“Cameron.” He gives me a pointed look. “He wants out of his contract. He claims that’s the only way he can have you because you’re stubborn as hell.”
“No. You can’t do that. He’s worked too hard for this. Please. You have to just let him stay.”
“And how is that going to work out for you? Seeing him every day?”
“I’ve been looking for other positions.”
“Since when?”
“Yesterday.”
“No.” He stands and walks back around his desk. “You’re not quitting.”
“You can’t tear up his contract. He’ll be fined, and just… no.”
Uncle Drew shrugs. “It’s what he wants.”
“No. It’s not what he wants. He’s being stubborn. He’s not thinking clearly. He can’t just throw away his career.”
“It’s his choice, Paisley.”
“No. He can’t do that.” I stand from my chair. “I can talk some sense into him,” I tell him.
“Yeah?” he asks.
“Just… don’t do anything. Not yet.” I turn and storm out of his office and to the elevator.
I can’t believe Cameron did that. I’m trying to save his career while he’s trying to ruin it. He’s fighting against me, and I don’t understand it. When the elevator doors open, I rush off, heading toward the workout room. The closer I get, the madder I get at him. I did this for him, and he still makes moves to ruin his career. What the hell is he thinking?
Pushing through the door of the gym, it’s eerily quiet except for the low hum of the treadmill. I glance that way and see Cameron with his headphones on, staring straight ahead as his feet pound away on the belt.
Seeing him here, working out in his first week into the off-season, I see his dedication to the sport he loves and to his career. I don’t know why he told Drew to end his contract, but that’s not happening. Not on my watch.
I stomp toward him and stop in his line of sight, planting my hands on my hips. He stops the machine and rips the headphones off his ears, grabbing a towel and stepping off the machine.
“Paisley.” He breathes my name like a caress. One that I force myself and my body to ignore.
“What in the hell do you think you’re doing?” I yell at him.
He glances at the treadmill. “Working out.”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Cameron Taylor.” I step forward and poke his chest. “Why are you trying to get out of your contract? Why did you tell Drew to rip it up? You’re throwing away your career.”
He nods.
“Speak!” I yell again. “Use your fucking words, Cameron. I want to know why. Why are you doing this? You’re fighting against me. I’m trying to save your career while you’re trying to ruin it. Tell me why.”
“Why?” He huffs out a laugh. “You just don’t get it, do you?” He shakes his head. “You want to know why? I’ll tell you why. Because I fucking love you, Paisley.” I open my mouth to speak, but he talks before I have a chance. “We’re talking soul-deep never-recover kind of love.” His voice softens. “I love you beyond the game, baby. You are the most important person in my life. There is nothing I wouldn’t do, nothing I wouldn’t give up to be with you.” His eyes bore into mine.
My heart stalls in my chest as I process what he’s saying. He loves me enough to give it all up. Not just a trade but all of it. Just like I was willing to do for him. I’ve never felt this kind of love. Never imagined what it would feel like to be equally loved heart and soul. Standing here before him, I know he’s my future. Before I can reply, clapping starts behind us. I turn to see my uncle Drew and my dad standing a few feet away.
“What are you doing here?” I ask them. My voice cracks, and I feel as though I could shatter from relief and from the stress of the past few days. Cameron, always in tune with me, wraps his arms around me from behind, holding me close. I can feel the steady beat of his heart against my back, and I take a full deep breath. It’s going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay.
“We need to talk,” my dad says. His voice is stern, and his eyes are hard as they land on me.
“My office,” Drew grits out before both men turn on their heels and walk away.
I look over at Cameron for guidance. “We better get in there,” he says, grabbing his gym bag, shoving his headphones inside, and walking toward me. He lifts his hand as if he’s going to place it on the small of my back but then drops it, thinking better of it. Instead, he jogs ahead of me and opens the door.
We walk in silence to the elevator. We remain silent on the ride up, and when the doors slide open, he nods for me to walk out first. My feet feel as though they are filled with lead with each step. When we reach Drew’s door, I don’t bother knocking. He’s expecting us.
He and my dad are both leaning back against his desk. Drew has his hands braced on the desk behind him while Dad has his arms crossed over his chest. Both men look pissed.
“Sit,” Drew orders.
We do as we’re told and take the two chairs across from them.
“Paisley, we’re aware that you overheard our phone conversation,” Dad says.
“Yes.”
He shakes his head in disappointment. “Princess, what you heard, we weren’t talking about you and Cameron.”
“What?” I ask, my heart dropping.
“A guy we used to play with, his son is an up-and-comer, and his dad called. He was trying to pull some strings to get him on the active roster,” Drew explains. “He’s into partying, and he couldn’t care less what the media prints about him. He’s a hell of a ballplayer, but the shitstorm of the media circus that follows him isn’t something I want for this team.”
“Oh, no,” I breathe. I cover my face with my hands as more tears begin to fall. I can’t look at Cameron. I can’t look at any of them. I assumed the conversation was about us, and I caused a mess.
Two strong arms wrap around me, and I know it’s him. His hold is tight, and he buries his face in my neck. Not able to resist, I move to wrap my arms around him, and he sighs, causing more tears to fall.
“I’m sorry,” I tell him. “I’m so sorry.”
He doesn’t reply, and that scares me. He’s holding me, but for how long? I put us in this position, tore us apart from eavesdropping and jumping to conclusions. When he finally pulls back, he moves to stand in front of me, dropping to his knees. I realize my dad and Drew are now standing on the other side of the room.
When Cameron’s hands palm my cheeks, I pull my attention back to him. “You’re mine, Paisley Gray. Nothing will ever change that. I don’t care what I have to give up to have you in my life. Every sacrifice will be worth having you in my arms every night.” He leans in and kisses me softly.
“I love you. I’m so sorry,” I say against his lips.
He reaches out and smooths my hair back from my eyes. “Never do that to me again,” he says, his voice solid. “Never. You hear me. I can’t live without you.”
“Promise,” I whisper. I’ve learned my lesson.
“I hope you’ve learned your lesson,” Dad says, making me laugh.