Page 121 of Racing Heat

“The team doesn’t know we were sleeping together,” I remind him.

“What if they figure it out? I’m sure you aren’t proposing that you’ll leave her alone moving forward.”

“I will if that’s what it takes to get her back. This isherdream, and I hate that I’m the one who ruined it for her,” I reply with a shrug.

“I don’t want to break you two up. Honestly, I’m sure you two are really cute together.” His admission surprises me.

“Oh, August, are you growing a heart?” Hendrix quips.

“Really?” August says. “You can’t be nice to me for more than one second? While you’re the one who’s asking me for a favor?”

“Old habits die hard” is all she says in return.

He nods. “Okay.”

“Okay, what?” I ask him, hope rising in my chest. I can’t wait to see the look on her face when I tell her that she’s back.

“I think we might be able to do something here. You both made some good points.” He shakes his head. “And to be honest, I hated that I had to get rid of her. I’ve stalled the paperwork with HR because I’ve been worried about the team. I just didn’t want to look weak and backpedal on it.”

“I don’t think it makes you look weak,” I tell him.

“You’re just saying that because you’re getting what you want.” August shakes his head and runs a hand through his hair.

“Not entirely,” I say. “But I think we can both agree it’s a good decision. And it doesn’t make you look weak. It might actually make you look more human to the team and the staff.”

August sighs again. His brow is furrowed, and his smile is tight. I can’t tell if we’re winning the battle or not.

“Fine. I’ll meet with Nate and bring her back. As long as he wants her back.”

“I think Nate will be in agreement with this,” Hendrix says with a grin.

“That’s Coach Watts to you.” August tries to sounds stern but fails. A smile covers his face. “Thank you both for coming to talk to me about this. I’ve felt guilty since we fired her. I never wanted to do it, but…”

I nod. “I’m really happy this wasn’t more difficult than I thought it might be.”

He smiles. “Yeah, well, I’m an old softy. This stays between us for right now. I have to talk with the rest of the coaching staff and then Cassie. So please keep this under wraps until then.”

“Will do,” I reply. We all stand, and I extend my hand to August. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing a hell of a job with this team. You’re going to go great things here, August.”

“Thanks, man, that means a lot.”

Hendrix actually shakes his hand. “Thanks for doing this. It’s greatly appreciated. Almost reminds me of the old you.”

I don’t miss the hurt that crosses his face before he nods. “You’re welcome. Both of you.”

We file out of his office, my heart and step feeling a little lighter.

“Told you it would work,” Hendrix says, fist pumping the air.

“Yeah, yeah, you did.”

Chapter Forty-Two

~CASSIE~

Istill haven’t figured out what I’m going to do with the rest of my life. If I’ll remain here in Tampa or go back home. My parents don’t know that I’ve been fired. They did text, however, and ask why they didn’t see me at the last game. Of course, my mom was worried that I had been injured or something. I assured her that wasn’t the case, but I didn’t say any more. I’m not sure what to tell them at this point. They’re going to be so disappointed in me. Hell, I’m disappointed in me. I’m a cliché.

My phone beeps and I’m sure it’s Mac, Amelia, or Hendrix. They seem to have taken turns babysitting me, making sure that I’m never alone or that I eat and am not wallowing. When I’m not with Jase, that is. I enjoy spending time over at his house, in his bed, and on his kitchen island—the latest place he’s bent me over and taken me. It’s hard to be too sad about it when we’re having hot sex like we are.