“Okay, what about just finding someone to have some fun with?”
“It’s not that easy. Before my ex, the last two women I went out on a date with basically ran the other way when they found out I’m an amputee. Sex isn’t as easy for me as it is for you. It takes effort and coordination and they don’t want to deal with that. Fuck, the last girl flinched when she saw it. Flinched. That’s great for a man’s self-esteem.” Dom is the only person I’ve ever allowed to see me this vulnerable.
“There are plenty of women out there who wouldn’t give a damn about your leg. Don’t let fear hold you back from finding someone, Luca. You’re a good man, and you’ve worked too damn hard to get where you are to live only half a life.”
He’s right, I know this. But what am I meant to do when the only woman I want is the one woman I can’t have?
More importantly, why do I feellike I’m fighting a losing battle against the part of me that says it’s wrong to want her…
9
ISLA
It’s mid-October,six weeks into my contract with the Cedar Creek Thunder, and I feel like I’m hitting my stride. Plans are in place for a lot of town engagement events, and from what I see and hear, interest is starting to grow around the team.
Work couldn’t be going better. Except when it comes to maintaining my boundaries around Luca. He’s still my boss, and not someone I can ever be romantically involved with, but as I get to know him, I’m finding I also really like Luca the man. Except for when he’s being a stubborn idiot, like he is right now. I try not to let my aggravation—or my amusement—show as I take a deep breath in and out. “Luca, I don’t want to overstep, but I have to remind you that there’s no reason for you to be opening your wallet every time we agree upon a marketing concept.”
The arch of his brow tells me he’s not buying it. So I pull up the list I’ve been compiling of all the things Dom tells him are out of budget and he goes ahead and paysfor himself. At this rate, he’ll lose his millionaire status in branded popcorn containers.
“I know the staff appreciate the special shirts you’re providing for game days, and I agree that showing off team pride is important. However, I don’t think everyone needed multiple colour options. And the booth for the Cedar Creek Fall Fair was over-the-top, even you admitted that. The signage for the exterior of the stadium was a good investment, I’ll give you that, but we could have done something perfectly acceptable within budget. And this might not be marketing related, but if you think Dom didn’t notice thetwonew espresso machines that showed up last week, you’re wrong. I heard him grumbling even as he was sipping his cappuccino.”
I fix him with what Charlie calls mymom stare. “You hired me to not only provide you with a marketing plan for the relaunch, but also a sustainable plan for going forward. So that the team has a positive presence that grows over time but is manageable at the same time and includescommunity involvement.” I purposely emphasize those last two words before pushing over a piece of paper.
“I came up with a list of potential donors and sponsors last week and you still haven’t told me which ones to approach. Locking down some solid sponsors for the big-ticket items, especially on the stadium itself, is key. Banners, spots in the fan store, collaboration on in-game events, these are the things we can offer. But we need to pick the right companies and individuals to approach.So, please. Close your wallet and open your mind to choosing some sponsors!”
His lips quirk up into the sexiest smirk. “Yes, boss.”
I feel my cheeks heat. But I hold his gaze. “Good. So you’ll actually listen next time I suggest the better way to allocate funds, and you’ll pick some sponsors?”
He leans forward, resting his muscular forearms on the table between us. We’re still at the coworking space, as the offices at the stadium are not quite ready. “I listen to you. Every damn word you say, wonder woman.”
My breath catches in my throat. Both at the undercurrent of his words, and at the nickname.
Juniper thinks I’m crazy for holding back. But that’s easy for her to say. It isn’t her entire life, and her son’s life, that are at risk of imploding if I admit my attraction to him and it goes wrong. Just because Ithinkhe flirts with me doesn’t mean he is. Besides, it’s not like I’m all that experienced in this area. The last time someone showed interest in me, it was Charlie’s bio dad, asking me to be his date to the senior dance. His idea of flirting was giving me his football jacket to wear.
And even if Luca is flirting, it certainly doesn’t mean starting anything would be a good idea for anyone involved.
No, Luca Calloway the man will stay in my fantasies. And Luca Calloway my boss will stay as only that. Ethically and professionally, I have to keep the two separate. “Alright, if you’ve been listening, then tell me who, from this list, we should approach. Then we need to discuss your upcoming media interviews.”
He takes the piece of paper and scans it quickly. I seehis brows draw together at one point but he quickly smooths them out.
“Let’s reach out to Island Cidery, we can offer them a tap at the concession stands as well as banners. And I know the Devereaux Hotel chain would be a good one. Three Rivers Brewing is also an option. Same offer as the cidery. The property development company…” He pauses, and I can see his jaw clench. “Yeah. Whatever, we can reach out to them, too.”
Briefly, I debate whether to push for an explanation of his reaction, but ultimately, it’s none of my business. I’m just his temporary employee. “Okay, great. I’ll reach out to those four to start with. Now, media. Have you ever done interviews with print or digital media?”
He looks away and shifts as if he’s uncomfortable. “I can handle the media. What’s next?”
“Well, the gala is coming up.” I bite my lip. It’s really not my business to ask my next question, his assistant can handle his RSVP. But I guess I’m a sucker for punishment. “Will you be bringing a plus-one? I only ask so I can give the shelter our final numbers and provide you with a plan for the evening in terms of what I’ll need from you. I don’t want you to feel like you’re abandoning your date for me.”
Luca’s full lips quirk up in a grin. “Isla, youaremy date. Remember?”
I squeeze my legs together. He has no right to sound so damn sexy with that low voice saying those words. It’s not fair, even if I know he’s just teasing.
“Hardly. I’m your colleague, helping you network and raise funds for the animal shelter and for the team.”
He looks at me with an unreadable expression for several long minutes, to the point that I start to wonder what I said. Then he gives a brusque nod. “Right. Well, I’m not bringing anyone, and I was still planning to give you a lift there.”
Pushing back from the table, Luca stands and picks up his phone. “I’ve gotta go. Feel free to get Gabe to set up any appointments with the sponsors, just make sure you can be there, too.”
