Coach Jackson

I watched in amazement as Nick engaged in the tough game of BlackJack. "You fuckers had better start finding a decent box to live in after this." She chuckled smugly with her tongue pressed against the roof of her mouth as she placed a number three card on the table.

This was our second game and she has been killing it so far. She already won us 13k in cash and a gold plated chain from the first game of classic poker. Now, she's about to get us 25k more and three rose gold watches from this game of BlackJack. I never knew she was this good of a gambler, it was like she's been doing this for ages. I drank from my small bottle of Hennessey with my free hand in my pocket as I continued to watch.

"Alright, girly... Don't get too excited now." the young man holding a cigar in between his teeth put down an 8 card, making a total of 19 and almost hitting 21.

Nick took a long moment to ponder on her chances, eyeing the other guys then moving her eyes to the deck.

"Nick, don't hit this one," I whispered, knowing how risky it is.

She slightly turned her head towards me, a daring smile pulling her lips upward before saying, "You're not living if you don't take risks..." she then drew a card.

The other guys gasped as she slapped the card down, revealing a 2 and getting exactly 21!

"What?!" I exclaimed as the other guys cheered when the last player got eliminated.

Nick smiled at me and added with a finger pointed to her head, "There's also logic." She then laughed excitedly, getting out of her seat to reach for her winnings.

Some of the guys chuckled with entertainment and others glared as she flipped them off with a confident middle finger and began to pull all the goodies towards her.

"We have enough to go on all night..." She awed at the money greedily, making me laugh.

"We don't have all night, Nick."

The dealer loudly tapped his ring on the table to get our attention, "You didn't win everything yet, sweetheart... You still have to play the dealer to take it all."

She looked at me, biting her lip as if asking if she could play this last round and I almost gave in to that look in her eyes.

Almost.

"Nick..." I gave her a warning look, silently telling her not to do it. I knew if she did, we will never be able to go home.

She sighed, "Okay, I'm only listening because I actually had fun tonight."

"Did you?" I smiled, feeling accomplished by that.

"I did." She confirmed with a smirk. "And it was very much needed so, thanks."

I nodded, "Anytime. We both needed this." I told her as we began to head towards the bar. "You want me to grab you a glass of water before we head home?"

She stopped and shook her head, "I got it. I want something a little more flavorful before we leave."

"Alright, just don't grab anything strong, got that?" I reminded. We still had work tomorrow and the last thing I wanted was for any of us to get wasted tonight.

She rolled her eyes, "Coach Jackson is back already?"

I let out a short huff of laughter, "Just being responsible."

"I know and I appreciate that but, I'm not dumb. I'll grab something light." She said with a hand tapping my chest before walking around me as I uttered, "Good." with a small smile, my eyes following her as she walked away.

The confidence in her stride, the steadiness of her feet which was good. I had to make sure that at least one of us wasn't having one too many drinks... I should probably make this bottle my last if I want to be able to drive us home tonight.

Just as I was about to pull my eyes away, Nick turned around to find me, only to catch me staring at her.

She tilted her head at me to try and catch my eyes and when mine finally decided to meet with hers, she let out an amused chuckle before asking, "Um, did you want me to get you something?"

I shook my head, realizing that it probably seemed as if I was staring at her ass, "Oh n-no! Go ahead and wait for me while you're there, I'm gonna go head to the restroom."

She nodded silently with humor remaining on her expression and I nodded awkwardly in return as I turned to make my way to the men's room.

That was... Slightly weird, but it's good that she's smiling now.

I could only hope that tonight was enough to get her in a good enough mood to talk... I still wanted to speak to her about some of my personal concerns and tonight is one of my only chances to do so.

As I stepped in front of the urinals, I began to debate with myself whether now or later would be the best time to let her know why I actually brought her here.

The original plan was to tell her in the beginning but that wasn't going to work because she was already wanting to go home at the time and the fact that this concerned her partner would've made her even more impatient.

Now that she was in a better mood, I felt that, maybe, she'd hear me out. I don't like her partner... I never really did because he doesn't seem fit for the agency and I'm afraid that he will only be a setback, especially during one of our most important missions. The days I do see him, he doesn't do much but flirt and ignore anything that's instructed to him. I know that he has skill and what-not but what he doesn't have is the actual drive.

The reason I had to discuss this with Nick specifically is that she's obviously growing attached to him... Too attached.

She may deny it all she wants but I know that they have something going on and they may not actually be officially together but something is definitely happening between them and I hate that.

