Page 1 of Payoff Pitch

PROLOGUE

TANNER

“Are you having fun at Dylan’s house, bug?”

I hear her sigh through the phone. My daughter is only eight years old, and the attitude has already begun. “Yes, Dad. I’ve slept here a million times before. Don’t worry.”

“Humor me, Harper. Whether you’re eight or eighty, I will always worry about you.”

Another sigh. When did this start?

“We just had dinner. We’re in the playroom. Her mommy and daddy are sitting by the fireplace with drinks.” Then she adds in a whisper, “They’re very cuddly.”

I smirk. Cassandra and Trevor Knight are certainly not shy about their love. She’s much older than him and they simply don’t care. I wish I had half of their gusto.

I hate that my daughter sees a cuddly couple as abnormal. This is where I’ve damaged her.

“Please thank them for me. I’ll pick you up at about nine in the morning.”

“No, Dad, tomorrow starts my time with Mom. She’s picking me up.”

My face falls as I realize she’s right. We’ve been divorced for well over five years, and I still struggle with the fact that I only have Harper half the time.

I rub my dark beard, one that is a little grayer than it used to be. “Oh, right. Have fun with Mommy.”

“Thanks. Does Arizona look pretty? She’s probably the prettiest bride ever.”

“The ceremony hasn’t started yet. I haven’t seen her, but I’m sure she does.” She’s a gorgeous woman.

“Does Bailey look pretty?”

“She’s a bridesmaid. I haven’t seen her yet either.” She undoubtedly looks exquisite. No woman is more beautiful or sexier than Bailey Hart. Unfortunately for me, she’s fifteen years my junior and is my daughter’s nanny. Well, she’s actually a professional softball player, but in the off-season, and during the season when her schedule permits, she doubles as our nanny.

“Okay, Dad. I gotta go. Tell Uncle Layton that I said congratulations.”

“I will. Love you, bug.”

She grits out, “Don’t call me that. It’s embarrassing. I’m not a baby anymore.”

“Love you, Harper Jayne Montgomery.”

“Love you too, Dad.”

I mimic her sass. “Don’t call me that.”

“Love you too,Daddy.”

I smile as I end the call and slip back into the groom’s dressing room. Calling Layton the groom is a bit of a stretch since they’ve been married for roughly ten months, but they did so quickly and secretly without any friends or family around. They’re finally having their big day in front of all of us today.

Layton is a retired professional baseball player, andArizona is a professional softball player. I’m both of their agents. Her season just ended, so they can finally celebrate their union. I’m a groomsman who’s had a front-row view to witness their incredible love story. What began as a PR stunt blossomed into something truly special.

I smile as I watch the rest of Layton’s groom’s party huddled around him doing shots. It’s comprised of Layton’s foster brother, Henry, his former teammates, Cruz “Cheetah” Gonzales, Trey DePaul, Ezra Decker, and Quincy Abbott. Quincy is Arizona's brother and Layton's best man.

Cheetah smiles. “Lancaster, are you sure you want to do this? When you sayI do, it will be the last decision you ever get to make for the rest of your life.”

I chuckle but otherwise keep my mouth shut. I know nothing about marriage. Mine was an epic failure.

Trey places his hand on Layton’s shoulder. “Don’t listen to him. He doesn’t know his ass from his head. When you find the right woman, it’s the greatest ride of your life. Marrying Gemma is the best decision I’ve ever made.”

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