Page 107 of A Whole New Trick

I want to tell her to stay, but Eli is right. She’s been with me all night. And from the way my parents are looking at one another, I get the feeling there’s something they want to say.

“It’s okay.” I force myself to smile. “Eli’s right. You should rest. I’ll text you what the doctor tells me.”

She chews her bottom lip. “Are you sure?”

“I am.” I hold out a hand. She walks over to take it.

“Thank you,” I murmur, squeezing her fingers. “For staying with me.”

Her gaze softens. “You don’t have to thank me for that.”

“Yes, I do.” I tug her hand, and she heeds my silent request and bends down for a kiss. It’s quick, thanks to my family’s presence.

When Morgan draws back, I keep hold of her hand, and say, “By the way, you look good in my jersey.” I wink.

She laughs. “Thanks. I’ll be back later.”

She bends down and kisses me once more. When she stands, I release her hand.

Morgan says goodbye to my parents and Eli. My brother walks her to the door and gives her a hug. Morgan spares me one last glance before waving and leaving the room.

The awkwardness is palpable the moment the door closes behind her.

My parents exchange looks. So does Eli. The three of them look like they’re in on some secret, and I can’t fathom what it might be.

My forehead creases. It’s on the tip of my tongue to demand they spit out what’s going on when Dad speaks, “Henry told me that you fired him.”

I don’t let his neutral tone fool me. My guard is up. “That’s right.”

He cocks his head to the side, watching me. “Who’s your new agent?”

“Gary Ramirez.” Carter does nothing but sing the man’s praises. It was easy to choose him for my agent after I let Henry go. I’m thankful Gary agreed to take me on as a client, especially with all the trade rumors swirling.

“I assume he’s aware the Ranchers are looking to trade you?” Dad’s thoughts align with mine.

“He does. He also knows I’ll retire if they try to go through with it.”

Mom gasps. “Really? Are you sure?”

I nod. “I am.”

Dad’s features tighten. He wants to argue. No doubt, he wants to tell me I’d be an idiot to retire at this point in my career. “It’s good that he’s aware.”

I blink.

That’s it?

I expected a full-blown lecture, but Dad is acting like he respects my decisions.

He must’ve really been worried when I hit my head.

“Morgan is lovely,” Mom interjects.

“Yeah.” I smile. “She is.”

“Have you spoken to your coach about the potential trade?” Dad asks, negating Mom’s attempt to change the subject.

I look back at him. “Yes. A little. He knows I don’t want a trade.”

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