A Shot at Love

Off the Record

"You know," I say, forcing my voice to sound casual. "The next step in being a sportswriter is actually...writing the article. I've got a deadline to hit by the end of the day. We're releasing the piece and playlist tomorrow morning."

"Even better," Breaker presses, his voice lowering, almost coaxing. "I'd love to see the creative process—watch it all come together. Come on, let me take you to lunch while you write. It's the least I can do, and the only proper way to thank you."

I glance back at the field, watching the photographers click away at Shohei. My stomach rumbles, and suddenly, a meal sounds really good. I let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. A quick bite, but I've got to swing by my place and grab my laptop first."

Breaker's vibrant green eyes sparkle and a cheeky grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. "Fine by me," he says, his voice smooth as he tilts his head, fingers swiping across his iPhone. "You ought to start posting on Instagram more often. You've got a ton of followers."

My phone buzzes and I glance at my palm. Sure enough, Breaker has tagged me in his latest story. I blink, eyes widening, as the photo pops up on the screen. There I am, mid-laugh, still flushed from reading Noah's text a minute ago.

Noah. I need to write him back.

I quickly swipe the notification away, but the heat in my cheeks lingers. "Yeah, I've been a little busy."

Breaker shifts closer, leaning in just enough that I catch the faint scent of his spicy cologne—a rich blend of cinnamon and musk. "I'd repost that photo if I looked as good as you did."

I laugh softly under my breath, lifting my gaze to meet his. "Alright, alright, Mr. Smooth Talker. That's enough for today. You still have the keys to my car, right?"

"That I do," he smirks, pulling the keys from his pocket and spinning them casually around his finger.

"I'm going to finish up here and run to the ladies room. I'll meet you at the car, okay?" I say nonchalantly, my fingers gripping the phone a little tighter.

Breaker's gaze holds steady on me, his tone playful. "Sounds like a plan, Baby K. I'll meet you there." He gives me one last grin before turning, and striding toward the dugout. As he reaches the edge of the field, he glances back, calling out, "Thanks, everyone!" to the media team.

My phone buzzes again: River East has sent you a text.

Baby? By the way, you look very sexy in that photo The Brit posted. I love knowing you're all mine—and only mine. ;)

My pulse quickens, butterflies fluttering in my stomach as I glance at the screen, my fingers already typing a reply as I walk over to Allie.

Meet me in front of the ladies' room next to the media lounge in 5... xx

I hit send, slipping my phone into the soft cashmere of my coat pocket as I flash a smile at Allie.

"Allie! Thank you so much for everything," I say, extending my hand as we wrap the shoot. "The article will go live tomorrow at 7 a.m. Eastern. Our team will send over all the links."

She takes my hand with a smile. "I appreciate it, Kingston. And by the way, killer tip on Beats by Dre. They're in for the partnership."

"Get it, girl! That's amazing news." I shoot her a grin, giving her a quick thumbs-up. "Hope I'll be seeing you again soon."

"Oh, you definitely will," Allie replies with a wink, her phone ringing just as she finishes. She answers it quickly, her attention shifting.

I spin around and send a wave toward Shohei, across the field. "Thanks again, Shohei! You're gonna crush it in the next game!"