Page 104 of Defensive Desire

I nod, forcing my face to relax.

I'm not okay. I'm terrified. Not of Seattle. Not of a new team.

I'm terrified of losing her.

"I've just finished reviewing all the data from today's events," Sophia continues, and I force myself to focus for a moment. "And I'm pleased to say that Emma and Logan are officially leading the community engagement metrics by a significant margin!"

A loud cheer goes up from the guys. Connor whistles. Ryder whoops loud enough to wake the dead.

But all I can focus on is Emma's face. The way her eyes go wide, her hand flying to cover her mouth like she can't quite believe it.

"Of course, the final decision will be announced to the public tomorrow morning," Sophia continues, "but between you and me..." She grins, looking directly at Emma. "Emma Carter, get ready. I think Chapter & Grind is about to get a major upgrade!"

More cheers fill the Player's Lounge. Blake claps me on the shoulder and shakes my hand. Across the room, Lucy practically tackles Emma in a hug that sends them both stumbling.

After gathering her balance, Emma catches my eye across the room, and her smile is so bright it could power the entire arena.

This is it. This is her moment.

Everything she's worked for, everything she's dreamed of, it's finally happening.

And here I am, standing in the shadows, trying to be as proud as I can be while my own world crashes down around me.

"Guess that calls for champagne," Natalie announces, already popping the cork on a bottle.

Within minutes, everyone's got a glass in hand, toasting Emma's success. She moves through the crowd, accepting congratulations, her cheeks flushed with wine and victory.

I watch her from across the room. She deserves this. God, she deserves this and so much more.

The woman who works eighteen-hour days, who remembers every customer's order, who pours her heart into every detail of that café… She's finally getting recognized for it.

So why does it feel like my chest is caving in?

An hour later, the celebration's still going strong, but I can't take it anymore. The forced smiles, the congratulations that feel like condolences, the way my teammates are trying too hard to act like tomorrow doesn't exist.

I catch Emma's arm as she passes, pulling her aside.

"Come with me," I murmur against her ear.

She raises an eyebrow. "Where?"

"Just... okay?"

"Logan, I should probably—"

"Emma." I lean closer, letting my voice drop to that rough whisper I know does things to her. "You crushed it today. Youwere fucking amazing. And I need to show you exactly how amazing."

Before it's too late.

Her breath hitches, pupils dilating as she senses my unease. "Alright, just give me a second."

"Storage room. Five minutes."

I don't wait for an answer. I head toward the back of the lounge, past the recovery zones and equipment storage, knowing she'll follow. The storage room is tucked behind the massage area, small and dark and perfect for what I have in mind.

A few minutes pass before Emma slips in behind me, closing the door behind her.

"Logan, what are you—"