Page 49 of Love Game

“There’s nothing in your contract as it stands, but that contract is under negotiation. Big money comes with big expectations.”

“I’ve exceeded everyone’s expectations.”

“I’m not talking job performance, Kate, and you know it,” Mike replied, unruffled. He dropped his voice to a conspiratorial level. “But you should know Danny’s contract expressly forbids him from any extracurricular relationship with anyone associated with the university—staff or student.” He sighed so hard she could swear she felt the air stir.

Touching the tip of her tongue to her top lip, Kate crossed her arms over her chest and turned to stare out the windows. “Bet old Danny wishes he could have a hunk of Title Nine protection.”

“This isn’t a joke.” He ran a hand through his hair as he paced, rumpling its Mr. I’m In Control perfection. “I don’t want to be a hard-ass about this. If you’re happy and he’s happy, I would be more than okay with letting this ride…”

“I don’t know what you’re—”

“Like I said, I know Danny,” he said, the intensity in his tone shutting her down. “And I know his truck. And shit, the whole damn town knows where you live, Kate.”

The need to move, to act, to get her stance set in preparation for a direct charge brought her to her feet. “This is none of your business.”

“But it is. The terms of Danny’s return to Division I play aren’t exactly a secret, and if things start to go sour for either of you, he’s out on his ass.” He paused, then cleared his throat. “Then there’s the question of your contract.”

He left the rest of the thought unspoken, but she had a pretty good idea where he was heading. Still, she wanted to hear him say it. “What about my contract?”

“Don’t make me put that clause in yours too.”

She stood quietly, absorbing the irony of their situation. Here she was, a former athlete stripped of the power to play at the level she craved, a champion who’d brought nothing but glory to her school, and still she was being asked to make the sacrifice. The university’s terms were as crystal clear as Jonas’s, and they felt every bit as crazy. She could play hardball and get the salary she deserved, or she could have Danny.

A lump of ice formed in her belly, but she welcomed the sensation. It was the same cool center she used to tap when standing at the foul line or taking the game-winning shot. She looked her boss dead in the eye. “I’m not sure it’s appropriate for you to discuss the terms of Coach McMillan’s contract with me. Do the two of you have long, cozy chats about how he’s making more than twice the salary that I do?”

“Now, Kate—”

“It’s Coach. I’ve earned that much respect, haven’t I?”

“Coach Snyder,” he said, straightening his shoulders and bracing his feet wide. “I don’t want to do battle with you. I just want what’s best for—”

“Don’t you dare try to tell me what’s best for me,” she said in a tone so soft, it sliced straight through whatever he planned to say.

They stared one another down. Then Kate dove into the icy resolve she used to fuel her drive. Holding her head high, she walked to the door.

“Tell me, how do you feel about gender inequity in collegiate sports, Mike?” Her fingers closed around the handle, but she didn’t open it. Instead, she turned and gave him a level look. “I’m curious. You don’t seem like an ass, but it can be so hard to tell these days.”

“Kate, please—”

“Coach,” she snapped, then stepped back as she opened the door wide. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a few things I need to handle before I greet my campers.”

“Hello, Coach.”

She jumped and pressed the flat of her hand to her breastbone as Jim Davenport stepped into the open doorway, blocking any chance of shooing Mike out. “Jim.” She gave her head a shake to clear it. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to follow up with you on something you said on the show last night. The bit about the pressure on young women to downplay their athletic abilities.”

He raised his eyebrows as if he’d prompted her, but Kate couldn’t find the actual question. “Yes? What about it?”

“Well, I was hoping you’d elaborate. Maybe talk a little more about your own experiences?” She shot him a sharp glare. Davenport went on, undeterred. “With your summer camps starting this week, I thought it would make an interesting angle. It’s no secret that your success played a role in the dissolution of your marriage to Coach Sommers, and now you’ve got someone with Coach McMillan’s history coming in…”

The mere mention of her ex-husband’s name sparked a white-hot flash of anger. The reasons Jeff had left her were not common knowledge. She’d told Jim in confidence. Pain and humiliation undercut her rage, but the words wouldn’t come.

While she floundered, Mike stepped into the doorway behind her and unleashed a stream of rhetoric that proved he was the perfect man to serve as spokesman for Wolcott athletics.

“I think Coach Snyder’s continued success is a testament to her fortitude and ambition as well as an excellent endorsement of Wolcott’s continued dedication to furthering every young woman’s growth in both the academic and athletic arenas.”

Davenport’s jaw dropped. “Director Samlin, I didn’t see you there.”

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