Page 46 of Rounding Third

I open my mouth to respond, but what do I say? I don’t want to lie to Owen, but I also don’t want to answer his question.

“This is off the record, Lils. I just want to know what I'm dealing with. That being said, if you’re uncomfortable answering, just tell me to mind my own business. You don’t work for me, you don’t owe me anything.” He shrugs.

“Off the record…” I trail off, trying to decide what to tell him. “Almost every article I’ve written concerning the Pit Bulls has been returned to me because he wanted me to paint you in a bad light.”

“But you’ve never published anything against me.” He arches a brow.

“No. I know how well you treat your players and employees. I'm not trashing your name just because Bill has a personal vendetta against you,” I say softly.

“I appreciate that. It’s not common to find someone like you in a sea of reporters. Most don’t care if what they write is correct, they just want views. A way to get to the top of their field.”

“Owen… I feel like I should confess something to you. Last week, Bill gave me a new assignment. Probably the biggest assignment of my career.”

“I'm listening.” He leans his elbows on the desk, his full attention on me.

“I’m supposed to dig up as much dirt as I can on you. I have until two weeks after the season starts to give Bill a juicy story. Something to take you down a peg or two.”

“I see.” He watches me carefully. It’s like he’s assessing me.

“Bill found out I was friends with Smithy and wants me to exploit our relationship to get the information I need.”

“And?” He pushes.

“And I refuse to do it. I'm using these few weeks to figure out what I want in life. I don’t want to work for someone like Bill. I'm not helping him destroy someone’s career for no reason. Hell, if your image is ruined, it affects every single person who works for you. I'm not doing that.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re an amazing man. You stepped in today when you could’ve ignored what Danny was doing. You care about your players and put so much effort into this team. Smithy always says you’re the most amazing boss in the world. He doesn’t want to work for anyone else. He’s even talked about if he’s ever traded, he’s retiring. He doesn’t want to go to another team because he knows it will be vastly different.”

“I’d never trade him. He’s one of my best players.”

“I heard all about how you stuck up for Charlie. I even saw the video from your office when you stepped in and kept Stubbs away from her. You go above and beyond. I plan to write an article showing that, but it will mean the end of my career with Bill. I have a feeling he’ll try to get me black listed. I’ll be lucky if I can find another reporter’s job.”

“Lils, if that happens, you call me up. I’ll make sure to help you get a position somewhere. Hell, if you interview Levi and write up an article, I’ll make sure it gets printed with another company. I have a lot of friends in high places. Bill doesn’t own as many people as he thinks he does.”

“That would be amazing. I was about to leave, maybe I’ll stop by Levi’s office and see when he’d be up for an interview. I can run my article by you before I give it to anyone so you can approve it.”

“Nah, I trust you.” He waves me off. “You’re good people, Lils. I can see that. I'm glad Smithy finally grew the balls to ask you out. He needs you in his life more than he realizes it.”

Chapter 21

Smithy

“Where are we going?” She giggles as I run down the street with her hand in mine. I haven’t stopped smiling since I woke her up early and drug her out of my house.

“You’ll see when we get there.” I slow my pace, knowing she’s not going to be able to keep up with me.

I stop a few shops away and spin around to face Liliana. Covering her eyes with my hands, I lean in close and kiss her lips.

“Why are you covering my eyes?” She murmurs.

“I have a surprise for you, but I don’t want you to see yet. Can you take my hands, but keep your eyes closed?”

“I guess?”

“Trust me, Sweets. You know I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

“Never,” she whispers as a smile spreads across her lips.

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