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But if he just saw her work—saw her dedication and talent—he’d have to acknowledge she was an asset.

I turned to leave, not wanting to drag out the conversation any longer. “See you later,” I said, letting the door click behind me without waiting for his response. Ari had worked hard to get here, and I had to believe he’d see her potential.

I took a deep breath, my frustration giving way to a sense of resolve.

I’d find a way to get him on board. To change the policy so her job wasn’t in jeopardy.

Though part of me hoped not before I got to spend more time with her.

I’d just gotten into my car when my phone went off. My heart nearly stopped when I saw her name at the top of the screen, but the excitement died the second I noticed it was a group message with the rest of the team.

Ari, Christian Jimenez, & Others:

Meet me at this address tomorrow, boys. I suggest you get a good night’s sleep and maybe book a massage for after…3121 N Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Well, that’s not ominous.

Then another message popped up, this one just from her.

Ari:

Sooo, does your offer of being my ride still stand?

Ari:

If you can’t, I can get a ride from another member of the team it’s no biggie

In what world did she think I would be okay with that? Just the thought of one of my teammates driving her around had me fisting my hands at my sides. She was about to hate what I wrote back. But you know how it is, all things are easier to say over text…

Me:

There is no way in hell that I would ever let another member of this team drive you anywhere. You’re my girlfriend, so you’ll be in my car.

Those three dots played with my heart, appearing and disappearing for several seconds. What I would give to be next to her in that moment. To watch the wave of emotions on her face and body language. She should never enter a poker tournament because her feelings were broadcast for all to see. Unfortunately for me, just because I got a glimpse of her feelings didn’t mean I knew what she was thinking—or what she’d do.

Like right now. The text message she was typing out could tell me to go fuck myself, or she’d come back with something that could be borderline flirting…on second thought, they were both flirting to me.

The chime drew my attention back to the lit screen.

Ari:

You don’t tell me what to do, Dalton. Jimenez is picking me up now.

So defiant.

I smiled as I slid into the front seat. The fuck he was.

Me:

What time do you want me at your place?

Another round of the three dots appearing and disappearing played out, before her response came through. I could almost picture her debating how stubborn she wanted to be.

Ari:

8…

Me: