Page 37 of One Last Chance

The deal was that I was supposed to take some photographs of the team. Tom wanted some shots of the team playing ball, along with some group team pictures.Sleek Sports Magazinehad organized the makeup artist and hairdresser, so all I had to do was organize myself.

Coach folds his arms. “Tell me, Chloe, did you and Domenic fix your issues?” He stares down at me waiting for an answer, and I recall exactly how we fixed our issues.

Trying not to grin like a madwoman, I reply, “Yes… ah… we did.”

“That’s good to hear. Now, let’s get you out on the field. Follow me.”

“That will be great.”

“Is that all you have with you?” Tom asks.

“I have my tripod, but Domenic is bringing it in for me.”

They both raise their brows, then look at one another with a smile.

I wonder what that’s about, then they turn back to me.

“Okay then, let’s go.”

As we walk outside to the field, Tom explains to me the itinerary for the day. “So, we’ll take some natural shots of the boys playing ball, and then you want some portraits of them in uniform and with their team?”

“That’s correct. You got it, Chloe.”

Walking out onto the field, my eyes look around, and I see most of the players are already there getting ready. Some are standing around talking while there are a couple getting their hair styled and some light concealer applied.

“Over there is where we will take most of the shots…” He points. “The lighting has already been placed outside for you. Just let us know what suits, and we will follow your lead.”

“Sounds great, Tom. When will the rest of the boys arrive?” I ask, looking down at my watch.

“Most of them are already here, just waiting on a handful. I’m hoping we can start soon. Will you excuse me for one moment?” Tom asks as he looks at his phone screen. “I gotta take this.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Hearing male voices sound from behind me, I turn and find that Domenic is headed my way with some boys by his side, holding my tripod. I recognize the two men—Kyle and Julian—because of all the times I’ve stalked Domenic on television or on his Facebook page. Kyle is the fullback, and Julian is the halfback.

Domenic smiles when he reaches me and hands me my tripod. He’s dressed in a fresh uniform minus his jersey. Muscles flex as he leans over to place the tripod on the ground for me.

“You gonna introduce us to your friend here, man?”

Kyle smiles at me while Julian taps Domenic on his shoulder. Both boys are bare-chested, but they’re not as wide as Domenic. All those years from playing ball has given him a firm athletic body.

“Sorry, um… this is Chloe. Chloe, this is Julian and Kyle.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Chloe.” Kyle gives me a wink.

“Yeah, the pleasure’s all mine,” Julian says, placing his hand out to me for a shake.

Accepting it, Julian pulls me in and whispers in my ear, “You busy later? Can I take you out for a drink?”

Feeling my cheeks heat, I turn toward Domenic, whose facial expression has hardened.

Shit, he’s more than angry.

Turning back to Julian, whose eyes are devouring me, I reply, “Thanks, but I have plans.”

“Come on, girl, break them.”

“Leave her alone, Julian, she’s not available,” Domenic growls, causing all eyes to land on us.

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