Page 13 of The Wrong Move

“And yet here you are, employed by the team your father owns.”

He rubs at his temple for a few seconds before taking another sip of his energy drink. “Yeah, but it’s thefamily’steam. When I announced I wanted to go pro, my father couldn’t see how it would assist the family name. The Hendricks work so millionsaccumulate in the name of family. Going pro would help me as an individual. If anything, it was an insult because my father didn’t hold elite athletes in high esteem. Then Lottie suggested he buy the team.” Byron chuckles. “Back then, she told me if I weren’t up to the level, I wouldn’t be selected. She made it clear there were no favors, even for family, because business is business.”

“Lottie said that?”

“Hell, you wouldn’t recognize her now. The team is her life. She’s working her way up the corporate ladder.”

“Our little Lottie?”

Byron’s lips curl. “She watches me like a hawk so I don’t mess up.”

I can’t help but giggle. “She was so cute and fun.”

“Emphasis on thewas. It’s why I never wanted to work for my father.”

Reaching across the table, I take his hand and give it a gentle squeeze. “Look how far you’ve come. I’m also proud of you, Byron. It’s hard to believe we sat here years ago and told each other our hopes and fears.”

His eyes are gentle and caring. “I never forgot you,” he whispers.

“Neither did I,” I murmur. No matter how hard I tried.

His voice is gravelly and deep as he says, “The one that got away.”

I shake my head. “No. We knew each other’s dreams.”

“Right.” He holds my gaze.

Oh shit. The way he is staring at me makes me feel like I’m his new goal.

Rule #2: Only date people you’re not attracted to.

As much as I want to be his new favorite toy, I’m not prepared for the disappointment until I convince my brain that we’re merely having fun and can let my guard down. Right now, everything is still fresh in my mind.

His eyes twinkle. Already, I can’t picture saying no to whatever he suggests. But it’s too soon. I still remember the pain.

I look at the time on my cell. “Sorry, Byron, I have to go. Can we do this another time?”

4

BYRON

My thoughtswhirl from this morning. I still haven’t processed Giana’s words and the way she rushed off.Fuck.I’m an idiot.

My phone pings. It’s Brandon sending me a reminder about picking him up for training. His BMW is in for service, and even when it’s not, we often share a ride since we usually stay back for a shooting session after practice. Throwing my training bag over my shoulder, I head to the car, tapping out a text to Brandon as I walk.

On my way.

Twenty minutes later, I pull up at the front of his condo. He throws his bag in the trunk and jumps into the passenger seat with the energy of a kid.

“Ready to slay?”

“I will beat your ass.”

He laughs as I merge into traffic, taking the route to the LA Sharks arena.

“Did Lottie call you?”

“Yeah.” His fingers thrum along the edge of the door handle. “She’s pissed.”

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