Page 37 of Huge Pucking Play

"I don’t know that, Soph. And Marjorie would like nothing more than to fire me."

Sophie leans forward, eyes bright. "Look, I get it. But Cyn, you can't let fear hold you back from something amazing, something real."

I raise an eyebrow. "Says the eternal romantic."

She grins. "Guilty as charged. But seriously, Evan adores Garrett. Says he's one of the good ones."

"Really?"

Sophie nods enthusiastically. "He thinks you two would be perfect together."

I feel a flutter in my chest. "He does?"

"Yes," she says firmly. "And I've got a good feeling about this too, Cyn. Don't let your mom's warnings stop you from taking a chance on happiness."

I bite my lip, torn between desire and caution. "I don't know, Soph. It's complicated."

"Love always is," she says with a wink. "But that's what makes it worth it."

Chapter 12

Garrett

Istare intently at my phone, thumb hesitating over Cyn's name. My pulse quickens as I finally summon the courage to call her.

"Hey, Garrett!" Her voice, like a spark, electrifies me.

"Hey there! How's everything going?" I aim for a breezy tone, though my heart pounds.

"Oh, you know, the usual—work's been a whirlwind. How about you?"

"Same here, caught in the storm. So, I was thinking..." I pause, drawing a deep breath. "Maybe we should meet up. Talk face-to-face about...everything."

A charged silence hangs between us, and I can almost feel her weighing the possibilities.

"I'd really love that," she responds at last, excitement tinged with caution. "But where? It's not like we can just waltz into the stadium café for a casual chat."

I chuckle. "No, definitely not. I know a quiet place. Discreet."

"Okay. When?"

"Tomorrow? After work?" I hold my breath, hoping she'll say yes.

Another pause. "Sounds good. Text me the address."

Relief floods through me. "Great. I'll see you then."

We hang up, and I can't stop smiling. Finally, a chance to really talk to her. To figure out if we can make this work.

But as I head to my next meeting, doubt creeps in. What if someone sees us? What if this blows up in our faces? The last thing I want is for her to get fired because of me.

I push the thoughts away. We'll find a way. This shouldn’t be such a big deal.

The following night, I enter Mack’s and scan the dimly lit bar, my heart skipping when I spot Cyn in a corner booth. She's changed out of her work clothes, looking stunning in a simple black dress. I weave through the sparse crowd, trying to keep my expression neutral.

"Hey," I say, sliding into the seat across from her.

Her green eyes light up. "Hay is for horses."

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