Nick is a good friend of mine and I would hate that she got her heart broken by someone as worthless as him. I would've thought that she had already seen how much of a self-centered womanizer this guy is but I guess he did something that I don't know about that had caused her to become blind to that...

Nick and I have been friends for a long time now. In fact, she was the first client ever assigned to me since I've started working at this headquarters which allowed us to grow onto and know each other on a very personal level. I care for her like family and can't bear to see someone like Jaden be the one who'd shove me out of the picture and tear that apart just so he could use her then leave her on the side of the road in the end which pisses me off.

I respect Nick and her decisions but this one was one I just couldn't wrap my head around. It made zero sense that she'd grow closer to someone like... That.

Seeing Nick with Jaden did spark something a little stronger in my feelings towards her. I wasn't in any way attracted to her but, perhaps, I may have become a little more protective over her. I just hated the idea that, of all people, it was Jaden she grew fond of. It made my blood boil, it made my gut turn, it made me a little nervous for her... In all seriousness, I would be fine with Nick being with anyone else who wasn't him!

I zipped up my fly and headed over to the sink to wash my hands with a deep sigh.

Jaden and she could never belong together. He doesn't care for anyone but himself and his own needs as far as I know. He's a skirt searcher, a hoe hopper, a dick slinger... He doesn't belong with someone as valuable and as special as Nick.

After I finished washing my hands, I made my way to the paper towel dispenser and quickly dried them. I felt more relieved now that I've released all of that beer from my system.

Buzz...

My phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and raised an eyebrow at the screen, noticing that Jaden called me about five times and just sent his 10th text message to me...

It's not even 10:00 yet, why is he blowing up my phone and checking up on me now?

I placed my phone back in my pocket without bothering to read any of the messages and headed back out to find Nick at the bar.

* * * * *

Nicole

I sat at the bar, resting my head in my hand as I waited for the bartender to tend to me. I wasn't sure of what I wanted to drink, all I know is that I really needed one right now...

Yeah, I had a hell of a lot of fun with Jackson but, throughout the whole night, Jaden constantly made his way back into my mind. And they weren't happy thoughts.

I began to feel that coming here was a bad idea...

"There you are, miss." With a smile, the bartender slid me a glass of something I never asked for.

I moved my eyes up to him with a bemused flinch of an eyebrow, "I didn't order anything yet."

"Compliments from the young lady sitting over... There..." he pursed his lips when he noticed that he was pointing to an empty seat. "Hm... Well, there was a young lady there." He chuckled as I turned to look through the window on the door, spotting a woman with jet black hair walking through the parking lot, her hair swaying perfectly behind her as she headed towards her car before placing her hoodie over her head.

"Well... Enjoy." The bartender said as I turned my attention to the glass.

"Who is she?" I asked.

He shrugged, "Not sure. But she told me that you seemed like you needed this."

I took the glass with a small sigh.

Was it that obvious...?

"Thanks." was all I said.

The bartender kept his eyes on me for a moment before asking, "If you need someone to talk to, I'm here all night."

I shook my head slightly, "Just go get me a glass of something for my friend." I told him before taking the straw into my lips to sip from my drink. I needed him to give me some space for a minute.

He smiled with a friendly gleam in his eyes, "You got it." He soon moved to do that until a customer caught his eye as he walked in, whom he greeted as if they've been life long friends.

I turned my attention to my glass, gazing at my drink after tasting it again. This time realizing that it was a type of Piña Colada beverage, lightly flavored with white wine.

I'm not a huge coconut fan but I'll roll with it since it was given out of generosity which lightened my mood a smidge.

But even that couldn't shake the negative thoughts about Jaden out of my mind... I couldn't help but think back to the things he's told me about him wanting me to trust him with all my heart versus what I saw the morning after.

All those messages, missed calls, and... Pictures.

Who the hell was sending him pictures?!

Those thoughts led to what he's told me at the hospital and they continued to travel all the way back to the first time I began to work with him... When I caught him in a threesome with Tabitha and Casey.

To this day, I never knew why he was like that... Why he found so much pleasure in sleeping with other women, tons of 'em. I never knew why he couldn't just stop doing it all together instead of having me wait for him to break his habit.

He sleeps with women like it's an Olympic sport yet he wanted my full trust? He wants me to believe that he suddenly isn't that person anymore? That the things he's done with countless other women were never his choice? It just didn't make sense and just thinking about it made me want to puke!

