Page 45 of The Final Draft

“Have you met your writing partner yet?” Lawson asks.

She digs in her purse, this conversation clearly making her uncomfortable. “Not exactly.” She hides behind the menu, avoiding eye contact with me. She bites her bottom lip, and I want her teeth on me. This dinner, pretending like we are mere acquaintances, is killing me. I’m grateful Zac hasn’t outed me, but I’m sure he has his reasons.

“I’m not a romance reader,” Zac says. “But I’m looking forward to the love story of Gavin Snow. I mean, he’s going to marry a girl he didn’t knock up, and I want to know why. CJ says romance novels are practically instruction manuals for what women want, so I’ll check it out.” He laughs at his own joke.

“That’s fascinating,” I say, working to keep my face neutral while my heart is beating like I finished the New York Marathon. “I hear that program is quite elite. You must be an amazing writer to be in it.”

“She’s gifted,” Lawson chimes in, bragging about his sister. “Her first novel is brilliant. I’ve encouraged her to self-publish, but she insists it’s not ready.”

“You’ve written a novel?” That’s another secret she’s kept. Of course, I have no room to judge given the secret I’m holding on to.

She nods her head, still not looking at me.

“I’d love to read it.” I mean it. Reading her book would give me insight into her creativity and her voice. I want to know everything about Harper Cartwright.

“Yeah, Julian’s a big reader, and he loves romance books,” Chance says. “He’d be a good person to give feedback.”

“Maybe,” she shrugs.

“Tell me about the book you’re working on now,” Chance continues, always the inquisitive one. “What’s the main female character like?”

Her dark eyes are soft, so fucking gorgeous. She finally looks up, and our gazes lock. “She’s just like me.”

Fuck me. She knows.

“Check, please.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-NINE

HARPER

Well, it’s out there. I knew the minute it clicked with him I know he’s my anonymous writing partner. He tried to hide his reaction, and I’m sure no one else noticed. But I was looking for it. And for a brief second, I saw it. There was a panicked glimmer in his eye, but he hid it well.

After dinner, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. My hug with Lawson was too short and too tight. We had a great time today, but missing him is my new normal. The team is flying out after their game tomorrow. I might see him for a few minutes after the game, then I’m not sure when I’ll see him again. The thought makes me a little sad.

Zac and I take a cab home, and once settled, he puts his arm around me and pulls me in. I’m confused until he says, “I know you miss Lawson. I’m not your big brother, but I’ll do my best to be there for you like he would.”

Everything hits me at once. Being with Lawson. Revealing my secret to Julian. I can’t help but worry about his reaction and how it will affect our dynamic, both in our writing and personal lives. Zac has been incredibly sweet. All my emotions bubble to the surface, and I cry into his shoulder. He pulls me tight, kisses my head, and strokes my back.

“I’ve got you, Harper. I’ve got you.” When he calls me Harper, it hits different. It’s deeper. After a few minutes, I cry it all out. I’m sure I’m not the first crier this cab driver saw today, but I feel better. And foolish. I wipe my eyes and pull away.

“Thanks, Zac. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I couldn’t ask for a better friend in New York.” A grin fills his face and his eyes light up.

“You and Decker going to the Renegades game tomorrow? Honestly, I’m a little surprised Decker hasn’t been blowing up your phone now. Maybe he hasn’t recovered from dinner.” And that light feeling leaves in a rush. What is Zac talking about?

“Recovered from what?”

“CJ, I’ve never seen anyone use so much restraint to keep his eyes off of you. I’m telling you, he was working hard to stay casual. That guy’s smitten.”

I shake my head gently, trying to sort it all out. Now that our secret is out, how is this going to impact him? Is he still interested in me? I’ve done my part. The ball’s in his proverbial court. I played my hand. Cards are all on the table. Well, most of them, anyway. I’ll wait to hear from him. I check my phone in case. Nothing other than a new coupon for Bath & Body Works.

“Why didn’t you out him? Tonight would be the perfect time to call him out in front of Lawson” Admittedly, I was worried he would, given their history.

“I told you. You’re an adult, and I’m not reporting to Lawson. Am I still worried? Abso-fucking-lutely. But short of your bodilyharm, I’m not telling him anything. I respect the hell out of that man, but he’s not my captain anymore.”

When he mentions Lawson not being his captain, it’s another thing that chips away at my delicate emotional state. I hate that Lawson’s lost his leadership role and his new jersey doesn’t have his captain’s C. At least he got to keep his number 96.

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