Page 70 of Double Play

Like allowing the general manager of the team I’m supposed to be reporting on finger me in an empty conference room.

“Is everything alright?” He glances over my shoulder, but I don’t need to turn to see who he sees. Both Declan and Eddie exit the same hallway behind me. Connor’s compassionate eyes narrow.

“I’m fine,” I lie, shaking in a new way. Does he know what I just did? I have no idea what I look like. Is my lipstick smudged? My makeup smeared? What does my hair look like? Taking a deep breath, I wonder if he can smell Declan on me or the scent of what happened between us. What Declan did to me to calm my nerves which are racing once again.

“You seem flustered.” His attention comes back to my face before pinging over my shoulder once more, especially when it appears both Declan and Eddie have stopped at the edge of the hallway, only feet behind me.

“Gentlemen,” he grumbles as if using the term loosely.

“Connor,” Declan addresses my boss.

“Mr. Reid,” Eddie adds.

Eddie passes us first, without a second glance in our direction, but I sense Declan lingering. Eventually, he too passes us, brushing by a little closer than necessary.

Connor steps back from the unexpected nearness while I try to hold my ground, fisting my hands at my sides.

This is so awkward.

Connor watches Declan’s retreat a second before looking back at me. “If there’s something you’d like to tell me⁠—”

“Nothing, sir,” I quickly interject before clearing my throat. “I mean, what would there be to tell?”

His eyes narrow once more. “I don’t know. You tell me?” Then he softly chuckles like this exchange is rather silly.

“Were you leaving?” I ask, in an attempt to redirect his focus.

“Oh.” His brows lift. “I wasn’t. But I’d noticed you left the ballroom and hadn’t returned yet, so I thought I’d come check on you. Your speech was very impressive.”

“Thank you, Connor.” Both this praise and his concern are comforting. It’s also a reminder that I’m here for a job, not sneaking off to make out with my . . .

What is Declan Wylde to me? A crush? My boyfriend? I fight the urge to glance over Connor’s shoulder, curious where Declan has gone.

A distraction. That’s what Declan has become. One that I cannot risk.

“I just needed some air, sir. Nerves.” I wave a hand around my lower belly, then want to kick myself because I have no idea if my dress is a mess where Declan slipped his hand between the slit up my leg.

“I’m just going to take a moment in the ladies’ room, and I’ll be back to the event,” I state, more like I’m telling myself than my boss this is my next course of action. I need to get my head back in the game.

My game. My goals.

Yet, as I head to the restroom, my legs wobble once more at the thought of stepping away from Declan Wylde.

I’d sent Declan a message, telling him I had a headache and didn’t think I’d be good company tonight. He’d already disappeared from the fundraiser while I stayed a while longer for appearance’s sake.

As I drive to my house, I curse myself for both the lie I said and the lie I acted.

How often had I done what Malakai wanted me to do for appearance’s sake?

How often did I do what my father asked of me, for his approval?

How many times did I rebel against both situations to prove my independence?

In many ways, I was doing the same thing now, kowtowing to the rules of a job. My career depends on abiding by them. While I am not a rule stickler, I am also not complacent when it comes to my goals.

Not anymore.

So, despite Declan being part of my dreams, I could not see how to make us work. We’d be on and off through the season, where I would have to continue to be cold in public and hot in private. In the offseason, our relationship would only build. I’m certain the chemistry and connection would only make it harder to draw a line when a new season started next spring.