Page 39 of Endgame

“You would be correct. What gave it away?”

He doesn’t seem to take things too seriously, which excites me to be friends with him. I could use some fun in my life.

Look at me, losing some of my darkness already.

“Har har. You’ve got jokes. I like you already, Kodi girl.”

I’m pretty fond of him myself.

However, I’m realizing he’s only one of the team players I still need to meet. Somehow, Kingston managed to distract me enough to forget about the rest of them. Goosebumps reignite my skin. After evaluating my impression so far, I decide to let an attempt at fake confidence come over me, leaving them little room to judge. They’ll immediately see a strong exterior, and hopefully, that will be the first impression they keep of me.

Recognizing that I can’t jump into thedevil’s lairwithout a backbone, and proving I’m owed respect, I confidently turn in the direction of the team, and let my nerves be forgotten. My personal insecurities throw out all signs of caution to avoid this, not them, but to keep to myself, do my job, and leave work at work. I’m already dismantled enough inside.

However, my heart is yearning for friendship and community. My potential downfall feels inevitable, essentially with it being this tangible feeling I’ve come to know too well.

Community.

The steady word comes true before my eyes.

“Thank you, King, for that very unexpected introduction. Strikers, this is Dakota Foster. Dakota, or Kodi ifshe’dlike, was hired as our new Team Photographer. Her job will be to join the team for all public events and games, taking photosas needed. There will be times when private moments need to be documentedwith stipulations. Please keep that in mind. We are working on rebranding for this upcoming season and good things are coming. Do your best to make her feel welcome. And for the love of God, keep your twin in your pants, and leave her alone.”

Grunts and murmurs sound through the field with various levels ofyes, coach,proving how much these players respect Jack.A few of the teammates who are introduced are named Gus, Jethro, and the Striker’s captain, Mack. They all make an effort to introduce themselves to me before heading towards the locker room.

Before everyone has a chance to escape, a deep, gravelly voice I’d recognize anywhere speaks up for everyone to hear. “Does that mean dating her is against the rules, Coach?”

There’s no way he said that.

I haven’t taken a single photo yet, and Callaway is already putting a target on my back. Hell, I haven’t even stepped foot in my office.

Coach Leggins looks towards Callaway before rolling his eyes and responding with an annoyed huff, “Hayes, why must you make things so difficult? Leave. Her. Alone.”

My eyes turn to find Callaway, only to see the widest grin spread across his face. The rest of the team seems to be entertained by his antics.

“That doesn’t answer my question, Coach.”

But Leggins is long gone, halfway across the field as he throws his arm in the air, signaling Callaway to stop while he’s ahead.

This is my chance to leave without being noticed,although I know he noticed me, but that doesn’t mean we need to chat.

Perfect. Now, I can head to my office, stuff my face with endless chocolate chip cookies, and get to work.

“Angel.”

Butterflies. An entire swarm of them takes flight in my stomach.

Why does he have this kind of effect on me? I claimed I was fine without talking to him and now my body wants to contradict itself. My attempt at avoiding him is looking more and more pathetic by the second—as if he would letme avoid him.

I turn to face the brightest blue eyes my dreams wouldn’t dare let me forget, piercing right through me. They have a way of calling me to him without asking, I might add.

Before I can think better of it, my feet move on their own in his direction until we’re standing face to face with only a foot separating us. The bleacher level of the stadium lights has diminished to darkness, leaving only the overhead lights spotlighting the field.

I feel like a speck in such a grand place. At this moment, though, it’s me and Cal, a truth that weakens me.

“You following me, Callaway?” He knows I’m followinghim, yet he doesn’t call me out on it.

I’m doing my best to seem unfazed by him and the one simple word he loves using in reference to my name.Angel.

Puddle—I need to clean myself up. This can’t happen.

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