Page 46 of Endgame

I’m doing my best to provide damage control while I can. “I’m so sorry about that, Jack. Callaway is correct. I was notexpecting to walk intoall of that, and I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable in any way.”

I look to Callaway, waiting for his sincere apology, but nothing of the sort leaves his lips. His arrogance has no end.

“I’m just sorry you were here to watch, Jack.” And that haunting smile is back with plans, plans to make me feel like I’m going mentally insane in more ways than one.

Jack rolls his eyes and laughs under his breath. “You’re such a dipshit. Let’s get back to the matter at hand, please.”

He’s chuckling. He’s chuckling with Callaway like he’s the funniest man on the planet, and his desire for me doesn’t faze him in the slightest. It seems there are zero interjections regarding Callaway and me, I guess.

I’ll pretend Callaway isn’t here. Easy enough.

Clasping his hands in front of him, Jack looks my way before dropping a bomb. “I’ll cut to the chase. Sports Illustrated has approached the Strikers to be the face of their 2025 upcoming calendar year. You can imagine how impressive this opportunity is for the league. We were required by their Vice President to submit various photos of your work to prove the variety and diversity of your skills. They were more than impressed, and we signed on the spot.”

“Son of a mother fudge biscuit.”

My eyes shoot up, wide as can be, realizing I said that out loud. More like shouted out loud. Laughter follows suit, and the weight of this opportunity suddenly feels less stressful.

Although it is stressful.

My photos will be featured on the nextSports Illustratedcalendar.

Somebody pinch me—I don't recall a dream ever feeling this good.

“Wow.” I can’t muster anything past that.

I can see the excitement plastered across Jack’s face, like he can’t believe the prestige of it himself.

Movement to my side catches my attention as I focus on Callaway striding towards me, his two quick steps putting him directly in front of me. Without hesitation, he pulls me into his chest for a deep embrace. Some would call this a hug, but it’s most definitely an embrace. I can feel the sincerity behind it.

“Congratulations, Dakota. It’s happening.” He whispers sweetly into my hair. The meaning behind his words etched in my soul.

I’m scared to return the hug. This is the first time Callaway has ever hugged me, and it feels so good but wrong at the same time.

There shouldn’t be so much turmoil over a hug. I don’t know if I’m hesitant to return it because I know Jack is a short distance away watching us or because I’m afraid I’ll never want to let go.

When was the last time someone hugged me? Someone other than Navy. I honestly don’t know.

What I do know is that it feels incredible to be held by him. The manly touch and warmth of him steadies my racing heart. His smell feels like comfort, a smell I find myself craving more and more. I can feel the pride seeping through him from the way he runs his large hand up and down my neck. My heart feels so at peace in this moment. He leans into me like he never wants to leave, while we celebrate together.

Well, Jack too.

Realizing this will be an embrace in which I have to be the one to let go first, I slowly begin to pull back and watch as Callaway’s body language shifts slightly at the loss of me.

I can’t make eye contact. He’ll know I was as affected by it as him.

Concealing my thoughts, my eyes look to Jack. “We did it. I can’t believe it.” My emotions are invading like waves, the fear and shock long gone, excitement and thrill at the center.

Forgetting one last minor detail, Jack cuts in, “Oh, one last thing. The VP mentioned they have specific requests for the shoot, and to make sure you are aware so you can make any accommodations. They’ve chosen an island to photograph the team on. Because this part of Saint Simons Island can only be accessed by boat, you and four players at a time will head out. Then, we'll switch when each group is completed.”

That doesn’t sound too bad. Being in my favorite place, where I made so many fond memories with my parents sounds more like a reward than something to accommodate for.

“What type of accommodations would I need to prepare for?” I note in my head that I have the correct lighting and adapters to withstand the heat and direct sunlight. Natural light is my favorite form of light enhancement, although it’s essential to be prepared to block any glares without creating a shadowing effect.

Jack looks at me like I’m misunderstanding his point. “The photos will showcase each player naked, the intimate parts of them covered only by their fielding gloves for privacy. So yeah, those kinds of accommodations.”

Okay, so we’re going with a risqué shoot.

I can confidently say my skin has taken on the color of a ghost.

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