A Shot at Love

Tip-Off

I arrive at the office earlier than usual, eager to power through my assignments before heading to New York tomorrow. As I approach the sleek white front desk, Elijah's infectious grin meets me.

"Kingston, this playlist is everything!" he calls out, cranking up the volume. "Talk about a vibe!"

I smirk as I glide past Elijah, blowing him a playful air kiss with a wink. "You're the best, babe. Thank you!"

Adrenaline surges through me. My phone hasn't stopped buzzing—each notification a fresh dopamine hit, confirming what I already know: my playlist and Sports Digest article have officially gone viral.

Another vibration. I glance down, expecting more likes and shares, but it's a text from Breaker.

hey darling, congrats on the article—well done. very cool to see it all come to life. thanks for letting me be a part of it. i want to keep up with your adventures so continue posting! don't be a stranger... x

I can't help but smile. That cheeky Brit always knows exactly what to say. I quickly type out a thank you before rounding the corner to my desk—only to stop short.

A breathtaking arrangement of nearly two dozen white roses and hydrangeas sits atop my desk. My breath catches. They're stunning. A small gold card rests delicately on top, its shimmer catching the light.

My stomach flutters as I curl my fingers around the envelope, my gaze flicking toward Noah's office. His door is shut. The rest of the office is starting to fill up, but I take a steady breath, slipping open the card.

You inspire me every day to be the best man I can be. How did I get so lucky?

Congratulations, beautiful. Your success is more than deserved—this is only the beginning.

A jolt of excitement rushes through me, a soft smile tugging at my lips. I glance down at the arrangement, leaning in to inhale the delicate scent. The flowers are in full bloom, filling the air with a sweet blend of jasmine and rose. I wish I could bottle this moment, keep it forever.

But alas, my reverie is shattered by a sharp slam and the rapid clatter of heels against the marble floor. I catch sight of the red bottoms first, followed by a cascade of fiery hair. Meredith.

I can't quite place the expression on her face—it's almost fury mixed with satisfaction. She's on the brink of boiling over, yet there's an eerie calmness in her demeanor. The combination of emotions is downright terrifying to witness in real life.

I quickly avert my gaze, focusing intently on my phone, praying I don't make eye contact with this wicked woman. Please, don't let her pass by my desk.

Too late.

"Oh, Kingston!" her voice rings out with artificial sweetness from behind me. "Those roses are absolutely sensational!"

I take a deep breath before turning back to Meredith, offering her a dry grin as she gestures toward the flower arrangement. "Thanks, " I mutter, not willing to waste a single ounce of energy on this woman.

Meredith leans in too close, her breath thick with the scent of strawberry bubblegum. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me," she says, snapping her gum in my ear, making me flinch. "Have you seen Mr. Westbrook yet this morning?" she presses, giving me a coy wink.

My mind rushes through a rapid rewind of our sweet morning and the steamy night we shared. I blink, shaking myself back into focus. "I just got here, Meredith," I snap, shoving the gold envelope into my scarlet pantsuit as I rise from the desk.

She doesn't back off. "Well, let's just say," she purrs, a dark, menacing chuckle slipping from her lips, "I wouldn't want to be next in line to see the boss. He's... very on edge today."