Chapter 7 I stomped through the muddy path, leaving deep footprints behind, deliberately ignoring Hank chasing after me. I figured, since he's dead set on targeting Tisla, there's no point in wasting any more time on him. Just as I stepped out of the rice field, an old villager suddenly stopped me, speaking in a thick local dialect. The old man came at me menacingly. Through his thick accent, I could barely make out what he was saying, but I was pretty sure I heard the word "compensation". This whole mess was downright embarrassing. I had no energy to argue and just wanted to leave quickly. I jabbed the power button on my phone twice, but it remained dead. Shooting Hank a venomous glare, I seethed with resentment. He shrugged innocently and said, "Your phone isn't waterproof? Come on, you know I was just taking out the trash. Why would I bring my phone?" Seething with rage, I reached up and touched the necklace at my neck. It hit me that I'd been so busy these days that I'd completely forgotten to take it off. Mister, can I make it up to you with this necklace?" The old man rattled off in his thick dialect, but Hank stepped in to interpret for me. Hank explained, "He says he doesn't recognize this thing. He wants cash." Desperate, I rummaged through my bag again and even handed my wallet to the old man. To my surprise, he kept waving his hands. Frowning, I turned to Hank. He says that's nowhere near enough. This is a research paddy field. It's worth over a hundred thousand dollars." My eyes went wide, and I even forgot that I shouldn't be the one paying for the damage. argued with the old man in the field in the most straightforward way, both of us red in the face. Ten minutes later, the old man was convinced and stopped talking. let out a long breath. That felt good. t felt like I vented all the pent-up frustration from these past ten days. But Hank's expression darkened. He grabbed my hand and took off running. "Let go of me!" I struggled against his grip. But he kept dragging me forward, his long arm hooking around my waist to pull me tight against his chest. "Don't you see he's calling for backup? You don't want to mess with him." I turned and saw a crowd of villagers closing in. Uneasy as I was, I still put on a brave face. "Fine, I'll call the police." 1/3 "With what, exactly? You got some psychic connection with them?" I stammered when I realized my phone was broken. After rounding the corner, Hank came to an abrupt halt. He shouted back, "Stop chasing! You can keep the Ferrari in the field. It's all yours now." The setting sun cast a crimson glow across the horizon. I wrenched my hand free from Hank's grasp and plopped down on a roadside rock. "I'm done running. I don't care if the world ends. I'm staying right here." A summer breeze brushed past, bringing a wave of cool relief. I tilted my head back and let out a long, heavy sigh. Hank also came to a stop, bending forward with his hands braced on his knees, catching his breath. I opened my eyes and locked eyes with him, meeting his curious gaze head-on. His sweat-dampened strands of hair lightly brushed against his sparkling eyes. Even I had to admit Hank was unfairly handsome. He had long lashes, rosy lips, and sharply defined features. Because of the heat, a faint flush crept up his face, softening his features and making him seem more approachable. Not like the formidable Mr. Scott everyone feared in the business world, but more like a college guy who hadn't graduated yet. Just two fists apart, Hank's Adam's apple bobbed. I frowned and turned my head away, suddenly feeling awkward. Suddenly, I had the illusion that Hank had become easier to talk to. He crouched down and said, "Hop on, I'll carry you." "Where exactly are we going?" "I've got a cottage up ahead. Let's rest there for today." "You just happen to have a cottage here?" "I bought it on a whim a few years ago when I passed by. Got a problem with that?" My lips twitched. Even I didn't always get how the rich think. Who would buy a house in a place with no commercial value? I gave him a little shove. "Get up. Let me sit for a minute. Then I can walk by myself." Hank seized the moment to grab my hand. My legs still weak, I lost my balance and collapsed right onto his back. Hank's back was broad and solid. Even through his shirt, I could feel the contours of his well-defined back muscles. As he exerted force, his distinctly masculine scent enveloped me, surging up from where our bodies touched at my thighs 2/3 I could feel my cheeks flaming as I squirmed self-consciously. "Don't move," Hank said, his voice dropping to a low, husky murmur. "I just want to get home before dark," I muttered. As the crescent moon rose, a cozy, tranquil cottage came into view. The wooden door creaked open, revealing grapevines hanging from a trellis and tulips just beginning to bloom. As the noise and chaos faded away, I couldn't help but rethink my earlier opinion. Who wouldn't want to own a secluded cottage here and just hide away from the world? In "Coaching His Heart" by CrushReel, the romantic tale unfolds after Kate and Tom experience a fleeting connection that leads to a misunderstanding, causing them to part ways. Fate intervenes when Kate reemerges as the assistant coach for a men's hockey team, bringing her face-to-face with Tom once more. Exploring themes of love, destiny, and second chances, this modern romance delves into the complexities of hidden emotions and the power of rekindled connections. Set against the backdrop of a grand mansion, the story weaves together secrets and revelations that promise to captivate readers seeking a heartfelt journey. What sets "Coaching His Heart" apart is its tender portrayal of characters navigating through unspoken feelings in a world where vulnerability reigns supreme. With each page turned, readers are drawn deeper into a web of emotions that resonate long after the final chapter. Experience the magic of "Coaching His Heart" on CrushReel, where this sweet romance awaits your discovery.