests two arms on the counter, leaning closer. “I’m not leaving until I get an answer.”

“I’m not missing lessons because you want to plant your ass here.

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