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“And you’re okay with that?” he asks, still looking at me in a way that’s making me suspicious.

“Yeah, of course. I’m having fun, and right now, that’s all I want. I can hardly commit to someone when I don’t have anything to offer. I’m unemployed and living in my sister’s guest room. I’m hardly a catch.”

“Any man would be lucky to have you.”

“Aw, thanks, bro. Appreciate that.”

“Sienna said you’ve applied for an actuary job. Feeling positive about it?”

I hesitate, and I’m pretty sure it’s all the answer Calvin needs.

Yesterday I’d have said yes. But Cooper talking about working as an analyst for the Vipers has planted a little seed of hope in me that I’ve always refused to let take root.

Of course, it would be my ultimate dream job. Working with a sport I love, and with a team that owns my heart, would be everything to me. But I know it’s pointless to even hope. There are so many others out there who are more qualified than I am. I don’t even have any experience.

I prefer to be realistic about it and aim for a job that comes with a little less pressure.

Maybe if I found a position available one day, then sure, I might give it a shot. But I’m not putting all my hopes and dreams on it.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Oh, from the way she talked about it, I thought that maybe this was the one.”

“Yeah, it could be. I dunno. I’m just questioning everything recently. I left a job that should have been perfect, and now, as much as I want to find my feet again, I don’t want to settle, if you know what I mean.”

“I know exactly what you mean, and my offer still stands. I’ll go walk into the analyst’s office at the arena and sing your praises until they kick me out. I’ll⁠—”

“I really appreciate that, but it’s not necessary.”

“I’ll take your models in, show them what you’re able to do. Tell them your predictions as well so they can see that you’re right.”

“Calvin,” I warn.

“What? You shouldn’t be doing a bullshit insurance job when you’re so fucking good at game analysis.”

I want to argue; I really do. But damn it, I want it.

“When the time is right and a position is available, I’ll give it a shot.”

“You’re missing out, man.”

“Maybe so, but as much as I love you for wanting to try, I need to earn this myself, not because my future brother-in-law got it for me.”

“You need to stash that pride, bro. Sometimes, we all need a little help.”

I narrow my eyes at him.

“What?”

“Just remembering how stubborn Sienna said you were after your injury.”

“Yeah, exactly. I’ve learned that it’s okay to accept help. To allow other people to support you and get you where you need to be.”

I know he’s right, but letting him go in there and use his position on the team to get me a job doesn’t sit right with me.

Thankfully, he reads my cues, changes the topic of conversation, and starts telling me about a trip he’s planning to take Sienna on.

I can’t lie, listening to his plans makes me a little jealous. I want to spend a few days alone with the person who’s currently taking up space in my head in a log cabin on a lake with a hot tub and absolutely zero reason to put clothes on for the entire trip.