Page 97 of Off Camera
“We’re also struggling with ticket sales. We already have such a loyal following, and finding new fans to reel in is proving to be more difficult than in years past. My boss has been on my ass lately about engagement and fan interaction, but I don’t know what the hell he wants me to do.”
“We’re in the same boat. Algorithms are changing. It’s taken me weeks to get consistent views on various platforms when I used to rake in millions after only a few hours. It’s so frustrating, but I think we’re both doing the best we can.” I swallow, and I swear he steps closer to me. “I really liked the text series you did with your players. The one you posted on Friday? That was fun,” I tell him. “Very unique.”
“Oh. Thanks.” Reid’s mouth quirks, and I like that hint of a smile more than I should.
“Don’t let it go to your head. The rest of your stuff annoys the shit out of me.”
“Right back at ya, Sinclair.” He glances at me, and the stars look like they’re twinkling in his eyes. “Want to come over tonight?”
I should go home.
That would be the responsible thing to do.
I have four emails I need to draft and send to potential sponsors by noon tomorrow. A YouTube video I need to edit and pare down from forty-five minutes to sixteen. DMs from giveaway winners I need to sift through so I can collect their addresses and mail out merchandise.
But that same feeling that struck me the night at the bar when we met strikes me again; I don’t want to go.
I don’t want to be alone.
I want to be with him.
“Yeah,” I say. His pinky brushes against my hip, and I remind myself it would be reckless to kiss him out here. That wouldmake this real, a living, breathing thing that exists outside the bedroom, and that’s not part of our rules. “I do.”
“Good,” he mumbles, voice thick with lust I feel like a blanket around my shoulders. “Been wanting you all day, and I can’t wait anymore.”
We plan strategic exits thirty minutes later, one right after the other. We walk the fifteen blocks to his place, stopping at a food truck for empanadas and a jar of fresh salsa. When he unlocks the door, his keys end up on the floor and I end up on my knees.
Reid wraps one hand through my hair and curls the other around my chin, our eyes locked as I take him to the back of my throat until he says my name.
Later, after he pulls me apart then puts me back together slowly, methodically, in the perfect way I like, I realize Tuesday might be my new favorite day of the week.
TWENTY-EIGHT
REID
“The last timeI threw a baseball, I was eight,” I say, fixing the brim of my hat. “I’m going to go ahead and apologize for the shit show that’s about to happen.”
“It’s for a good cause.” Maverick tucks in his jersey and bends down to lace up his cleats. “Who doesn’t love helping charity?”
“I’m all for helping charity, but making a fool of myself in front of five thousand people is going to be fucking embarrassing.” I take a sip of my Gatorade, like it’s going to make me an athlete. “When I’m slow around the bases, you guys can’t make fun of me.”
“Dallas isn’t fast,” Maverick says, clasping my shoulder. “He looks like a baby deer learning to walk when he starts running.”
“I heard that,” Dallas yells from around the corner. “And I run just fine, you asshole.”
“Dad said a bad word.” June looks up from her book and grins. “He has to put money in the swear jar.”
“You’re going to be rich, kid.” Maverick lifts her off the couch and spins her around. “I’m going to contribute a hundred bucks to the jar too. Just so you can really earn some dough.”
She grins and gives him a hug. “Thanks, Uncle Mav.”
“Sorry, JB,” I tell her. “I’m not rich like Mavvy, so he’ll put in an extra hundred on my behalf. Won’t you, Miller?”
Maverick rolls his eyes and digs out his wallet, handing June two crisp bills. “I swear people like to take advantage of me,” he grumbles.
“Is Avery coming today?” June asks, pocketing the money. “I liked her a lot and she’s very fun. I helped her wrap your office in the preseason. Mom says you could use someone like that in your life, Uncle Reid, so you should hang out with her some more.”
My office and the preseason game.
