Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 55599 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55599 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 278(@200wpm)___ 222(@250wpm)___ 185(@300wpm)
What does that mean, though? Are we exclusive?
I also met his parents, who weren’t at all what I expected, though I didn’t really have any expectations because I never thought I’d meet his parents.
And Monica got the promotion. I want to be angry about it, but more than anything, I’m hurt. I’m good at my job. I’ve put in my time and contributed a lot of good ideas. My clients all love my work.
After we’ve brushed our teeth and climbed into bed, I’m grateful when Dane wraps his arms around me instead of trying to initiate sex again. The sex was amazing, but I’m sexed out.
It’s sinking in that this time with him won’t last forever, and soon I’ll have to walk back into the office and congratulate Monica on her new role. I may choke on those words.
“Josie Garver PR has a nice ring to it,” Dane says, kissing the top of my head.
I close my eyes and burrow against his chest, tucking my head beneath his chin. “I can’t even think about that right now. Hold me tighter.”
He strengthens his hold on me, making me feel secure.
“Better?” he murmurs.
“Mm-hmm.”
Jane is going to have to reassign me somehow because there’s no way I can work on a team led by Monica. I’ll quit before I report to that bitch. I’d rather eat cat food and sleep in a tent than give her the satisfaction. I can always fall back on waitressing. And I may have to do it soon.
“You think you guys will make the playoffs?”
“Yep.”
I sigh, relaxing a little. That gives me more time with Dane. More time for the shock of losing the promotion to wear off. More time before I have to go back to the office and face reality.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Dane
“On your left, Foster!”
I turn just in time to raise my knee and deflect a soccer ball someone kicked my way. My teammates are gathered in a circle outside the locker room, passing the ball around to loosen up before our game.
“Where are you going?” Tate asks as I kick it back his way and turn to leave.
“Meeting,” I call over my shoulder.
As of now, I’m the only one who knows about the meeting, but it’s happening. Our team owner, Arnold, is in the arena for the game, and I’d rather talk to him in person than over the phone.
“There he is! Our hottest scorer!” One of the security guards, Mel, holds his fist out and I give him a bump.
“Hey, what’s new, Mel?”
“My daughter’s sleeping four hours in a row now, so life is good, bro. My wife loves that swing and stroller you guys sent over, along with a year’s worth of diapers! You guys are way too good to me.”
I grin and point at him. “She better be wearing that Mammoths outfit we put in there. She’s got it on right now, right?”
He laughs heartily. “Bro, of course she’s got it on right now. I told Marcie that goes straight into the washer when it gets peed or puked on. We don’t mess around with game day. She’s got her purple and black on.”
“Nice.”
Other than kicking in some money, I had nothing to do with the gifts—Aiden’s wife, Jenn, takes care of that stuff. But it’s a team tradition that every baby gift includes Mammoths team clothing.
“You guys gonna get that W tonight?”
“Planning on it.”
“Get dirty if you got to.” Mel shadowboxes as I round the corner and lose sight of him.
With less than three hours until game time, I only have a few minutes to talk to Arnold. The pregame meal our team chef makes before games will be served soon, and I always eat it on time. Then I have to stretch and get dressed.
One of Arnold’s assistants, Carol, is looking at something on her phone when I walk into the suite where her desk sits outside the door to his office.
“Dane Foster, what’s this I hear about a cute PR girl whipping you into shape?” She smiles knowingly.
“What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good whipping,” I quip. “Can I get five minutes with the boss man?”
She frowns. “Ooh, that’ll be tough. He’s got friends in town for the game. Can I pass a message on for you?”
I can’t get Josie’s hurt expression out of my head. Her aunt blindsided her, treated her like shit and made her question her worth. That’s not gonna fly on my watch.
“It’s important,” I tell Carol. “Come on, Mama C. We all know you’re the one who’s really in charge around here. Get me five minutes with the boss and I’ll owe you one.”
The corners of her lips turn up in a smile. “Well...I can try. But no promises.”
She gets up and walks over to Arnold’s solid wood door, knocking twice.
“Come in,” Arnold calls.