Page 103 of Shot Taker

“I’m staying.”

He grabs me in a hug so hard it’s my turn to be stunned. It didn’t occur to me that this was eating him up so much. But I can feel his relief and happiness.

Come to think of it, I’m pretty glad to be staying too.

26

NOVA

“You look incredible,” Brooke says as she stands behind me in the mirror.

I turn sideways, smoothing my hands down the silver dress.

I’m picking out an outfit for the gala Saturday night. Nearly a thousand people are attending, from billionaires to politicians to executives and every important person from the team’s history.

I can’t wait for the big reveal of the mural.

After the all-star game, seeing the guys laugh and cheer and play jokes on one another, I knew exactly what I needed to finish my artwork.

The third element was unexpected, but it’s actually perfect.

I hope everyone loves it as much as I do.

“It’s your night,” Brooke goes on.

“It’s the team’s night.”

“But it’s your coming-out party.”

A happy flush rises up my cheeks as I show her the picture Clay took earlier of me in front of the finished installation.

“It’s stunning, Nova.”

“Chloe’s sending me the program soon. I get to introduce it. That’s partly why I need this dress.”

I turn in the outfit, then check the price tag.

Grumpy Baller: Send me a picture.

I do.

He texts back a picture of his credit card.

Grumpy Baller: No protests.

I bite my cheek.

I let him buy the dress, but I spot another one on a rack and lift it off. “I want this one too. But put it on my card.”

The plastic clicks on the counter as I set my card in front of the cashier. It feels good to have my own money to pay for things.

“Can I have it delivered? And could I include a message?”

“Of course.” She passes over a card and pen.

“Who’s that for?” Brooke asks.

I scrunch my brows together, my bare toes gripping the soft carpet as I write out a note to be enclosed in the box. “My sister.”

---