Endgame (The Atlanta Boys)

12. Callaway

12

CALLAWAY

I’ve never seen Dunks look so sexy.

Goddamn.

“Bro, it’s ladies' night. What the hell are you doing sulking in a corner?” Gus cuts in, stopping my distracted thoughts. He nudges my side as if it will get me to move from the best spot in the club.

“I’m enjoying the view.” He has no clue what view I’m admiring specifically, so I keep him guessing.

I take a long sip of my Old-fashioned, letting the bourbon burn slowly down the back of my throat. A perk I’ve come to appreciate living in Atlanta is the homegrown bourbon, distilled in the city and my drink of choice most nights. My senses are in overdrive at the moment; notes of tangerine and butterscotch calm the buzz soaring through my body. It’s fucking fantastic.

Almost as great as the beauty dancing across the room. Her delicious curves tempting even the strongest man. Too bad I’ve never claimed to be strong.

Gus exhales beside me. “See that woman over there? Black dress that looks like a t-shirt and sky-high heels? ”

I already know where this is going.

“She’s been giving me those fuck-me-eyes all night, and your boy’s about to make his move. Maybe I can convince her blonde friend to join us? Don’t wait up.” He pats me roughly on the back and sets off to claim his bed warmers for the night. The guy has swag without even trying. I’ve never seen a dude so effortlessly make women drop to their knees for him.

My eyes have yet to leave the woman consuming my every thought. The need to know her is almost more than I can take.

Why am I hesitant, then?

It’s most likely because Navy might actually chop my balls off in my sleep, and I’d really like to keep them. Not that I think she would disapprove, but she definitely would have some hesitations. I know from Navy that Dakota has had a shitty year and is probably not in the best place to give someone all of her. I’m unsure of the specifics, but I imagine they aren’t great.

Our interaction the other day told me as much.

I’m slightly staggered by my sudden fascination with her.

Thinking back to the moment at her old apartment, it felt like witnessing a woman finally see herself as someone worth respect.

It was powerful. I’d be an idiot not to be captivated by that.

If anything, it only makes me want to try even more.

I like to think of myself as a patient guy. It doesn’t take much to make me happy. I have so much money I don’t even know what to do with it all. Yes, it’s setting me up for a comfortable future, but it means nothing if there’s no one to share it with.

What am I doing? I’m over here planning a future with a woman I’ve barely spoken two words to, while she makes it clear as day that she couldn't be the least bit interested.

Yet, I’ve always loved a good challenge.

Before acting on the desire running through my veins, I decide to pull my sister aside for a little chat. I can still feel Dakota’s eyes on me as I cross the room; she’s so close I can smell her vanilla scent from where I find Navy. I lean my head close to Navy’s and shout over the music. “We need to talk, little sis.”

“Not the best time, Cal. Can’t you see I’m busy? And not a busy you want to witness, dear brother.” I’d puke if I didn’t have other things on my mind.

“Navy, two minutes. That's all I need. Then you're Luke’s for the rest of the night. I won’t bother you again.” She rolls her eyes, playing out the drama, but concedes at the least.

I lead Navy to the side of the club's lounge; it resembles more of a VIP section. Black rope adorns the entrance where round silver leather couches are scattered throughout the back room. There are two bars located in the center of each side wall and modern artwork by locals displayed in a tasteful fashion on the walls. It’s classy, yet seductive. Since playing for the Strikers, we get access to all the top-notch service Delta has to offer.

Waiting off to the side of the bar, I look Navy in the eyes as she moves to stand in front of me. “I wanted you to hear it from me. I’m interested in Dakota.” She eyes me quizzically like she can’t believe what she’s hearing.

“Dakota? Since when, Cal?” Her question makes sense. I’m just as confused myself.

“Since Monday. I can’t explain it, but I’m into her. And it’s been a long time since someone has grabbed my attention enough to want to try, Navs.” I pull back to stare at her, doing my best to gauge her feelings. I’m being vulnerable and straight up at the moment, and that’s a trait Navy usually appreciates.

“I don’t know how I feel about that, Cal. Dakota has no one in her corner. No family and friends outside of me. If things don’t work between you two, I won’t abandon her. I’m all she’s got, and I won’t leave her high and dry like that.”

I reply calmly, “I’d never expect you to.”

“I’m still having a hard time understanding how this happened. She hasn’t mentioned anything to me about it.”

Of course she hasn’t. The grumpy little angel wants nothing to do with me. But that’s okay—it’s only temporary.

“That sounds about right. She’s into me…she just doesn’t know it yet.”

I expected this reaction—my sister not knowing about our connection. This is me attempting to handle my sister like I told Dakota I would.

Navy is annoyed, and I’m the one at fault. “Callaway. Have you lost your fucking mind? You’re going to scare her away. I can’t lose her friendship. I won’t.”

She has the biggest heart. It’s one of the things I admire most about her.

“Ever think I could be exactly what she needs?”

She’s as shocked by my words as I am.

“This isn’t some random woman, Cal. She’s my best friend. Besides, you never ask permission for things, so why now?”

She’s not wrong.

I make a point to be intentional with my actions. I don’t act without fully thinking through the repercussions. I’m clearly fighting against my own willpower because I can’t find myself to care.

“I’m not asking permission, Navy. I’m kindly giving you a heads up. I’m shooting my shot. This is me giving you a small window to make a note of the courtesy I’m giving you before swooping in and stealing your girl.” My boldness shocks her. If she wasn’t leaning against a wall, I’m sure her feet would have failed her by now.

I don’t give her a chance to respond before kissing her quickly on the cheek and moving my feet at the same rate as my heartbeat, heading to claim what’s soon to be mine.