Page 75 of A Whole New Trick

“I appreciate that man, but no. I think I’ll be staying in Dallas.”

“I knew it was too good to be true.” James shakes his head, disappointed.

Eli and I share a confused look.

“What do you mean?” Eli asks.

James frowns. “There are rumors all over the news stations here. You haven’t heard of them?”

“No.” I keep my expression flat. “What rumors?”

It’s Kylie and James’s turn to share a glance.

My childhood friend shuffles her feet. “Well, there are a few, but the big one is that you want to be traded for next season.”

I growl.

Damnit, Henry.

That’s it. I’m calling Gary Ramirez the moment I get back to Dallas. There’s no doubt in my mind that my agent is responsible for the rumor. Dad confirmed he’d heard as much from his old college teammate earlier today.

I regret ever voicing my annoyance with the Ranchers to him all those weeks ago. I wish I’d never told him to be open to hearing rumblings about a potential trade.

It turns out the Ranchers were right. Starting a modified training regimen and changing my diet improved my game in ways I never anticipated.

I’d been having the season of my career before the changes, and now I’m even better. I believe the Ranchers have what it takes to win the championship. I have no plans of leaving the brotherhood we created—nor forgo the bond we’ve developed this post-season.

Not to mention, I have a life in Dallas. I have friends. I have Eli. And I have Morgan.

“Sorry to disappoint,” I say. “But I’m not looking for a trade.”

“Damn.” James’s shoulders slump. “Maybe one day?”

“Maybe,” I allow.

Eli clears his throat. “I need a drink. Dane?”

“Just water for me.” Coach would kill me if he found out I drank alcohol the night before a playoff game.

“Right.” Eli nods.

“I’ll go to the bar with you,” James offers. “I need another round. You good, babe?”

“I’m good. Thanks.” James kisses Kylie’s cheek and then walks to the aged wood bar at the back of the room with my brother.

“You up for saying hi to some of our former classmates?” she asks. I follow the direction she tips her head and see a group of people, some more familiar than others, watching us. “No worries if you’d rather not. I know you like to keep a low profile.”

The last thing I want to do is socialize with practical strangers, especially when I won’t have the buzz of alcohol to smooth any awkward pauses or monotonous ramblings.

But when I watch a few people in the group wave at Eli and see his answering smile, I decide I can put up with some awkwardness if it helps Eli rebound from the shitty situation with our Dad this morning.

“Sure.” I sling an arm over Kylie’s shoulders. “Lead the way.”

24

MORGAN

“Caldwell! Wait up.”

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