Chapter 33
LUCA
“You’re sure you’re ready for this?” I ask Isla under my breath as we leave my office, heading down to the locker room to meet with everyone before the players take part in a photo shoot for a baseball season calendar that will double as a fundraiser for the Cedar Creek Wildlife Rescue.
Apparently, the team will have photos taken all over the stadium, including outside, despite the dusting of snow, with all kinds of rescued wild animals, including baby otters that Isla is far too excited about.
Isla and her friend Juniper claim the six-month calendar will be a test, if it sells well then she’s urged me to consider making it an annual collaboration.
Isla narrows her eyes at me and lets out a small huff. “That’s the fourth time you’ve asked me in the last two days. And what has my answer been each time?”
I duck my head. Okay, so maybe I’m going overboard with wanting to make sure she’s truly comfortable telling everyone about our relationship.
Isla’s hand comes to just above my elbow and she squeezes it gently, leaning into my side. “Are you sure you’re ready? Because it’s not all about me, Luca. If you’d rather wait…”
I cut her off with a shake of my head. “No, not at all. I can’t wait until I don’t have to hold back from touching you or kissing you.” We come to a stop at the elevator bank, and I turn to face her. “I’m ready for the world to know how I feel about you.”
I love her.
It’s way too soon to say anything, though, so I keep that part to myself.
The elevator doors open and we step inside.
The short trip down two floors to where everyone is waiting for us seems to take forever.
Or maybe that’s just my impatience. We came up with a loose plan and asked all the players to meet down in the locker room for a quick check-in before the photo shoot.
I’ll announce our relationship and make it clear that things started well after Isla’s hiring, and that her work for the team has nothing to do with us being together.
Not that her work can’t stand on its own, but she asked me to say that, wanting there to be no misunderstanding.
I only hope no one reacts poorly. I’ve got a lot of faith in the team but you never know. And Isla has faced more than her share of condemnation for things she doesn’t deserve. For that matter, so have I. And I’m definitely not wanting to experience that ever again.
The hum of chatter reaches our ears as soon as we step out of the elevator. But even over that, I hear Isla draw in a shaky breath. Reaching down, I take her hand, threading our fingers together. Here we go.
I push open the door to the crowded locker room, and we make our way to the front of the room where Rafe and Levi are standing. Levi notices our hands first, his only reaction being the raising of his eyebrows.
“Hey everyone, thanks for coming in a little early,” I project my voice loud enough to cut through the chatter. It doesn’t take long for everyone to fall silent. “I appreciate you all coming in today for the photo shoot, it should be a good time.”
“You gonna be Mr. April, Luca?” Cal calls out from the crowd, earning a few chuckles.
While a part of me is surprised that’s the first comment, and not something about the fact that Isla and I are still holding hands, I push that thought away, and grin good-naturedly.
“Nah, I don’t want to steal the limelight from all of you. ”
The laughter is louder this time and I have to raise my free hand to get them to settle down.
“Before you cuddle up with a raccoon in front of the camera, Isla and I wanted to let you all know something. I believe in always being upfront and honest, especially with those of you who have given so much to this team.” I glance down to the woman at my side.
“Isla and I have been seeing each other outside of the office.”
I pause, waiting for the outburst. But it never comes.
When I look around the room, all I see are small smiles on everyone’s faces.
Strange, but not in a bad way. I continue with the script Isla and I agreed on.
“I hope you all know that integrity is very important to me, so let me be perfectly clear. She was hired well before there was anything between us. There were no blurred lines, no gray areas. Nothing inappropriate or unethical happened in the hiring process. But over the last few months, we started to develop feelings for each other. I don’t have to tell any of you how amazing she is, and I don’t need anyone telling her how much she’s settling by being with me. ”
Finally I see a response, but it’s definitely not anything I was expecting. The team is all smiles, smug smiles, even. Then Foxxy yells from the back of the room, “I called it, pay up, Griff!”
The room erupts into laughter and cheers.
“’Bout time you came clean.”
“Congrats Luca, you’re a lucky man.”
“Don’t let him get away with shit, Isla!”
“Finally! I fucking hate keeping shit a secret!”
Everyone starts laughing again and I peer through the rows of players to figure out who said that but can’t figure it out.
What the fuck?
Clearing my throat, I turn to Isla and see her biting her lip like she’s trying not to smile. She’s obviously figured out the situation while I’m still putting the pieces together.
“Okay. What’s going on?”
No one answers right away until Rafe steps forward, a look of amusement clear on his face.
“I think the guys appreciate you keeping them informed, but ah, well, I’m afraid you were mistaken if you thought it was a secret that you two were dating.”
My jaw drops. “Seriously?”
Rafe winces, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah.”
I look out at the players, most of whom are nodding. “You all knew.” When I glance down at Isla, she doesn’t look to be freaking out by this revelation. If anything, she seems relieved.
And I guess I am, too. So much for our concern about their reaction.
With a rueful grin, I say, “Well, alright then. Isla and I are dating. End of conversation unless anyone has a question.”
Cal’s hand shoots up. “Why’d you think you had to keep it a secret? We like you, we like Isla, and we’re all adults. You two dating is no big deal.”
The other guys all nod in agreement.
Isla steps forward to answer. “That was my decision. I didn’t want to complicate anything, and dating the boss isn’t always well received.” She grins back at me. “Obviously, I was worried about nothing.”
“Does this mean you’re going to head up the marketing department permanently?” someone asks.
It’s subtle, but I notice Isla’s wince. She’s still resisting me when I try to convince her to accept a permanent role here. I understand why, even if I don’t like it.
“I’m not sure yet,” she hedges.
“You better,” Griff calls out. “We need you to make us look good.”
“How about you win some games and make yourselves look good?” Isla fires back, and the guys all laugh. “Speaking of looking good, it’s photo shoot time, boys.”