Page 122 of Game Changer

Brooke’s eyes widen in glee as I pass it to her. “Oh my God. This is huge.” She lets out a screech. “You have to say yes.”

“There’s no way. Why would Harlan make this offer?”

“I bet Harlan knows nothing about this. Rumor is he and James barely talk unless James is throwing his weight around.”

This is making less sense by the second.

“He’s crazy loaded, a 'no expenses spared' kind of guy,” she goes on. “He made his money in finance and owns two jets and eight houses. If he’s inviting you to do this, it isn’t going to be any old installation. You have to say yes.”

The mystery has me intrigued, I’ll give her that.

“What if I don’t want to go back?” I stare at the jersey, the half of Clay’s name visible on the back.

“What if your future is waiting for you?” she counters.

“I already have a job.”

“Yeah, because serving overpriced cappuccinos is your calling.” She rolls her eyes, gesturing to the walls. “It’s obvious you’re not into art anymore.”

My art is up all over the place. Every night, I’ve been drawing. It’s compulsive. I can’t stop.

I drain my glass and ball up the jersey in my fist, walking to the sink. I swear I feel his number burn itself into my skin as I set my glass down on the counter.

The email said the installation is at the venue.

Whatever LA deal Clay was trying to make hasn’t gone through. If I take this job, there will be no avoiding him.

When I glance back, Brooke’s typing on my phone.

“What are you doing?” I lunge for her.

She holds the phone away. “If you don’t say yes, I will.”

I snatch it back and stare at the email.

“Pack your bags,” she says. “I can have a charter at Logan Airport in an hour.”

I check my phone as I pace the room. “There’s a home game tonight.”

“We can steer clear of the stadium for now.”

It’s suddenly too warm in here. I lift the window over the sink, the cold air rushing in to burn my lungs.

“No.” I square my shoulders. “I’m a big girl, and I’m over Clay. From here on out, this is about me.”

Brooke’s eyes flash with excitement. “Yes! This is going to be epic. I’ll call for the plane.”

“Wait! I have to do one thing first.”

She turns back, questioning.

I take a breath before lifting the jersey.

“Pass me the lighter.”

* * *

Thank you for reading Game Changer! I hope you loved Clay and Nova’s emotional, sexy romance.

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