Chapter Twenty-One

Liam was surprised to see Ethan and Bruce on the set when he arrived. Their heads were together, people moving around them with booms and lights. A woman whipped past him with a clipboard in hand, chatting into a mouthpiece. He recognized the director and the model he’d be working with.

Normally, he didn’t mind this stuff. In addition to bringing in a good chunk of change, he’d made sure, during negotiations, that he endorsed only products, investments, and ideas he believed in.

His parents had taught him early on in life that he had an example to set. Not as a ballplayer but as a person. He and Tal were expected to take the higher ground and make choices that, while they might not feel good, were right. Sure, they’d screwed up. They’d been teenagers. But their expectations had been high, and neither he nor his sister wanted to disappoint. Even after he’d gone pro, his parents had reminded him he might be a big shot in this world, but to them, in their world, he was Liam Cruz, son, brother, and man they could be proud of.

He joined Bruce and Ethan, the back of his neck prickling when they stopped mid conversation. Ethan’s smile was tight. Bruce didn’t bother, which was another red flag. When Bruce had come to him while Liam was with the Dodgers, there’d been a lot of wining and dining. Which was unnecessary. But still, he respected the man and knew he loved the game.

“Cruz,” Ethan said, holding out a hand.

Liam shook it. “You guys come to watch? Nothing better to do?”

“Wanted to talk to you, actually. Ethan said you were here today.”

Not exactly the place to talk, since he had things to do. A woman wearing jeans, a flannel shirt, and sneakers approached him. She had on a headset and what seemed to be the standard on-set clipboard.

“Mr. Cruz?”

He smiled. People had all sorts of reactions to meeting celebrities. Most likely because they never knew what kind of response they’d get. He held out a hand. “Liam.”

She shook it, her shoulders dropping with her exhale. Clearly, she’d figured he’d be a jerk. “Nice to meet you. I’m supposed to ask if I can get you anything before we start. You’re needed in makeup in ten minutes.”

“I’m good. What’s your name?”

“Janelle. I’ll be your personal assistant, for lack of a better term, for the day. If you need anything, I’m your girl.”

He smiled, but immediately, his brain conjured an image of Isla. He’d never wanted to label any woman his girl. Until Isla. Damn, he was in big trouble. And he didn’t even care.

“Thanks, Janelle. I’m fine right now.”

She nodded, gave him a hesitant smile, and walked away. Lara, the model who’d shoot the commercial with him—one he’d worked with before, caught his eye. All curves, which she liked to display. She sent him a finger wave.

“I think she likes you,” Bruce said.

Liam turned back, said nothing.

Bruce smiled like they were old friends. “How are you feeling about our new leader?”

Ethan cringed. “Subtle, Bruce. Listen, Liam, Bruce wants to run some ideas by you. He wants you to go with him to Arizona and check out a couple players on the farm team.”

“Liam,” a voice said behind him. Douglas Marks clapped him on the shoulder. They’d met before, as the guy had directed a couple other commercials Liam had been in. “How’s it going? You ready to get started?”

Shaking Doug’s hand, he nodded. “Just need a minute and I’ll head back to makeup. You’ve met Bruce, the Slammers’ GM? And this is Ethan. He runs our PR.”

Doug nodded, shook both of their hands. “Usually, people just bring their agents or their own PR person. But whatever floats your boat, man. Nice to meet you guys. We’ll be ready to start shooting in twenty minutes.”

Doug left them, and Liam turned back to Ethan. “Why would I go with him? That’s his job.”

“You’ve got a good eye. I want your opinion,” Bruce said.

Liam turned to face him. “You want my opinion or you don’t want Ms. Bennett’s?”

He couldn’t figure out Bruce’s angle. Yes, Liam was a big part of the team and had high expectations for the next season. So was Bruce trying to bring a united front to Isla when he presented her with some new options? Or was he trying to shake things up to make it difficult for her to find her feet?

“Come on, Cruz. You know as well as I do that Bennett doesn’t know what she’s doing. So fine, she can be the face of the organization. But behind the scenes, we want to bring in people to win. I want your opinion because you’re who they look up to.”

It seemed like a legitimate reason, but something about the entire conversation rubbed him the wrong way.

“How about we put this aside for now? We have time.”

Bruce shrugged. “Whatever. We need to stick together. That’s all.” He turned and walked away.

Liam rotated his jaw, trying to relax.

Ethan slapped him on the back. “He’s just worried about the team. And is grieving his friend. I think part of him feels at loose ends,” Ethan said.

“He shouldn’t be looking at cutting Isla out of any decisions when she’s made it clear she wants to be in the loop.”

Ethan leaned in close. “Back to Isla, huh? Tell me there’s no reason to remind you that absolutely nothing should be happening between you two. Not only would it put you at odds with your teammates and you damn well know it, starting something with her would wrap so much legal tape around you, you wouldn’t be able to stand. Bruce is worried about his team. That needs to be your priority, too.”

Liam stepped back. “I’ve been in charge of my life and career since I was eighteen. I told you when you met her that we were friends. I’m not about to let the media, or you, or anyone else from the Slammers dictate who I can have in my life.” Whatever rebellious side he’d tamped down in his earlier years wanted to rear its head right now in response to these people.

Lara appeared at his side, ran her hand up his arm, a friendly smile curving her lips. “Long time, no see, gorgeous.” She didn’t have to go up on tiptoes to kiss him, like Isla did. She caught him off guard, leaning in and pressing her mouth to his. Before he could back up, shut her down, he saw Ethan snap a picture on his phone.

Liam started to say something, but Ethan’s smile went wide. “Slammers fans are going to love knowing they’re getting another commercial from you two.”

“Ethan,” Liam growled.

Ethan shrugged. “Already tweeted it. Don’t worry. I didn’t put the location. Though maybe that’d be fun. We could have fans waiting when you finish. We could use any good publicity we can swing.”

Lara rolled her eyes and scoffed. “Like Cruz needs any more publicity.”

Liam stepped back, away from both of them. “I’m due in makeup. I’m not sticking around after, so unless you want disappointed fans, which I’m guessing isn’t the kind of publicity you’re craving, I wouldn’t go that route.”

He walked off, fingers curled, wanting to call Isla. He’d spent his whole life turning to baseball when things wound him up, and for the first time ever, he wanted to turn to someone instead of something.

He didn’t want to make either of their lives more complicated, but he’d tried putting his feelings on the back burner. They’d only caught fire.

Somehow, he needed to figure out how to make things okay for them to be together without it undermining her and her position, pissing off his teammates, or making himself look like an idiot. She worked so hard for everything she’d achieved, and he knew she’d do right by this team. She deserved a solid chance at it. If this blew up, he’d still have baseball and his fans.

Why did that no longer feel like enough?