Those rules have kept me safe, but lately, they feel like a cage.
This isn’t just attraction anymore. Maybe it never was. Ilikehim. I like the way he listens when I talk. The way he never pushes. I like that when he looks at me, it’s like he can see past the polished and professional PR expert. He sees the mess, the flaws, the hesitations, and he isn’t scared of them.
I open my phone and stare at that photo of us again—the one in London. I’ve been telling myself it was just a friendly thing. His arm is only around me because the nosy stranger pushed us together. But then I catch myself looking at itallthe time.
I stare at the photo, tracing my smile. It’s a genuine smile. It’s not forced for the photo. Even all those weeks ago, I liked him. I just didn’t realize it.
“Fuck it,” I whisper to the photo like a lunatic.
I get up, turn on my heel, and head for my closet.
I’m going out tonight, because I’m tired of pretending I don’t want him.
24
the high line
WONDERWALL BY OASIS
The back room at The Black Swan is absolutely buzzing. The entire squad is here, even a lot of the training staff and physios, and most are at least two drinks deep already. The music is loud, just enough to feel it thumping in your chest without giving you a headache. It’s a good vibe. We earned it.
I’m still on my first beer. Not because I’m not in the mood, but I’m pacing myself just in case she shows up. I’m leaning up against a high top in the corner, laughing while old man Brennan tries to prove he can still hang with the younger lads. My eyes keep dragging toward the entrance like it’s a magnet. Like I could will her into existence.
And there she is.
Addison steps into the back room like she’s moving in slow motion. Dressed in all black, she looks sharp, dangerous, and completely fucking breathtaking. Black pants that cling to her body like they were painted directly onto her skin, a fitted tank that makes my mouth go dry even with a beer in my hand, and those little heeled boots that click on the ground like they own it.And her hair is down—literally and figuratively.
She spotsme instantly and strides over with an ease that makes my body tighten like it’s bracing for impact.
“Hello, Captain,” she says, her voice flirty and bold.
I can’t help but smile. “You made it.”
“You said to think about it,” she says, smirking. “I decided I’d earned a drink.”
A server appears beside her with a notepad. “Can I get you anything?”
Addison turns and faces her. “Gin and tonic, please.”
Addison reaches into her pocket to pull out a card, but I grab her hand. “No need. Team already set up a tab.”
“Oh, did they?” she asks, brow lifting.
“Well, we drew straws, sort of. Sebastian and I got a pass for scoring, and Haz for the clean sheet. Brennan drew the short straw.” I point over to Brennan slamming a shot of tequila with Carlos like it’s his last night alive. “It’s all on his card. His missus is gonna be cheesed off when she sees that."
Addison tilts her head back and laughs—full and unguarded.
The gin and tonic arrives, and we both go quiet for a beat.
“I’m really glad you came,” I say.
Her eyebrow arches. “Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah, I—”
“Cap!” Sebastian slides in between us. “Both of you. Dance floor. Let’s go.”
“Nope.” I shake my head immediately. “I don’t dance.”
