“Hey—you and your new partners practically castrated me, making me behave. You had to know a few things about me were going to stay the same.”
“Yeah, but not while we’re out for lunch on such a rare occasion! This ismytime with you!”
“Well, it’s kind of hard to turn work off now that you’ve entered this world. Honestly, I’m fascinated by how quickly you’ve picked this up and taken it on.”
She beams, practically glowing. “Aww! Thanks, Daddy! That’s why I’m so proud of what we’re doing in the community to turn the team’s image around. Working with the PR team has been the best thing for me. I get to find creative ways to use my passion for making the sport more inclusive for women while helping the team’s public image.”
“That’s impressive, Low. I’m really proud of you.”
Her mother was the same way. Could champion any cause she believed in and make you fall in love with a porcupine if you talked to her long enough. Seeing Marlow channel those same gifts—seeing her do exactly what Will and Xavier have beenbegging for—makes me think this might’ve been one of the best ideas for everyone all around.
Even if it did take weeks of convincing from Marlow.
We wrap up lunch and I walk Marlow back to her office, already knowing exactly what I’m going to do next.
I check my watch—perfect. Eslin doesn’t have another appointment for thirty minutes.
I catch the next elevator down and stalk toward her office, my stride purposeful. Every step, my pulse kicks harder.
Where all these testosterone-filled kids get to see her every damn day.
Get to sit in front of her. Hear her voice. Smell that honey and vanilla on her skin.
It’s a wonder I’ve lasted this long.
My heart’s pounding now—fast, hard—the closer I get to her door.
And then, I’m there.
She’s seated behind her desk, typing. She doesn’t look up right away. But then her fingers still, mid-keystroke. Like shefeelsme. Senses me standing there.
“Did you know?” she asks, voice even, eyes locked on the screen.
And I know exactly what she means.
“No,” I say, voice rough. “Not at first. I found out the day I left you in Vegas.”
She stays focused on the screen, refusing to meet my gaze.
I step inside, taking in the room. It’s beautiful—soft tones, warm lighting, sleek, modern touches that suit her perfectly. The space feels calm.Grounded.The same way she makes me feel.
But I’m anything but calm right now.
My mind is racing. My body tense.
I want to tell her this wasn’t some game. That I would never set myself or her up like this.
I wouldn’t dare torture myself by hiring the one woman I can’t have. The one I want more than my next breath.
The one I’m dying to lay across that desk and devour until she’s trembling, breathless, begging me not to stop.
But I can’t say any of that.
She stands, unhurried but intentional, rounding the desk. For a beat, I think she’s going to reach for me. My breath catches, hope stupidly flaring in my chest.
“Es—”
“Your daughter,” she cuts in. “Is fucking amazing. She’s brilliant, and funny, and kind. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a friend.”