Literally...

I took a few more sips out of my glass in an attempt to ease away that sickening feeling before I let out an anguished sigh... I knew it was wrong for me to even consider it but I wanted to experiment. I wanted to learn why this was so important to him. I told him that I'd be patient with him but it's hard to do that when the things he's done had no logic to it.

Was it just addicting to him? Was it a stress reliever? Or does he really not love me?!

These thoughts are what made me decide that I'd play the role of Jaden tonight... I wanted to understand him. I wanted to know what it was like... If there really was a hidden pleasure that was worth the risk of hurting the person you claim to care about.

Jackson made himself an easy target tonight... I didn't plan it in the beginning but after finding myself being a little attracted to his fun side, one curious thought led to another until, eventually, the thought of Jaden looking at someone else the same way crossed my mind.

"It's getting a little late, we should get you home." A familiar voice said, making me quickly turn to him.

My heart skipped a beat as Jackson took the stool next to mine with a smile. His friendly eyes met mine and instantly brought a sprinkle of guilt to the pit of my gut. I almost couldn't bring myself to use him the way I planned to. This is my coach, a long-time friend but constant thoughts of Jaden only drove me to want to do this more. I've already given Jaden so much of myself that I was actually willing to do whatever the hell it took to understand him.

"Is something wrong?" Jackson asked, noticing my troubled expression.

I bit my lip as my eyes briefly flicked down to his. The thought of kissing them made my stomach flutter with anxious nerves. I can't do this... I brought a hand up to massage my temples as I told him, "No, it's just... I don't feel well."

His eyes grew slightly concerned, "Are you feeling sick?"

"No, I... j-just go wait for me in the car, I'll be out in a minute."

The bartender finally arrived with the drink I asked for earlier and set it next to me, saying, "You didn't make it clear on what your friend's preference was so I chose one of my favorites." with a small smile as I took the glass and slid it closer to me.

"No..." Jackson reached over and took the glass out of my hand, his eyes threatening the bartender as he slid it back to him, "She's had enough, get this out of here."

The bartender took the glass back and slightly widened his eyes at me. I silently waved him away because I only ordered that as an excuse to be alone and he responded with a shrug before he walked the other way.

Jackson moved his eyes to me, asking, "What's bothering you, Nick? You weren't like this a few minutes ago."

I moved my eyes away from him. It's better if I didn't tell him exactly what I was feeling. He wouldn't understand.

When I didn't answer him he placed a hand on my shoulder, "Talk to me."

I looked at his hand and almost cracked a sneer before my eyes slowly met his, "Don't make me repeat myself... Please." I then let out a sigh as he removed his hand and crossed his arms before I added, "I'd rather not talk, I just need peace for now."

He nodded, his low voice telling me, "Well then. How about I drive you home...?"

Home...

Jaden was home... All alone. Probably in bed with another woman right now.

Why do I keep thinking these things, he promised that he isn't like that anymore!

Oh, please, like Jaden would just magically break out of his habit in the course of a few days because of one woman.

He probably sees me the same as everyone else...

"Just take me back to the dorms at headquarters instead," I said before standing to leave.

"The dorms...? What about-"

"Now, Jackson!" I demanded.

He was slightly taken aback by that. He then stood up with a nod, "No problem, let's go." He said as he walked around me with his hands in his pockets.

I watched as he made his way to the door before I began to follow after him with a deep sigh.

As I made my way out of the bar, I noticed Jackson waiting for me by the passenger door of his coupe before he opened it as I walked his way, closing it after I hopped in.

As soon as I settled in, I took notice of the bottle of beer I brought in earlier sitting in the cupholder. I'm gonna need it later on... Jackson climbed into the driver's seat, immediately noticing where my eyes were.

He raised his eyebrows at me when I looked up at him then he turned to look out in front of him, his key turning in the ignition and starting the car, "If you want to be able to rest easy, you might not want to keep drinking any more alcohol..."

I rolled my eyes before turning them to look out of the window, "Calm down, it's not for tonight." I said which was most likely a lie.

He only shook his head and began to drive on the road to headquarters.

The ride was pretty quiet for the most part. Neither of us said a word, the only sound was that of the soft hum of the car's engines as the wheels drove smoothly over the slightly damp road.

Everything around us might have been calm and peaceful but my mind was the complete opposite.

