Page 48 of Shot Taker

He turns it over. “What cut of merchandise?”

I square my shoulders. “Twenty percent.”

“Five.”

“Twelve.”

He turns it over. “Fine. Have the revised contract to my assistant before I change my mind.”

I turn toward the door, hiding my grin until I have a hand on the cherry wood, when his voice reaches me.

“And Nova?”

“Yes?” I glance back to find him studying me as though he’s never seen me before.

“This wall better be fucking spectacular.”

* * *

CLAY

Nova: I did it.

The message comes when I’m getting off the plane after the road game.

It was a win, which puts everyone in a good mood.

But Nova’s words are what make me smile.

Clay: Yeah you did.

The next day, I go in for a meeting with the coaches to watch game tape. On the way out of the meeting, I head by her wall and find her there.

She’s wearing leggings and a long-sleeved shirt that rises up her back when she stretches, her hair pulled back in a pink ponytail.

The feeling washing over me isn’t only desire, but pride. I’m fucking proud of her and I want to tell her.

“What are you painting now?” Jay asks.

She pulls off her headphones. “The team. Miles, Rookie, Atlas, Clay, you.”

He folds his arms. “You’re gonna make me bigger, right?”

“You’re already three times life size,” I drawl.

Rookie dissolves into laughter, and Jay hits me in the arm. He still clears six feet, but he’s the shortest of all of us.

“We should celebrate,” I say, and her eyes warm on mine.

“Yeah, it was a good win.” Miles thinks I’m talking about that.

“I think I’m going to go home. Maybe take a bath.” She stretches, her eyes closing as her hands lift overhead.

“I could give you a massage,” Miles offers.

She laughs. “That’s a great offer. Raincheck.”

“We’re going to Mile High,” Rookie says.

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