“The talks with Weston Brewing went well. They’ve been very pleased with your recent press and are planning to run the ads as planned.” Manny leaned back in his chair and lit a cigar. “You dodged a bullet, Coop, but that doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods yet.”

I picked at the label of my water only half listening. As he started to talk about interviews and appearances he’d scheduled over the next two weeks.

“How are things with you and Emily?”

I looked up, trying to figure out his angle. “About what you’d expect. Why?”

“Star New York wanted a sit down with the two of you. Do you think she’d be open to that?”

Three weeks have passed since our fake relationship officially ended. She kept her promise and answered my calls and returned every one of my texts. She even agreed to have lunch with me last week, but something was off. She held back and seemed distant. She acted indifferent. No flirting. No jokes. I’ve gotten more love from a DMV clerk.

“I doubt it. She’s been really focused on this new building. Last I heard, they were still fighting the permits.”

“We could always do another small donation for her time.”

“No. No more donations,” I said, getting up from my seat and stalking over to the window. “Money just confuses things. I don’t want her to feel obligated to spend time with me.”

“So you really do like her? I had my suspicions. Especially after you punched Ben for hanging out with her.”

I turned around and stared at my agent. “How the hell did you know about that?”

Manny puffed on his cigar, looking smug as hell. “You pay me to know these things.”

I crossed the room, still eyeing the man. “There were only a handful of people there that day, and if someone is spying on Emily I want to know who it is.”

“Cool your jets, lover. I’ve been paying this kid named Joey a hundred bucks a week to keep me updated on who visits her. I wanted to make sure the press wasn’t hassling her. I’m glad I did. That little stunt you pulled with Ben could have ruined our whole plan. And it cost me a thousand bucks. Joey snapped some photos. Said he’d make them disappear for a grand.”

“Fuck, Manny. You should have said something. Emily is tight with those kids. She could have talked him into deleting the photos herself.”

“He wasn’t going to sell those photos to the tabloids. He respects Emily too much. But he did bluff like a champ. I’m thinking about offering him an internship.”

“You need to back off. If Emily found out you were paying one of the kids—”

“It’s already done,” he said, waving his hand. “I’ll be honest, I was hoping something would happen between you two. I think she’s exactly what you needed.”

“She doesn’t think so.”

“So are you just going to let her get away?”

“I’m not planning on it.”

The door opened before I could read him the riot act and my least favorite publicist walked into the office.

“Sorry to interrupt boys. I have to catch a plane in a few hours and don’t have time to wait.”

Manny stood to greet her. “Naomi, always a pleasure.”

She kissed his cheek and turned to me. “Cooper. I’m so glad everything worked out for you. Two years, not bad. The good behavior clause was expected. Be sure you follow it to the letter. Dealing with a breach of contract doubles my fee.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t plan on needing you again.” I said, picking up the paper from the table. I could go without alcohol and deal with a curfew during road games if it meant never seeing that woman again.

“I wish all my clients felt that way. I’m off to Arizona to salvage one of my client’s movie career. I just had one rule, and she couldn’t follow it.”

I didn’t care. I skimmed the paper, actively ignoring them. On the back page, there was a small article that mentioned the Oliver shelter. It looked like Emily finally got the permits she needed to move the shelter.

I pulled out my phone and shot her a quick text.

Cooper: I hear congratulations are in order. When is the big move?

A few seconds later my phone buzzed.

Emily: Thanks. I’m really excited. I couldn’t have done it without you.

It wasn’t a declaration of love, but it was a start.

Cooper: Spring training is still a week away. I can help with the move.

Emily: We can’t move until all the renovations are done. I’ll text if I need you.

I can give you exactly what you need…

I started to type my reply but erased it. I was trying to respect her decision to take things slow—even though I thought it was stupid. We could still get to know each other better while having sex.

Cooper: Just let me know.

* * *

“Namaste. May you carry this feeling of relaxation with you throughout the day.”

“I think I’m actually going to miss this place,” I said to Kevin as I started to roll up my mat. I’d picked up a neon blue one after a few classes to combat all the black and white. I might enjoy the stretching, but they could keep all the other new age-y, ya-ya crap.

“I knew you’d grow to like it.” Kevin slung his bag over his shoulder and rolled his neck. “And you only fell once this week.”

Piper, our yoga instructor, approached us. The tall, willowy woman moved with such ease, she practically floated down the aisle. “I’m sorry to see you two leave. I hope you come back after your training camp.”

“I will. And I’m going to keep practicing. I’ve already found a studio down in Florida.” Kevin turned to me and punched my shoulder. “You should join me. Hell, maybe we can get a few more guys from the team to join us and just rent out the studio for an hour.”

I could just see it now. Ramon trying to get his square body into a simple Sarvangasana. Or Greg folding his lanky frame into a Pasasana. And the fact that I even knew those words blew my mind.

“That’s an excellent idea. I’d be willing to do a private class if more of your team wanted to join. Just let Sarah at the front know, and we’ll make it happen.” She clasped her hands together and bowed. “Namaste.”

As had become our routine, Kevin and I stopped at the coffee shop across the street. While I was waiting for my black Americano and danish, I checked my phone.

Emily: Mica hasn’t stopped talking about your trip last weekend. He said you invited him back for a game. Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to him.

Emily: When is your flight out? I thought we could get together before you leave.

It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen each other since New Year’s Eve, but it was the first time she’d asked to see me. It was progress. But camp started in a couple days, and I was afraid it was already too late.

“Do you still know the host at Del Posto?”

“A goodbye dinner with the woman?” Kevin asked with a mouth full of croissant. “How’s she taking the whole spring training thing?”

“I don’t really know,” I admitted. “I’m worried she’s going to lose interest when I’m not around.”

“All the travel can be tough on a relationship. You never know how it will affect it. I thought Tonya and I would last, but she couldn’t trust me. We fought constantly. I’d like to say her fears were unfounded, but early in my career, I did cheat on her. And I lost everything.” He sighed and shook his head as if trying to dislodge the memories. “Emily’s a sweet girl. You two are good together. Make sure you don’t screw up and lose her.”

The barista called my name, and I got up from the table. “Trust me, I’m trying my best.”

After I grabbed my coffee and danish, I headed back home to finish packing.