When Jackson brought me to the bar, the thought of leaving Jaden home alone immediately made me feel anxious and it shouldn't have... I already gave him my trust, I gave him my heart... Everything. I wanted him to know that I truly did trust that he'd keep this one promise but here I am already having doubts about doing so.

If Simon ever found out about any of this, he'd be furious. Disappointed...

Simon...

Why am I thinking about Jaden right now? My father is somewhere in danger and I'm concerned about a man who probably doesn't even care about me the way I thought he did!

My body began to heat up at the thought.

Or maybe I'm just a little nauseous.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the window.

I didn't even drink much, why the hell do I feel so sick?

It's the stress... I'm overthinking everything and my body only wants to go home and sleep, not stress out over a jackass.

I moved my eyes to Jackson as he silently drove us.

That jackass would have never even been worth the risk of me using Jackson to understand his ways.

Jackson never did anything to deserve that... Jaden has never done anything to deserve this type of effort from me!

I closed my eyes and swallowed my anxiousness, my body beginning to feel warmer now... My eyes squinted open to look at Jackson once again. He was completely unbothered by the temperature here.

It's nearly ninety degrees right now, how is he not bothered?

Out of irritation, I asked him in a soft tone, "Doesn't it feel a little warm in here?"

He shook his head then asked, "Would you like it a little cooler?" turning the air conditioning on just as I nodded.

I leaned my head against the window the same way I did before, my body temperature only continuing to rise despite the cool air.

Shit, I'm sweating...

I shifted in my seat and reached out to turn the air up but froze when I noticed my hand trembling... Both of them.

I'm beginning to think this is more than just anxiousness... Something was definitely wrong with me.

I think... I think I have some medication for... For-

Suddenly, I began to breathe heavy, my chest heaving up and down and my head spinning into dizziness as my breathing quickened.

Jackson briefly looked at me with concern before turning back to the road, "Nick? Nick, what's wrong?"

I couldn't respond to him. My lungs lost control and soon, I began to hyperventilate. Air coming in and out of my mouth, choking me and releasing into coughs. I began to feel as if I was being suffocated by dry, hot air that wasn't oxygen, I began to tremble in every inch of my body.

I felt when the car veered to the side of the road and heard when Jackson rushed out of the vehicle to open my door.

Suddenly, I was pulled out of the car and Jackson's hands brought me to stand with my back against the car.

"Hands over your head," he instructed as his hands guided my arms into position.

I attempted to control my breathing as his calm voice repeatedly told me, "Breathe..." with one hand massaging my shoulder while the other fanned me with a folder.

It didn't take long for me to regain control of my breathing but that was soon replaced with extreme nauseousness and weakness.

As my breathing calmed down, I moved to lean over on the hood of the car, feeling as Jackson lifted my hair to feel the skin on my neck with the back of his hand. "You're heating up." He said. "You really are sick."

I only nodded.

No shit.

"How come you didn't tell me earlier?" He asked, crossing his arms.

I rubbed a hand over my head as I felt my eyes weigh down, telling him, "I didn't feel like this earlier..." I groaned softly then took a seat on the grass, "Everything just came out of nowhere."

"Everything...?" He knelt down to my level, "As in what?"

I closed my eyes, feeling completely sick to my stomach, "I was at the bar and I got this really sucky headache... And..." I brought a fist up to my lips with a gag.

If he doesn't move away, I might just puke on him.

He furrowed his brows at me as I took a moment to hold it in and as I sat silently with my hands moving to my throbbing head. He soon asked, "Did you drink more than what we agreed on?"

I shook my head, "I only had the two and that Piña Colada thing earlier but that barely had any alcohol in it."

"And you just now felt sick after that?"

I nodded.

His lips pursed to the side then he asked, "Did you taste anything unusual in your drink?"

"Not that I'm aware of..." I answered almost inaudibly.

He watched me as I pulled my hair back from my face. I let out a sigh through my nostrils as I gazed back at him. He then offered to me, "I'll take you to a hospital to get you looked at."

"Hell no." I placed my hand on the car tire and pushed myself up off of the ground, "I'm fine, really. I'm just exhausted, that's all."

The last thing I wanted was to be sitting around in a hospital, getting poked with needles or being cut open for something so minor.

He stood up as well and made me a different offer, "How about I take you to my place to keep an eye on you. I can find out what it is that's got you so sick and try to help you feel better, then, I'll take you home immediately after you recover."

"Sure, we'll try that..." I groaned softly as I opened the door and climbed into his car. I'd much rather have Jackson's old school remedies than go to a doctor any day.