Page 91 of Playing the Field

Anastasia glances between us.

Graham exhales. “We’re not hiding anymore, Ana. I want to spin this the way it really happened.”

Her lips part slightly.

“We met in Cape Town. We reconnected in Toronto before either of us knew we’d be working together. We tried to keep things private, but because of my position, because of the scrutiny I’m under, that wasn’t easy. And now?”

I hold her gaze, unwavering.

“We’re done pretending there’s nothing between us.”

Anastasia blinks.

I can see her mind working, can see her cataloging every possible consequence.

Then—

“And if I don’t want the job?” she asks, voice quiet.

The question shouldn’t gut me, but it does.

Because for the first time, I see just how deep her fear runs.

Just how much this means to her.

I inhale slowly. “Then don’t take it.”

She looks up, startled.

I hold steady. “If you want to walk away from the Tigers, if that’s what’s best for you—then do it. But don’t walk away because of me.”

Her throat bobs.

“Don’t let this be the thing that stops you from taking what you’ve earned,” I say, my voice softer now.

She lets out a slow breath, her fingers twitching at her sides.

“I don’t want to walk away,” she admits.

Something eases in my chest.

“I want this job,” she continues. “I love this job. And I—” She hesitates, cheeks flushing slightly. “I want us.”

Something warm spreads through me, like a knot unraveling.

Brooke sighs dramatically from behind us. “Thank God, I thought I was going to have to suffer through another month of broody Graham.”

Anastasia almost laughs.

I shake my head. “You’re not out of a job just yet.”

Brooke rolls her eyes. “I’ll prep the PR strategy.”

She moves toward the door, then pauses. “You good, Bellows?”

Anastasia exhales, meeting my gaze before nodding. “Yeah. I think I am.”

Brooke gives a satisfied nod before slipping out, leaving us alone.