Page 76 of Endgame

I need to think this through.

Reacting will only make her resist and refuse me more. But am I capable of ignoring them? I don’t even recognize myself. For someone who has been with a lot of women—although it’s been a while— this is a first for me. It’s not like they’re publicly fucking; so, help me, Jesus, if they did. But I can’t stand seeing them even remotely close, more so because I can guess his intentions. Dakota is a knockout, and any man would be a lucky son of a bitch to be with someone as special as her.

Before they have a chance to notice my stalking, I shift back into the tent, and I’m stopped short by absurd hooting from the man-children who I consider my friends.

Idiots.

Jethro is singing like a little frat girl, “I just wannastayin a whipped pussyHayes.” He’s so fucking stupid. Gus isn’t much better because he’s dry humping a makeup chair and howling out groundbreaking moans. “Oh, oh, Dakota. I want your pussy so bad but I’m too chicken shit to take it. Oh, oh, mhm, who’s your Daddy?”

Jesus.

“Eat shit.” Maybe that will shut them up.

Ignoring them further, I decide I need to consider a plan.

Something needs to change. I just don’t know what yet.

What I do know is that my angel needs my attention.

“Callaway Hayes, you’re up.”

Here it is. The moment we’ve been waiting for—such a cryptic thing to say but true.

“Yes, sir. Where do you need me?”

Blair, the production director, is instructing me on liability terms regarding the shoot. Nothing I’ve never heard before. He leads me to the side of the island where the shooting setup is staged.

The minimalist in me really appreciates the simplicity of this. Although, for as little as I’m going to be wearing, the crassness of it feels like a weighted blanket. I’m not ashamed of my body in any way; actually, I’m really fucking proud of it. I maintain a healthy and balanced diet, exercise religiously, and take my vitamins; all those things help make my outward appearance look as taken care of as the inside.

But knowing these photos will be displayed on calendars worldwide is slightly terrifying; when it’s baseball, I’m where I’m most comfortable, playing a game I love. This is different.

The guys and I are doing it forher.She deserves the chance to experience some good and be rewarded for her talent.

Now that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her work firsthand, I’m confident enough to say she’s fucking incredible.

Blair directs me to stand in the water where the shore meets the seafoam of the waves. Behind me is blue skies, open water, and a glimpse of distant sailboats in the background. I’m still wrapped in a solid white towel, feeling slightly vulnerable. The production crew begins to make their way around the shore, all hands-on deck to support wherever is needed.

Bracing myself for what’s to come, Dakota’s arrival draws my attention towards her.

It’s like she’s trying to get me arrested today.

Goddamn. If I weren’t so angry at the audience, I’d bow at her feet. She’s astounding. Alluring is a mild term to describe her beauty.

However, I’m less than thrilled. My angel must have gotten too hot to handle because she’s no longer wearing her coverup. Nope, she’s baring all her beauty in the skimpiest red bikini. So, help me, if it’s a thong, I may snap, especially since Devin is not farbehindher.

Fuck me. Dakota looks sinful, a devil in every sense of the word.

She can’t hear me, but I know her body can feel my eyes on her, soaking up every inch of her tan and glowing skin.

“Callaway, here is your glove and bat.”

Transfixed on my girl, I barely feel Blair place them in my hands.

“Since this is Dakota’s shoot, she will be assisting in prop placement and getting you ready for each pose. Dakota, if you can, come set Callaway up, please.” Blair is waving Dakota over, a look of panic consuming her face.

Ready to touch me, angel?

Blair doesn’t realize he saved the day.

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