“Just don’t say you heard that from me, or if you must, at least give me a five-second head start. I’ve got plans tonight and I’d really like to make it to them without a black eye,” he jokes.
I laugh, but it dies in my throat the second Fletcher casually strolls out of the locker room. He freezes, stopping mid-step. His eyes go wide as they also appear to light up, and God, why is that so cute?
“Well, hey there,” he says, joining his friend’s side as he casually tosses an arm over his shoulder. “Didn’t realize we were getting a surprise visit tonight. How’d we get so lucky?”
“I’m not completely sure. Given all your naughty behavior one would think karma might finally catch up and give you exactly what you deserve and bless you with the opposite.” I smile sweetly, as though what I’d just said had actually been a compliment.
Maybe not the smoothest way to start, since I was hoping for a new, fresh start, but we’ll get there... maybe.
“Oh, Hollis. You haven’t even gotten close to seeing me naughty yet, but I’m sure we’ll get there eventually,” he says with a sly smirk. “But having you here? I’d say I’m already getting exactly what I deserve.”
“Oooookay,” Easten interrupts, taking a slow step back as Fletcher’s arm falls back to his side. “I think that’s my cue to leave, but you two, uh...have fun,” he says, turning away as though he can’t get out of here fast enough. “And don’t kill each other, please,” he calls one last time over his shoulder.
Finally alone, it’s clear Fletcher wants to say more, but I beat him to it. If he says anything, we’ll probably just end up flirting, and that is not what I came here to do.
“So, uh,” I say, sounding a bit more nervous than I’d planned, but I push through. “I was hoping you’d have a quick moment to chat?”
His brows knit in confusion, but soon the corner of his lip twitches. “I’ll always have time for you,” he says, still sounding way too flirty for his own good. “So, what’s up?”
“As you know, creating valuable content for the league’s social media is important for its growth, and I just wanted to see if you’d be open to assisting with that?”
He blinks, looking even more confused than before.
“What do you mean? You need to film more content tonight?” His eyes dart around the empty hallway before glancing down at himself.
My gaze follows and where he’d once been wearing his Honky Tonk practice attire, it’s been replaced with a pair of jeans, a black T-shirt, and a fucking sexy silver chain around his neck. There’s also his usual backward baseball cap with damp strands of his freshly showered hair poking out from underneath.
“I could hurry and go change,” he offers once our eyes meet.
I shake my head. “While I appreciate the enthusiasm, we’re covered for today. I was more referring to filming in general,” I explain, hating that I’m here asking for his help—but my dad is right. He’s exactly what this team needs.
“I’m confused.”
I laugh, even though none of this is even remotely funny. “Believe me, so am I. But it’s getting late, so how about we just discuss this more before tomorrow’s game,” I suggest, backing up, both me and my pride more than ready to make a hasty escape.
“Wait,” he says, reaching for my wrist. “Earlier, you were so insistent on ignoring me and giving me the least amount of filming time, but now you’re saying we should work together? Sorry, but I think I might need you to give me a little more context tonight.”
I sigh, glancing down at my wrist as he thankfully releases it.
“Oh yeah... that?” I ask, shifting uncomfortably on my feet before letting out a sigh. “Well, I’m pretty sure I owe you an apology. That was completely inappropriate and unprofessional of me and it won’t happen again.”
“Hollis—” he starts but I hold up a hand to stop him.
“No, please let me get this out. I’ve been the one preaching about professionalism and acting like coworkers, yet I was the one who didn’t do my job today. I shouldn’t have acted like that and I’m sorry.”
His eyes find the ground, as he kicks at the cement.
“Well, if we’re going to be apologizing, I’d say I owe you one too. I haven’t exactly been the most professional either, and it’s not like I’ve made your job any easier. I get why you probably wanted and needed a little space.”
I offer a weak smile. I wasn’t looking for an apology, but I appreciate it anyway.
“Glad to hear it, because I think from here on out we need to start working together more. You’ve got the most followers across both teams, and it’s not fair to anyone if we don’t use that to our advantage.” I explain, but given the grin forming on his lips it’s clear I need to say more. “But don’t think this means you get to keep on acting a fool. The flirting has to stop.”
“I’ll be honest with you, Holls. I can’t promise that—but I can promise that I’ll at least attempt to tone it down.”
I let out a small huff and roll my eyes.
“Fine. I’ll take it,” I give in, since when it comes to Fletch, that’s the best I can hope for. “On that note, I guess we’re goodso I’m going to head out.” I toss my thumb over my shoulder and take a step back.
