He reaches for me as though it’s the most natural thing in the world, as though it’s his right to touch me and he can fix everything if we’re closer.
Part of me wants that too, which is why I force myself to step back.
His hands fall back to his sides, his dark eyes bright with anguish as he wrestles with his control.
“I didn’t expect to see you before I left on this road trip.I don’t want to waste it.Let me take you out tonight.We can talk about this.”
Yes.
I hate having barriers between me and the people I care about.
That’s how all of this started, wanting to be on good terms with my sister.
But…
That’s my old pattern.I don’t want to cave, to be the one who bends simply because I’m better at it.I want to stand up for myself.
“It sounds like you’ve been doing enough talking for both of us,” I say and start toward the street.
This time, he doesn’t come after me.
18
NOVA
“Nova.”
I turn to see James Parker standing behind me in a sport coat and jeans, his lean face tight.
I pull off my headphones.“Hi.”
The past few days, I’ve thrown myself into working on the mural.
The guys on the court are coming together.It’s less of a literal rendition, the style implying energy and speed and connection.
I haven’t seen Clay since I caught him and Harlan in the hallway.He’s texted me multiple times, but I don’t feel I’m ready to talk.
Focusing on my art is hard when it involves the man I’ve fallen for and am not speaking to, but I try to forget that part.
“I’m still working on the third element,” I tell James.“If there’s a problem with the mural…”
“The problem isn’t how the wall looks—it’s that there’s a leak.You leaked it.”
My brows shoot up as I remember the photo from over a week ago.“I didn’t.”
“We have a big reveal at the gala.Our contract stated that this remained confidential.”
“And I've abided by that,” I assure him.“It could have been anyone.All the players and staff have access to the wall.”
“All of whom have been instructed not to share it and none of whom have motive to do so.I’ve been more than generous renegotiating the terms of our arrangement.”
I’m sure Clay would say fair, but whatever.
“I understand this gala means a lot to you.”
“It’s more than a lot.The Kodiaks were an expansion team no one thought would survive in the league.Since I bought them, I’ve turned them into a contender.”
“I’m sure everyone in the organization wants to make it a success.”
