Dani
A small box indicating an unread email flashes on my screen. My fingers still as I analyze at the words: Recruiter Interview Information.
My teeth clench together as I try to swallow over the dryness in my mouth. God, I’m not ready for this.
I hover over the email and click the mouse.
Dear Ms. Vaughn,
Thank you for your interest in our open team trainer position. The opportunity is for an immediate position. We’ve scheduled a video conference call for two-thirty tomorrow afternoon for the official interview.
This is a competitive interviewing process, so don’t delay if you’re interested in pursuing a career with our professional team. However, we are genuinely impressed with your application and your father’s previous dedication to our team.
We have no doubt you would fit in perfectly in our family.
Sincerely,
Zahira Randolph
Team Recruiter
I rub a hand over my face. Am I ready to pick up and move over a thousand miles away? Tears fill my eyes, and I fight the urge to crawl into a ball and weep uncontrollably.
This is the first time I’ve ever considered moving away from my family and Ashley. I’ve always had them as a safety net. And, it sucks ass to use my dad to get a job.
Under normal circumstances, I’d balk at the thought, but my need to get away from Gunner is stronger than my moral compass. I can’t see him every day.
I click the attachment and print out the forms. The heat from the printer warms my fingertips. After I scan through them, I drop the document on the surface of my desk. I can’t do it.
Panic wells in my chest and my stomach rolls. The intense desire to run until my legs give out is overwhelming. Surely, I can find somewhere in town I can work. There are gyms everywhere. Why would I need to leave the city?
Fuck. Why? Because I’ve spent years dreaming of being a personal trainer for a professional football team. Not work at a city gym.
“Dani.”
I jump and scream. Once the shock wears off, the voice registers. Gunner. My fingers tremble, and I spin around. He’s leaning against the doorframe. “I thought everyone was gone.”
“Everyone is.” His eyes bore into mine, and I back up, hitting the chair with the back of my legs.
Damn it. Don’t fall for those eyes. They don’t mean anything. He was only using you as a play toy.
He shoves his hands into his pockets, and his shoulders curve inward. As if it’s too much to keep our eyes connected, his gaze drops to the floor. “We need to talk.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I grab the paper off my desk.
My decision’s been made. I’m too weak around him. Every time I see him, I’m going to want to be near him. To talk to him. To touch him. I’m terrified I’m weak enough to compromise all my scruples and lose myself. “I’ve got an interview packet to fill out.”
“Don’t.” He shakes his head.
It’s such a small movement; I can barely make it out. When his gaze meets mine, his eyes are filled with tears.
My breath catches. The desire to comfort him floods through every pore of my body. I’ve got to get away. Now.
“Dani.” He steps forward and grasps my upper arms. “I’m sorry I behaved like a child. I should have never spouted off about hooking up with another woman. I was hurt and angry, but that’s no excuse.”
My mouth moves, but no words come out. “I…”
Apologizing and admitting he was hurt has me speechless. I anticipated him blowing me off and never seeing me again. Not making it seem like he… He what? He wants to be with me. That’s too much to hope for.