Page 25 of (Un)Planned

Before I could say anything else, Theo came to my side, clearing his throat. “Oh, I’m so sorry. Gray, this is my boss, Theo Ayad. He’s the one we talked about on the phone.”

Gray nodded, stretching out his hand. I waited for Theo to say something, anything, to show some of the usual charms he used on his clients. Instead, he just stared at Gray as if assessing a threat. I nudged him in the stomach with the tip of my elbow. “Theo, this is when you use your words.” I rolled my eyes at Gray. “Sorry about him; he’s not a diner kind of guy.”

“I never said that,” Theo answered, turning to stare at me. “But Calla’s right. It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Anders.”

Gray motioned to the booth, taking a seat by the window for himself. I started to join him on the same side, but Theo placed his hand on the small of my back, pushing me toward the empty side. As soon as I settled, he shuffled into the spot next to me.

I furrowed my brow, shocked at how close he sat. Sure, we usually stayed together during meetings, but that was because I took notes for him. Now, there was no reason for him to be hovering next to me. There was no reason for his leg to be pressed up against mine—his super muscular, strong thigh.

Shit.These were the exact thoughts I shouldnotbe having about my boss. I should be trying to distance myself from Theo, not snuggling up next to him in a teeny booth. Pushing a breath through my lips, I tried to get my head together. This meant nothing. There was nothing between Theo and me. The only thing I felt for Theo was lust, whichwas a perfectly natural reaction. I mean, the man looked like he was made of marble. If I wasn’t attracted to him, I would be concerned.

Gray smirked at me, probably able to read the turmoil on my face. The bastard always knew what I was feeling before I could voice it. “So, Calla, you got me here. Now tell me, why should I hire this guy to be my agent?”

“Oh…” I smiled at Theo, hoping he didn’t notice my nerves. Yes, Gray knew me better than most, so it was easy to forget he was on the fast track to the MLB Hall of Fame. I shook my head. “I’m just his assistant. Theo is the one who should answer that question.”

Theo’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he turned toward Gray. “Due to the informal setting of this meeting, I don’t have our usual materials and numbers. I’d love to bring you into the office to meet the team and see how we can best suit your needs.”

Gray shook his head, “No can do. Not interested in getting the sales pitch.” He nodded back to me. “I trust Calla. If she says you’re the guy, then I believe it.”

I could feel my nerves start to take over, from my foot tapping on the off-white and black linoleum to my fingers twining together under the red lacquer table. This whole meeting might have been my idea, but what did I know about selling an agent? Shit, I barely even knew anything about baseball.

As my anxiety built, I felt someone’s finger loop over mine and tug my hands apart. I glanced up at Theo, seeing nothing but faith in his gaze. Was it possible that he believed in me?

With that silent affirmation, I steadied my shoulders. “I know absolutely nothing about being an agent. Even after a month working for this guy, I’m still not entirely sure whathe does.” Theo choked on his water at my words. I gave him a smug smile, asking him to trust me. “However, what I do know is how much Theo cares about his clients. Since I started, I’ve seen Theo move mountains for them. His work is his priority.” Theo stiffened at my side, but I continued anyway. “A lot of agents only care about their client’s careers, but Theo looks at the whole person beyond just their stats, and he’s building a team that feels the same way. If you decide to sign with Wallace and Associates, I promise that our team will respect you, and your voice will be heard.” I leaned forward, placing my hand on top of Gray’s. “This is the right move, Gray.”

He shrugged. “Works for me.”

Theo pulled out his phone and started typing a text. “Next time we meet, I’ll bring Jack Fischer. He’s the head of our sports department, not to mention one of the best in the business.”

“Nope.” Gray smirked, leaning back on his side of the booth. “It’s you or the deal’s off. I don’t want to deal with another suit. I've had enough of those stalking the locker room.You’remy guy.”

Theo paused, steepling his hands in front of his face. Most people would think he was deep in thought, debating his next move, but I’d learned that this position meant Theo had already made up his mind but knew it would have consequences. I hoped like hell he wasn’t going to let Gray down, not only because I knew he’d do the right thing for one of my oldest friends, but also because I’d stuck my neck out for him. If this deal fell apart, what would that mean for my job? Would Theo stop trusting me?

But my worries were unfounded. With a sudden, deep sigh, Theo reached out his hand. “Sounds like we have a deal.”

THIRTEEN

Over the next hour, Gray and Theo discussed every aspect of his current contract, including what he wanted to change for the next season. Technically, because he was still under contract for another year, Theo couldn’t talk to any teams on Gray’s behalf. But knowing my boss, he’d find a way to work around the confines of the league’s rules.

Not long after they drafted tentative terms, Gray took off, saying he had to meet with his trainer. We made plans to see each other soon, but I didn’t know if we’d follow through on them—not only because Gray was ridiculously busy, but there was also the little matter of my sister. If she knew I was here right now, Devyn would probably ice me out for a month.

After Gray left, I waited for Theo to move out of the booth, but he stayed seated as he picked out one of the laminated menus and started perusing the options.

“What are you doing?”

“Ordering food,” Theo answered plainly. “Are you hungry?”

“Are you?” I asked, confused at his casual demeanor. “No offense, but I don’t think they have anything you like.”

Theo placed the menu on the table, turning to face me fully. His dark gaze cut through me, making my heart beat a little quicker. “And tell me, Calla…why is that?”

I rolled my eyes. “Because everything here is full of carbs or fried in oil. No plain kale salads in sight.”

“Are you making fun of my dietary choices?”

“Absolutely,” I laughed, pulling the menu to me. My mouth started to water just looking at all the options. “I’m surprised you don’t want to rush back to the office.”

I glanced up just in time to see Theo smile, and holy hell, it was everything. It made the corners of his eyes crinkle, softening all his features. It took everything in me not to fall apart, desperately wanting to know how his lips tasted. I stared down at them until his voice broke me out of my daze.

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