AGAINST the ODDS

Chapter 26: The Hardest Boundaries to Keep

(Lillian's POV – She sets boundaries, but deep down, she's struggling to fight her own feelings.)

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I lean back in my chair after Jaxon leaves, pressing the heels of my hands against my eyes. My heart is still racing, my skin still buzzing from his touch, and the worst part?

I almost gave in.

I almost let him cross that line.

I almost wanted him to.

The moment his fingers brushed my wrist, I felt everything I've been trying so damn hard to ignore. The way my breath caught, the way my body leaned toward him instinctively, the way my heart begged me to stop pushing him away.

But I did push him away.

I had to.

And now, I need to make sure he understands that boundary isn't just temporary—it's permanent.

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Drawing the Line

I spend the next day preparing myself for our inevitable next encounter. Jaxon is stubborn, relentless, and used to getting what he wants. I saw it in his eyes when he left my office—this isn't over for him.

But it has to be over for me.

I go through my morning routine with extra care, putting on my usual professional armor: pressed slacks, a button-down that makes me feel composed, a coat of neutral lipstick. I need to look the part of a woman who has everything under control, even if my insides are a mess.

When I walk into the rehab facility, I half expect Jaxon to be waiting for me, that same storm brewing in his hazel eyes.

Instead, I find him on the turf with one of the trainers, his expression locked in something unreadable.

For the first time in weeks, he doesn't look at me.

Not even once.

And that should feel like relief.

Instead, it feels like a punch to the stomach.

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Keeping Things Professional

"Lillian," Coach Reynolds' voice pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to find him watching Jaxon too. "How's his progress?"

I clear my throat and focus. "Physically, he's where we expected him to be. The surgery went well, and his strength is returning. But—"

"But mentally?" Coach finishes, raising an eyebrow.

I sigh. "He's struggling. He wants to push himself faster than he should. It's...difficult to manage."

Coach studies Jaxon for a moment, then nods. "I need him back in top shape. Do whatever it takes to keep him focused."

I swallow hard. "Of course."

But how can I keep him focused when I'm barely holding it together myself?

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Avoidance is Impossible

By the time I finish checking on another player's recovery, Jaxon is already sitting on the exam table in my office, waiting for me.

I inhale deeply before stepping inside.

"We need to talk," I say, closing the door.

Jaxon doesn't respond immediately. He watches me for a long moment, and this time, he doesn't try to hide what he's thinking.

His gaze burns into mine, filled with quiet frustration and something else—something I don't want to name.

Finally, he leans back, crossing his arms. "Alright. Talk."

I tighten my grip on my clipboard. "Last night can't happen again."

His jaw clenches. "I figured you'd say that."

"I mean it, Jaxon," I continue, my voice steadier than I feel. "We crossed a line. It was unprofessional, and I take responsibility for my part in it. But from now on, we keep things strictly business."

He scoffs, shaking his head. "Strictly business."

"Yes."

His eyes narrow. "You really expect me to pretend there's nothing between us?"

I straighten my shoulders. "There is nothing between us."

Jaxon stands so fast, I take an instinctive step back. He notices, and something flickers in his expression—like my retreat hit him harder than anything I could've said.

"Say that again," he challenges, his voice lower now.

I open my mouth, ready to lie to both of us again.

But I can't.

Not when he's standing so close, looking at me like he knows the truth.

Like he feels it too.

Instead, I force a breath and take another step back. "This isn't about what we want, Jaxon. It's about what's right."

His jaw tenses, and for a second, I think he's going to push again, challenge me like he always does.

But then he exhales, stepping back. "Fine."

I blink. "Fine?"

His lips press together. "You want boundaries? You got them, Doc."

He turns and heads for the door.

I should feel relieved.

I should feel victorious.

But all I feel is an ache deep in my chest as I watch him walk away.