Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 135539 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 678(@200wpm)___ 542(@250wpm)___ 452(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135539 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 678(@200wpm)___ 542(@250wpm)___ 452(@300wpm)
“All appearances to the contrary this past summer,” Bud drawls, unimpressed.
Harper’s executive chair creaks as he leans forward and rests his linked hands on his desk. “Look, Luck’s buckled down and is doing the work on the field and off. He’s signed up for a bunch of charities . . .” At this he glances at James and I for confirmation, to which we both duly nod, not bothering to mention I’ve always worked with charities.
“He’s got himself a sweet-faced fiancée and has stopped with the foolishness. As far as I’m concerned, he’s doing what we asked of him, now let’s focus on the important things. Like winning.”
Weathered blue eyes, deeply set under bushy gray brows stare me down. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. There is greatness in you. That’s why we signed you.”
Bud Lester nods in agreement but says nothing as Harper goes on.
“You’re the top pick in a competitive sport. That’s never going to be easy. But you’re more than ready to rise to the challenge.”
“Yes, Coach.”
He tips his chin. “Management and PR, they focus on image. That’s fine. They got their spin now. Let ’em at it. But you and me? We go to work to win.”
“Yes, Coach.” I’ve learned this is the best response to almost all interactions when being lectured by one.
“Integrity, work ethic, and focus. That’s what matter to me.”
“To me as well, Coach.”
With that, I’m free. Once in the parking lot, I blow out a breath and roll my neck. I feel sticky with my lie. Worse? I pulled Penelope into it.
Again come the images of her sliding on the ring. The way she looked at it the first time, shocked but then her eyes went soft and shining. Like she loved it, wanted it. Seeing that had been a kick to the gut.
It’s all wrong. But what can I do? It’s too late to end it.
“It’s all bullshit.” James unwraps a small mint gum and pops it into his mouth, chewing like it’s his mission in life. Six foot one, deep brown skin, hair precision cut close and tight, with a gray bespoke suit probably worth twenty thousand, he’s intimidating to most. But I hired him because he’s honest, and I feel comfortable with him. And he’s a killer negotiator.
To that end, he glares back at the headquarters building we just left. “With the amount they paid for you, they should be licking your balls.”
I laugh shortly. “Shouldn’t that be the other way around?”
“Please. Number one never licks balls. You afford others the privilege—for a hefty fee.”
“How about we stop with all the ‘ball licking for profit’ talk?”
James chuckles and tucks his hands into his pockets as he chews his gum. I’m not sure if he’s an ex-smoker or just has an oral fixation—ball licking debate notwithstanding—but he’s never without something to chew on.
I once heard another agent call him Jaws because James will tear into an unprepared offer and leave a bloody trail. Fine by me.
“So . . .” James looks me over with those killer eyes. “You got yourself a fiancée.”
“Seems like it.” I put my hands low on my hips, absolutely refusing to pull at my collar. Even if it is like five thousand degrees outside.
“Childhood sweetheart, was it?” His eyes are now narrow slits of a predator stalking prey.
“Friends. Childhood friends.”
“I suppose congratulations are in order?”
I study the distant mountains. “A bottle of Pappy Van Winkle wouldn’t go unappreciated.”
He snorts eloquently. “That all?”
“I heard The Macallan 1926 is pretty good.”
“A two-and-a-half-million-dollar whiskey for getting engaged?” He tilts his head. “You know what? For you, I just might.”
We share a laugh, but then it fades and he’s back to giving me the hard stare.
“When do I get to meet the lady who is so special you up and proposed to her in the space of a month?” His snark is clear and biting, but I know it’s not directed at me. While I might be the one who fucked up by acting like a fool, I’m the client and he’ll always be on my side against PR and management.
I also know it’s imperative that he and Pen do not meet. It would be a disaster for many reasons. And I do not want to play referee between them. I’d pick Pen and piss off James.
I turn toward my truck. “At the wedding.”
“The wedding!”
I enjoy his shock. “Yeah. We’ll be accepting gifts then too.”
“Asshole.”
Grinning, I wave him goodbye. But once inside the Grouch, my smile fades. I think of Pen wearing the ring and I break out in a cold sweat. Something few people really appreciate is how good actors quarterbacks are. We need to be. I’ll need to be an excellent one for the next few months.
Thirteen
August
Some things can’t be texted. Or they shouldn’t be. Not when it’s your brother who also happens to be your best friend. Discussion is needed, and truth? I don’t want a written record of this anywhere. I can just see it being pulled out at some future family meetup and being shoved in my face to much hilarity—for my brat siblings.