Page 20 of One Last Chance

Feeling nervous, I swallow that drop of water loudly.Do they know about Domenic and me?

“Of course, what can I do for you, gentlemen?”

Tom looks over to me and then at Coach, and I can sense this conversation’s not going to be an easy one.

Coach clears his throat. “With the shoot organized for tomorrow, we wanted to make sure everyone is on the same page, and we want things to run smoothly. It seems our quarterback is not happy that we’ve invited you here as our photographer.”

What an asshole!

“What do you mean he’s not happy?” I ask, feeling a little pissed off. I mean, I know he’s probably upset that I up and left the night after amazing sex, but to play around with my career is a whole other ball game.

Coach looks at the floor as if he’s trying to find the right words. “Miss Mason, let’s just say that when I mentioned your name, he slammed his locker and threw some things around.”

“He what? But why?”

“We were hoping you could offer us an explanation because Dom sure as hell didn’t want to answer that question,” Coach explains.

I inhale, trying to calm my voice. “Look, Coach, and Tom,” I say, getting up off my chair and standing. “If you don’t want me here, please let me know, and I will happily leave Vixen Falls and go back to New York.” I swiftly place my camera over my shoulder, lift my briefcase, and head for the door.

“Wait, Miss Mason,” Tom interjects.

I stop in my tracks and turn around to face them both. “Yes.”

“We didn’t mean to upset you, but Domenic is a big part of this team, and if he doesn’t want you to be the one to take pictures, then I need to make this right. So, I’m wondering… can you two work this out?”

“Sorry, what? Work what out?”

“This issue you two have. Obviously, you feel the same about him,” Coach says, raising his eyebrows.

“Look, I may not like the man very much, and I’m sorry, but the reason for that is none of your business. I was happy to put my personal life aside for this photo shoot, but unfortunately, he is not able to do the same,” I state angrily. I turn back around and swing the door open, ready to storm out of the office, but freeze as I come face to face with the man himself. He’s no longer bare-chested, but now wearing a tank top and a towel around his neck, his hair is wet, and from the scent of him, I’d say he’s just showered.

My breath hitches at the sight of him, but he doesn’t smile or say anything. He simply walks around me into the office and demands, “What is this about? Why did you ask me here?”

Turning to me, Tom pleads, “Miss Mason, won’t you please take a seat again? We were hoping we could all meet and talk in a civilized manner.”

“I’m sorry, Tom, but I know when I’m not wanted,” I reply, my eyes looking over at Domenic as he stands there with his arms crossed, his back facing me.

Tom walks over and gently places his hand on my shoulder, ushering me back into the office. He closes the door behind me and walks me back to the seat I vacated.

“Coach, what the fuck is going on? I have shit to do.”

Coach gestures to another seat on the other side of me and says, “Sit, Dom, or I’ll have your ass on the bench this weekend.”

“You wouldn’t dare! You can’t win this game without me, Coach.”

Coach places his hands flat on his desk and narrows his eyes at him. “You want to test me, boy?”

Domenic doesn’t reply but slides into the seat beside me. I look over at him, and he links his hands and places them behind his head. I don’t miss his large biceps, and how I can see the side of his pecs through the opening of his tank top.

“Good. Now, you…” Coach says, pointing at Domenic, and then at me, “… and you are going to fix whatever problem you two have. Domenic, Miss Mason is the best, and I promised Tom here fromSleek Sports Magazinethat he would get an interview with us and photos tomorrow, so I needyouto work out what the hell is going on between you tonight.”

Domenic removes his hands and rests his elbows on his knees. “Not gonna happen, Coach. I’m meeting Cass for dinner.”

My heart squeezes at the mention of Cassandra, so I quickly step in, “Please, Coach. There’s no need, I’m sure we can both behave in a civilized manner for work purposes.”

Coach shakes his head. “I’m not willing to take the risk. I saw the way Domenic responded when I told him you were coming today, and I don’t need a repeat of it.”

I look over at Domenic, and he faces me. He’s pissed, his face is void of any emotions but anger. Whatever happened to that smile and playful boy I fell in love with? Is this all my fault? Is he still angry that I left? I know I never answered any of his calls, but that was five years ago for God’s sake. Surely, we can move on. Plus, if he’s dating what’s her face, why is he bothered about me?”

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