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31
NOVA
Grumpy Baller: Can you come over.
The game is happening later today and I’m running around when the text comes from Clay.
Alarm shoots through me.
Clay’s been edgy all week, every moment he’s not caught up in team practices or press conferences.
It’s exciting the Kodiaks are in the position to win the conference. It would be a new record for the organization, and the entire city is buzzing.
When I get to his condo, the door’s open.
I stick my head in. “Hello?” I call warily as I push the door wide.
The cool winter light filters in through the open windows, making the living room a pale gray.
Clay’s Kodiak duffle sits next to the door along with his dress shoes.
He’s in the kitchen leaning against the counter wearing black trousers. His hair is sticking up in every direction.
On the counter next to him is a dress shirt.
“There you are.”
He lifts his head when he sees me. “Hey.”
I reach for the shirt. “This will look good. They might want you to wear it. Otherwise, it’ll start a riot,” I tease.
When I pick it up, I spot the journal underneath.
It’s open, the pages full of sloping writing.
Holy. He’s been busy.
“Looks like you need a new one.”
“Nah. I need you.”
He pulls me between his legs and rests his forehead on mine.
“What’s up?” I say, trying to keep it light.
“I just fucking want it so much,” he admits.
I exhale hard. “I want it for you.”
Want him to have everything he wants, everything he’s worked so hard for.
“It feels different this time around,” he murmurs. “In a way, it’s harder.”
“Because you’ve won before and it will feel like a disappointment if you don’t?”
He frowns. “I need them to play like I know they can. Every one of them. If they do, we have a shot.”
My gaze settles on the bear inked across his chest—my design, like each of the guys got in LA. I’m never getting used to seeing that.
