Page 69 of My Grumpy Billionaire Soccer Star

When I arrive, I park and head toward her building, my stomach churning with anxiety.

I pause, noticing a coffee shop across the street as I’m about to knock on her front door.

I spot a familiar figure, and I walk over to the café, glance inside, and freeze. Oddly enough, there’s Rachel sitting at a table with Collins. They’re discussing something seriously while leaning in close. I hate how cozy they look, and I feel my irritation building.

What is he doing with her?

My fingers hover over the screen as I pull out my phone. Seeing them together twists something dark in my stomach. Isteady myself with a deep breath. I know I shouldn’t let jealousy rule my head, but I’m losing her all over again, watching them like this.

I call her number again, but it just rings to voicemail. I am annoyed, and the heat in my cheeks is growing. I keep calling and calling, but still no answer. I cannot sit here and do nothing. It’s not just business anymore; it feels personal.

Finally, she seems to be leaving, I call her again, and she picks up then. I can hear the relief in her voice. “Vaughn? What’s going on?”

“Meet me at my place,” I speak firmly, my voice steady now. “We need to talk.”

“Is this about work?” she asks, hesitation creeping into her tone.

“It’s about everything.” I cut off any more questions and just say, “Just get over here.”

I hang up before she can protest. I get back in my car and drive home.

I can’t unsee her with Collins and the way they are so engrossed with each other. I know I have to face these feelings so that she knows how serious this is. With all that’s happening, I can’t afford to lose her.

My thoughts spin as I drive home. What if she’s fallen for him? What if she’s tired of waiting for me to sort my life out? The jealousy festers, the insecurity grows, and a part of me knows I’m being irrational. I have to get her to understand that I’m sincere with her about wanting her in my life and that I care more than I’ve shown.

When I get home, there’s nothing to do but pace the living room with my heart hammering in my chest. I must take control of this and get everything out on the table. I can’t bear the uncertainty for a moment longer; it’s gnawing at me.

The doorbell pulls me out of my thoughts, and I run to answer it. Rachel is in front of me when I open the door—confused and concerned.

“You sounded urgent on the phone,” she says, stepping inside, her eyes darting around as she assesses the situation. “What’s wrong?”

Chapter thirty-one

Chapter Thirty-One

Rachel

As I walk into the quaint neighborhood café, the air smells of freshly brewed coffee, and it feels warm, like a hug wrapping around me. This has been a busy week, and I’m just looking forward to a few minutes of quiet and the chance to relax. I look over the menu as I stand in line, but as I do, I can feel someone behind me—and it’s a presence I’ve felt before. I turn, and Collins is there, grinning as he always does.

“Rachel!” he says, a bit brightly, a bit friendly. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“Hey, Collins,” I reply, forcing a smile. I don’t want to be near you after the last time we interacted, but it seems like fate has other plans.

He points at the counter. “Would it be alright if I sat and had coffee with you? I could use a break.”

I hesitate but nod. “Sure, why not?”

After ordering our drinks, we find a small table by the window. I can’t get rid of this feeling that this might not actually be a casual catch-up. I’m not sure I’m ready for it, but there’s some undercurrent in the air.

“So, how have you been?” Collins asks as he takes a sip of his coffee and leans back in his chair.

“I’ve been good,” I answer, trying to keep it lighthearted.

He nods - “I’ve been thinking a lot about setting up my own sports business. Could you help me with it? I could really use your expertise. Could you work with me on it?”

I blink in surprise at his suggestion. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Collins. I’m Vaughn’s secretary, and I don’t want to mix things up.”

He looks earnest as he leans forward. “But, Rachel, I’m serious. Someone like you—I really could use your help. I know how Vaughn works, and I think we would be a great team.”

---