Page 32 of Endgame

“Surrender.” I draw in a sharp breath.

I couldn’t have missed that if I tried. It feels freeing tohave someone notice the shift. I’m surrendering it all—leaving the baggage at the door. There was something about leaving my old place with Trevor that woke me up. I still have a long way to go, but I’ll get there. I’m confident in that.

I love that Callaway sees that in me.

For some reason I find myself suddenly searching for Navy, hoping she doesn’t spot us together. There’s no sight of her slinky red dress as far as I can see, so I know we’re in the clear. God, I wonder what she would say about us being this close.

Grinding against her brother on the dance floor was not a part of thelet Callaway give you a ride homeplan.

“Did you come here alone?” I don’t know why I’m asking that. Something about him being here has me curious. He doesn’t seem like the type of guy to frequent the club alone.

“Some of the guys on the team are here too. My roommates.”

We’ve been fluidly dancing for a while now, and although my legs are burning from the movements, I’ve never felt more content.

“Ah. Teaming up to bring home some baseball bunnies?” His hearty chuckle echoes through my body, causing me to direct my attention to him as I turn, meeting his eyes.

He’s looking at me like I have something on my face. Son of a biscuit…I bet I’m a sweaty mess.

“It’s actually cleat chasers.” He’s still laughing, and I’m confused.

“What’s a cleat chaser?” The second the question leaves my mouth I finally put two and two together.

“Bunnies are for hockey. I play baseball, sweetheart. Cleat chasers are the equivalent to puck bunnies in hockey.” I’m an idiot. There’s no way to play this off like I knew that because I didn’t.

“Oh.” That’s all I’ve got.

“It’s okay. Cleat chasers aren’t my thing anyways. Now Gus, that’s a different story.” His laughter is so light and carefree—effortless while mine requires work to escape.

“I find it hard to believe that cleat chasers ‘aren’t your thing.’ I’ve seen the tabloids, Callaway. You’re surrounded by beautiful women.” The fact we are able to have a conversation while still wrapped in each other’s arms is impressive. Our faces are aligned with each other, making it easier to hear.

I have to admit I’m having fun word-sparring with him.

Under his breath he responds, “You can’t believe everything you see.”

“I can understand that. It must be pretty difficult to be in the public eye with constant attention on you.”

He hums quietly, silently expressing his agreement to my statement.

I feel his forehead lean into the back of my head as he inhales deeply. It’s almost like the smell of me stabilizes him. Somehow, I understand that. We don’t know each other; essentially, we’re strangers. Yet, he feels like the moon that settles my world on its axis. It’s intimidating, and I’m not sure what to do with these feelings.

My dancing doesn’t stop; my body relaxes like molten liquid and follows his lead. His rough hands and thick jeans give me the friction I’m seeking.

“Let me buy you a drink.” He whispers loudly in my ear, his lips ghosting over my sensitive skin.

He’s not asking. He’s telling.

“I’m actually having a pretty great time right here.” I’m dying of thirst, but he doesn’t need to know that.

“Oh, come on. I know fuck face over there made no attempt to offer you a drink. Let me.” Blondie has beenmaking his moves around the dance floor. I’m long forgotten on his radar.

Sweat is pouring from my hair to my neck, giving him all the signs that a break from dancing is needed, so I decide to give in to his request.

I’ll go along with this. For now. I hope Navy doesn’t witness my downfall that I know is coming.

“Vodka soda, double lime. You can’t forget the limes.”

He takes his time before answering me, a soft smirk playing across his stupidly handsome face, “Double limes. I can do that.”

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