Coach Nathan

Chapter 2

I smiled as my phone buzzed on the coffee table. It was a message from Lily, my best friend since college and my personal cheerleader whenever life felt overwhelming.

Lily: Guess who’s got a new neighbor?

I furrowed my brow, typing back. “Don’t tell me it’s another retired magician like the last guy”

A second later, my phone buzzed again. Lily: Not even close. Think tall, dark, and “oh my God, is this man even real?”

My heart skipped a beat. Emily: Wait, are you serious? Is his name Nathan?

Lily: Yep. Nathan. Nathan the Perfect. I introduced myself yesterday when he was moving in. I couldn’t believe he’s the new Bears coach. Also, WHY didn’t you tell me you met him already?!

I sighed, biting my lip. I should’ve known Lily would cross paths with him eventually— she was the nosiest and most charming person in the neighborhood. I quickly texted back. Emily: I didn’t want to jinx anything. We just talked for a little while at the café.

Within moments, Lily replied. “Well, you better get your act together because Nathan is definitely worth the swoon.”

I set my phone down, my thoughts swirling like the leaves outside my window. The past few days had been a whirlwind, and Nathan’s name kept resurfacing in my mind. There was something about him—something I couldn’t quite put into words.

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, pulling me out of bed. It was Sunday, which meant brunch with Lily. Our weekly tradition of catching up had become my anchor, grounding me amidst the chaos of life. I dressed quickly, opting for a light sundress, and made my way to her building.

Standing in the lobby, my hand hovered over the elevator button before I hesitated. Something about the confined space felt stifling today, so I turned toward the stairwell instead. By the time I reached the fifth floor, my breath was shallow, and my dress clung uncomfortably to my damp skin. I paused to fix my hair, smoothing it down and trying to compose myself.

As I stepped into the hallway, a realization struck me like a jolt of electricity. Nathan. Lily said he lived on this floor. My heart raced at the thought. Was his door just a few steps away? My mind spun with questions—until the sound of a door suddenly swinging open startled me.

And there he was.

Nathan stood in the doorway, his hair a tousled mess, as if he’d just rolled out of bed. His gray eyes sparkled with surprise and just the faintest hint of mischief. “Emily?! Are you following me?” he teased, his lips curving into a lopsided smile.

Caught off guard, I fumbled awkwardly with my damp hair. “I—I’m here to pick up my friend Lily. She lives...” I gestured vaguely, my voice faltering.

He cut in smoothly, his tone warm and casual. “Oh, Lily? She’s in 604, just a few doors down the hall.”

“That’s right,” I replied, relieved for the direction. “She mentioned she met you.”

“Met me?” His eyebrow arched playfully. “So you’ve been talking about me?”

I felt my cheeks flush, heat creeping up my neck. “She just said she had a new neighbor, that’s all.”

Nathan chuckled, his smile softening into something almost endearing. “I’m heading out,” he said, stepping into the hallway and pulling his door closed behind him, “but I hope we run into each other again soon.”

As he moved past me, his gaze lingered for just a second longer than necessary. “You’re still coming to the game on Wednesday, right?”

“Yes, I’ll be there,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Good,” he said with a nod, flashing one last smile before turning and heading toward the stairs.

I stood there for a moment, frozen and utterly mortified. As I made my way to Lily’s door, the blush in my cheeks refused to fade, the memory of his tousled hair and sparkling eyes replaying over and over in my mind.