Page 44 of Endgame

Tenley lets out a humorous gasp, “Oh my God, no way! Ah, this is going to be so great. I’m in dire need of a girls’ night!”

I realize I’m smiling as Tenley hugs me tightly. I’m not used to feeling like I have so many potential friendships around me. I also can’t help but think she has the ability to read my mind. Whether I like to admit it or not, I need that too.

A girl’s night, that is.

21

DAKOTA

Graves.

St. James.

Hayes.

Manning.

Dalton.

Perfect, I think that’s it. I’m knee deep in sorting through the most recent photos I’ve captured of the team these past two months when my office phone ringing startles me from the trance I’ve been stuck in the last hour.

Quickly answering and putting it on speakerphone, I’m met with Jack’s Southern twang, “Ms. Foster, how’s it going over there?” He knows I’m fitting in fine. Yet, he frequently finds reasons to check on me and make sure the boys are treating me well. They’ve been nothing but gentlemen, except for one incident with Jethro, but I shut that down real quick.

“Things are going great, Jack. I’m happy to report no change since yesterday.”

I’m physically unable to hide my giggle. It’s evident he means well and wants his people to be happy within theirwork environment. He’s the best picture of leading a team by example.

His voice announces over the speakerphone, “Great. That’s what I like to hear. Hey, when you get a second, come meet me in my office for a quick meeting.”

My heart plummets.

“Sure, of course. I’ll head your way now.”

Seconds later, he ends the call, leaving me questioning his sudden need to meet with me. My overactive mind is running through all the possible scenarios in which I’ve messed up.

Of course, the moment I finally don’t have to fight myself to wake up in the mornings and look forward to my day, bad news is right around the corner.

I’m assuming so, expecting no less than a worst-case scenario.

So much for thinking positively, but I am who I am.

Drawing an immense blank, I decide to start acting like an actual grown adult and head towards Jack’s office rather than procrastinating on the inevitable.

Shockingly, this job has exceeded all my expectations. The idea of photographing sports was a foreign concept to me, one I was initially hesitant on my ability to do. This has been the smoothest experience, and I can’t help but think a big part of that comes from Callaway being here.

We’ve found ourselves in the same place at the same time, more often than I can count. He has been nothing but respectful, keeping his distance.

I hate it.

I’m missing the attraction we shared before. The one where his need to be near me or touching me outweighed what heshoulddo, the distance most likely triggered by the start of the season.

But it’s better this way. The less we’re around each other, the better.

I’d be lying to myself if I said my conversation with Navy didn’t send my longing thoughts into a frenzy. It’s almost like her dismissal sealed the deal and signed off permission for my desire for him to be in overdrive.

Which is the opposite of what should be happening.

Navy didn’t exactly say she was against it, but she didn’t think it was a good idea and not worth risking relationships over.

---