Under Pressure

Quinn

I've spent most of my life learning not to depend on anyone.

When the people around you constantly prove they're willing to leave, you learn quickly that the only person you can rely on is yourself. That's exactly why I opened Blank Page. My coffee shop, my rules, my life.

Then Beckett Rourke walks through the door. And he doesn't stop. As the Vancouver Havoc's star closer, he's exactly the kind of man I avoid. For months, he's shown up at my café, flirted shamelessly, and tested my patience whenever possible.

The problem is that the more time I spend trying to convince myself he's just another egotistical athlete, the harder it becomes to ignore the man hiding beneath the reputation. The one who keeps showing up and making me question everything I thought I knew about him.

And I'm wondering if pushing him away is a mistake.

Beck

Everyone thinks they know me.

The cocky closer. The guy with the fastball and a playboy reputation that's easier to lean into than explain. I've never felt the need to change anyone's opinion of me.

Not until Quinn.

At first, getting her attention felt like a challenge. She was the only woman in Vancouver who didn't seem impressed by my reputation, my smile, or the fact that I play professional baseball.

But somewhere between our arguments, the late-night conversations, and discovering who she is beneath all those carefully built walls, everything changed. Because for the first time in my life, I don't want something easy.

I want her.

And I just need her to let me stay.