That idea was messing with my head.
She was a reporter. I didn’t date journalists. I didn’t even trust them. Hell, I didn’t even trust myself at the moment. I needed to play it cool and get through these next few weeks.
I followed her to the door and held it open. She stepped into the hallway and glanced back at me. “Let me know when you’re available to meet next.”
I nodded. “You got it.”
She hesitated long enough that I knew she wanted to say something. Instead, she gave me one last smile and headed down the hall.
I shut the door behind me and leaned against it. I stared across the empty conference room, which still smelled of her floral perfume. I hated how quickly I registered it.
I ran a hand over my face, letting out a short breath.
Attraction was one thing. I knew how to handle that. This was a lot more like trouble brewing. The kind that snuck up on you and made you forget your own rules. And the kind that reminded you why you made them in the first place.
She was writing about me and shaping a narrative like everyone else. It didn’t matter how comfortable I was with her. I couldn’t let my guard down, because that was when things got messy.
CHAPTER 8
NATE
I walkedthrough the private entrance and made my way to the back patio that I had reserved for dinner with my family.
Immediately, I spotted my dad, who had already polished off a basket of bread. My mom was looking over the menu, and my sister, Callie, was waving me over.
“Nate.” She stood and rushed over to greet me.
Just the sight of my little sister made me smile. I wrapped her up in a hug. “Sorry, I’m late.”
“That’s okay. It’s so good to see you.” She tightened her arms around me.
Callie was everything that was good and light in this world. Just being near her made me feel better.
“Are you going to save any of that affection for the woman who gave birth to you?”
Callie stepped back so I could greet my mom properly. I bent over and kissed her cheek, while Dad stood and clapped me on the back.
“How was your flight?” I asked them. There were a few storms along the Southeast, so I was worried their flight would get delayed or canceled.
“The flight was fine,” Mom said. “The traffic in Boston is another story.”
My family was from Charleston, South Carolina. They weren’t fans of the traffic in the Northeast or the cold. I wasn’t either, but I’d gotten used to it over the years.
I settled into my seat, feeling my shoulders relax and the day’s tension melt away. My family could be a little overwhelming at times, but they were all I had. They represented a part of my life that made me feel normal.
“Good to see you, son,” Dad said, reaching for the butter. “I watched the New York game on Sunday. Not bad, kid. Looks like you still have a little gas left in your tank.”
“You sound surprised.”
“Not surprised. Just glad to see it. I’ve never doubted your talent. I’m just relieved to see you healthy and having fun out there again.”
I shrugged, breaking a roll in half. “Thanks, it felt great to be back. Plus, winning helps.”
Mom put her menu down. “We’re excited for you. I think the team looks good this year, and I’m always right; remember that.”
I was about to respond when I heard the door open. Mom’s eyes flicked past me, then back again. Callie’s smile faltered, and silence settled over the table.
I turned around in my seat, trying to make sense of the sudden shift in the room. It took a minute for my brain to register what I was seeing. For a split second, I thought I might have been hallucinating.
