Forget Preston. How the hell can I go head-to-head against Sutton?
Because you don’t have a choice.
Sweat beads along my brow. I’ve busted my ass for this opportunity. I can’t throw it away for a woman, even one as incredible as Sutton. As much as I care about her, I have to go full-throttle for this internship. It’s the best chance I have of landing a position in sports broadcasting after graduation.
Things would be a lot less complicated if you weren’t sleeping with the competition.
True, but I wouldn’t change a damn thing.
I used to think having a woman in my life would be a distraction, that it would derail my focus and drain my energy, but I was wrong.
Being with Sutton helps me relax and recharge. I can talk to her about things I can’t talk about with anyone else. Like being dyslexic. And steamy audiobooks.
Hell, it’s practically self-care.
This internship could change everything.
No. I won’t let it.
“If you have questions, please email me.” Mac claps his hands together. “And, of course, enjoy your fall break.”
We thank him and file out of the studio.
Sutton’s quiet as we make our way to the front of the building and it’s not until we exit that she finally speaks. “So.”
“So.” My breath comes out in a white puff and I shove my hands into my pockets. Although the sun is shining, it’s chilly this morning and there’s a breeze rustling the dead leaves that litter the front steps of the communications building.
“We should probably talk. About the internship,” she adds, wringing her hands.
Anxiety rolls off her like a nor’easter, and though I want to soothe her nerves, I don’t have the first damn clue what to say.
So much for not letting this opportunity change things.
“Maybe we should take a—”
I don’t let her finish that sentence.
“Look, I don’t want this to change things between us.” I glance around, confirming there’s no one in earshot. “We’ve got a good thing going. The internship doesn’t have to change that.”
“We’re competing for the same position.” She scrunches up her nose, the tip of which is turning pink from the cold. “I don’t think we can just ignore that fact.”
“I’m not suggesting we ignore it.”
She cocks her head and the sun glints off her dark irises. “Then what are you suggesting?”
I wish I knew.
“I—” I shrug, adjusting my backpack and stalling for time. “I’m saying the internship has nothing to do with our hookups. There’s no reason we can’t keep the two things separate.”
She sucks her bottom lip between her teeth, considering. “I don’t know. It feels…messy.”
Maybe, but…
“It’s only messy if we make it messy. We’re adults, Shorty.” I smirk, knowing full-well she can’t resist a challenge. “I think we can agree not to let our incredible sexcapades interfere with the interview process, don’t you?”
“It’s not me I’m worried about,” she retorts, crossing her arms. “Unlike some people, I’m not ruled by my sexual organs.”
My dwindling condom supply would suggest otherwise, but I know better than to point it out.
