Seeing her like this is kind of hot.
Okay. It’ssuperhot.
Summer’s pupils somehow dilate further. “Holy shit!”
Violet reaches up and taps the reporter’s arm. “Language,” she scolds.
“Sorry,” Summer whispers, letting out a winded breath. “I’m sorry. Last I heard, you were being repped by Jon Sweeney. Is this a recent change?”
Shay nods. “Yes, we started working together a few weeks ago.”
“Wow, Shaylene. Can I call you that? Or do you prefer Turner?”
“I prefer Shay or Shaylene, but most people call me Turner since it sounds a bit more—”
“Masculine.” Summer sucks her teeth. “Screw them. I’m gonna call you Shay.” The reporter pulls a notepad from her pocket and turns to me. “I’m happy to hear you’ve found new local representation, and I’m even happier that she’s ashe! What made you choose Shay over all the other agents who were desperate to work with you?”
When asked this question in the past about Jon, I could barely string together an answer. But my reply flows freely after only two weeks with Shay.
“It was an easy decision,” I say. “She’s knowledgeable, dedicated, and cares about her clients more than anyone I know. There’s nobody I’d rather work with.”
Pleased with my answer, Summer bounces on her toes. “The paper’s going to love this! Can I get a photo of you guys for social media?”
I say yes automatically, but when I notice Shay’s frozen expression, I pause. “One second, Summer.” When she steps back to set up her camera, I face Shay. “What’s wrong?”
Her fingers pick at her forehead. “I can’t take a picture.”
“Is it not professional to take one with me?”
I savor her annoyed exhale. “Agents and clients take photos for social media all the time.” Hovering over her chin, she pulls at something I can’t see. “My acne hasn’t been kind to me lately. And my facial hair is much thicker than I’d like. I haven’t shaved in a few days. I’m just not prepared for a photoshoot.”
My hands twitch at my side, desperate to reach out and touch her face. She didn’t need to prepare because she’s absolutely perfect.
She looks away. “And physical therapy was with a client, but I’m in tights and a crop top! I can’t be photographed like this.”
Learning that she was at physical therapy for work and not with a love interest eases some of my fear, but only slightly. It still won’t help me get her back.
“Nobody sane wears a pantsuit to physical therapy. Wall sits would be even worse.” My joke lands, and she rewards me with a tiny snort of approval. “You look beautiful, Shay. You always do. And I’ll make sure Summer knows you were coming from a work thing, okay?”
Our eyes meet, and after a moment, she nods. “Thanks, Cade.”
Before I screw up and kiss her forehead, I turn back to Summer. “We’re ready. Can Violet be in it too?”
“Of course! Ineedthe cutest sister in the league.” I lift Violet onto my hip and prop her in the gap Shay leaves between us. “Say cheese!” Summer cheers.
After posing and making sure Summer knows where Shay came from before this meeting, the Energizer Bunny rushes toward the parking lot.
“Oh shit,” Shay mutters, rubbing her temples.
“Language,” Violet and I say at the same time.
“Oh crap,” she corrects, which makes Violet giggle. “That story will be everywhere in twenty-four hours. TheCarolina Gazetteis the biggest newspaper in North Carolina.” With a tight smile, she finally meets my eye. “Well, it looks like I’m officially your agent.”
Playing with the dice in my pocket, I force myself to smile. “Looks like I’m officially your client.”
And nothing more.
Chapter Ten
