Page 103 of Keep Me

Coach shakes his head as she settles back in his brown leather chair. “Mad? Why would I be mad when two people who love each other decide to commit to that love?”

“Because of your speech at the beginning of the season about needing to be focused and all that,” Ryker reminds him.

Coach waves him off. “As your coach, I need to play that role, make sure I got the best guys on my team. But as someone who cares about you, I’m happy for you. So long as you still win me a championship and don’t interfere with Camille’s job.”

“It won’t, Coach, I promise,” I speak up, giving him my most reassuring smile.

“Did you talk to Suby yet?” Coach looks at me, then at his computer, always multitasking.

Ryker looks at me, confused as ever. “Mark Suby? The owner of the Detroit Panthers?”

“I was going to tell you, but then everything happened…” I trail off, a mixture of happy and sad memories hitting me all at once. “Anyways, he reached out to Coach Warren because they’re interested in hiring me to run their social media. I haven’t had a chance to talk to them yet.”

Ryker’s face lights up at my words. “Baby, are you serious? That’s fucking awesome. I’m so proud of you.” He smiles before kissing my forehead.

“All right, none of that in here, son,” Coach grumbles.

“Thank you.” I tilt my head up at my husband, and the fact that I can say that about him is beyond my wildest dreams.

Ryker was a fantasy to me, a fairytale I never thought would happen, but Ryker’s shown me that they’re not just for movies. They can happen to anyone, especially when you least expect it.

“Camille, I’m so glad you could meet with us today,” Mark Suby’s voice emanates through my laptop. “I have here the head of HR and our social media department to sit it on for today.”

As soon as we left Coach’s office, Ryker suggested that I email Suby to set up a meeting as soon as possible to avoid losing out on the opportunity. He emailed me back right away, so we rushed back to my apartment and changed my tank top into a blouse for the video chat.

“Hi, everyone, I’m beyond excited to be speaking with you all.” My voice is confident, yet calm.

He sits up in his chair, hands folded on the desk he’s sitting at. “As are we. Look, I’m going to cut right to the chase because I’m a busy guy. We want you to come work for us. There’s room for growth in your career, travel opportunities, and benefits along with a salary I don’t think you will be disappointed in. So what do you think?”

I do my best to take it all in and remain composed because I’m currently freaking out on the inside. “I think this sounds like an amazing opportunity,” I start and look up, over my screen, at Ryker, who’s giving me a thumbs-up. It was our code if the offer sounded good. “I would love to accept the position and begin as soon as graduation is over.”

“Excellent, we’re lucky to have you on the team. Welcome to the Panthers, Camille. I’ll have HR send over the contract as soon as possible.”

“I have to tell you something,” I blurt, startling even myself with my outburst.

He gives me the floor to speak. “Go ahead.”

“My brother, Quentin, is one of your pitchers. It’s a long story, but I really hope that won’t affect things going forward.” My voice threatens to shake for fear of ruining this, but I control it.

“Really? That’s amazing. We had no idea. Hell, I would’ve asked him for your number to contact you instead of going through the damn school.” He chuckles, and it makes me smile in relief. “It’s no problem. We don’t have a policy that says siblings can’t work together.”

With a deep breath, I bring up the next potential issue. “I also recently married Ryker Lewis, who I know is a top prospect for you in the draft this year,” I add, noticing the look of shock on Mark’s face.

“Wow, congratulations. We also don’t have a fraternization policy because I believe my players’ personal lives are just that, personal. As long as it doesn’t affect their performance on the field.”

“Thank you, and that’s really great to hear, because I am beyond excited to get started on my dream position.”

“Not a problem, Camille. Tell your husband that I plan on getting in contact with his agent within the next week. He’s had an exceptional season,” he remarks, and I don’t miss the way Ryker lights up at the praise behind my screen.

“That he has. Thank you so much, Mr. Suby.” I beam, waving as we end the call and slam my laptop closed. I jump up from my spot at the dinner table and right into Ryker’s open arms.

He spins me around as I wrap my legs around his waist. “Congrats, princess,” he says, squeezing me tighter.

I pull back, seeing his eyes shine with love and happiness like never before. “Back at you, Ryker the biker.”

He grins, eyebrow raised. “Soon to be coworkers, huh?”

“It’s looking like it. Is that something you’re okay with?” I find the need to ask because we’ve yet to talk about this.

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