Tessa—ERS
Checking in after the ceremony. How’s the morning going? We’ll need a wellness update.
Another message follows immediately.
How’s Cam adjusting to the space? And how are you doing?
There it is.
The reminder that this morning is monitored. Assessed.
I type back quickly.
We’re fine. Calm. No issues.
I set the phone facedown.
“Everything okay?” Cam asks.
“Yeah. Just ERS checking in.”
He makes a low sound. “Right. Makes sense.”
I lift the mug again even though it’s empty.
Habit. Comfort. Avoidance.
The ceramic is warm from my hands now. Cam moves quietly behind me, unobtrusive but present.
No man has ever learned my coffee order without being told. My ex barely noticed when I changed my hair.
But Cam walked into my life and paid attention.
And that’s a problem.
He didn’t do this to impress me.
He just showed up.
I turn back to the counter, pulse steady but loud in my ears.
If he can make me feel like this without trying…
How am I supposed to keep my heart locked away?
Chapter twelve
Cam
Practice ran long today. Too many drills. Too many whispered conversations that die the second I get close. Too many glances from teammates that try to look casual and fail.
I’m sweating through my shirt and thinking about the shower I’m supposed to take in ten minutes.
Shower. Protein shake. Home.
I’m halfway to the players’ lot where Lila’s SUV is supposed to be waiting, when the paparazzi surge forward.
“Cam! Over here!”
