Page 14 of Your Second Chance
Damn cockblock.
“Hi,” I said as I reached them, catching my breath.
Nova’s gaze shifted into a death glare so sharp it could’ve cut steel. “Hi.” Her tone was ice-cold.
Peter cleared his throat, clearly sensing the tension, and stuck out his hand. I shook it, forcing a smile as he excused himself with a polite nod and headed toward the changing rooms.
The second he was gone, I turned back to her. “You made me go viral.”
Nova blinked, and then, to my surprise, she giggled. It wasn’t a small chuckle—it was a real laugh, the kind that lit up her face for a moment.
“I heard what the guys did in the locker room.” Her smile lingered as she crossed her arms over her chest.
“Did you?” I asked, leaning in slightly. “Because I’m still finding printed comments in my office drawers. Pretty sure Will’s turned it into some kind of long-term prank.”
Her laugh bubbled up again, and this time, I couldn’t stop myself from smiling back. She looked so much lighter, so much more alive.
“Are you even going to offer to make it up to me?” I let the grin linger on my face. I was pushing my luck.
Her smile faded instantly, her expression icing over. “What? No. It’s work, Oliver... Let it go.”
There she was. The ice queen, back in full force, shutting me down with a few cold, cutting words.
“I-uh—” I started, but before I could get anything else out, someone shouted from the pitch.
“Coach!”
Nova seized the moment like she’d been waiting for it. Without another word, she walked around me, heading toward the door. I turned to say something, but by the time I glanced back, she was already halfway down the hall, her head held high as if she hadn’t shut me down completely.
Someone else flagged me down, and I forced myself to focus for a moment, answering whatever question they’d asked. My mind wasn’t on the pitch anymore. It was stuck onher.
Did I get turned down? After she plastered me all over the internet, making me some kind of thirst trap for the team’s campaign? No fucking way.
I shook my head, my jaw tightening.
I wasn’t going to let it end like that. Not with her shutting me down and walking away. No fucking way.
I was going to find her.
6
ollie
How I managed to coax HR into giving me Nova’s address is a secret I’ll take to my grave. Yet I found myself at the front of her flat, trying to figure out how I’d be able to buzz up and get to her apartment on the third floor.
“I’ve met you before,” someone said from behind me.
I turned to see Clive, the man from the bar. “Clive, right?”
“I knew I remembered you. Assistant coach for the Hands. I’ve been trying to get myself tickets to a game for ages.”
Perfect fucking opportunity. The world couldn’t have handed me better if it was served on a silver platter.
“I’ll get you tickets to next week’s game if you help me with something.”
“Done.” Clive laughed, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. “What’s the favor?”
“How can I get into this building?” I nodded toward the apartments.
