My hand slides along her waist, my palm centering against her back. I know her curves by memory, and I hate that right now, her body tightens at my touch. “What’s going on, Calla Lily?” I murmur as we start to sway.
She blinks and rolls her lips together.
Fuck. I messed something up. But what? What happened?
“Gage…” Her voice breaks and the emotion in that word, in my name, feels like a freaking throat punch.
“Tell me,” I demand, nudging her even closer. If this is our last dance, I’m going to savor it.
“Gage, I’m so sorry,” she whispers, her eyes filling with moisture as they meet mine.
“For what?” I turn us farther away from my family and their nosy looks.
She’s going to tell me she can’t do this. That she tried but I’m not the man she wants for her future. That the life I laid out isn’t a version she wants to invest in. I’m not the man for her—I never was.
I brace myself for the impact of her words. But they don’t come.
Instead, she admits, “Grayson Watches pulled the endorsement deal.”
I frown. Stop swaying. Stare at her. “Okay?”
“Okay?” she repeats, shaking her head. “I let you down.”
“You let me…” I trail off. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m supposed to have your best interests, professionally.”
“You do!”
“I lost the deal. We didn’t respond in time and?—”
“I’m retiring,” I blurt out.
Nearby, I hear Svetlana gasp. Joe hushes her.
Carla’s eyes widen and fly to Callie and me.
Ricardo gives her a stern look and she averts her gaze.
My family is going to be the death of me.
“You are?” she murmurs, her fingers gripping my shoulder.
I nod. “It’s time, Cal. It’s been time.” I give her a smile. “Look on the bright side, now you won’t be dating one of your players.”
She shakes her head. “This isn’t what I wanted for you. Gage, I’m sorry.”
“Callie.” I pull her closer and kiss her forehead. “It’s okay,” I whisper. “Sometimes, decisions are made for us and…it’s almost easier that way. More bearable.”
She pulls back slightly to meet my eyes again.
“I want you, Callie. Tell me we’re okay. Tell me we’re gonna do this for real.”
Her eyes widen. She blinks back tears. “I’m in love with you, Gage. I love you.”
“Plot twist,” Carla sings.
“Oh, shit. Tio’s still got it,” Jake comments.
