Page 117 of Delicate Storm

Paige

Until next time. I’ll be thinking of you.

It’s been over twenty-four hours and I’m still smiling about Easton’s note. So much so that Dad gives me a strange look when he arrives at the bar to meet me, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

“Sorry I’m late. We finally appointed a new GM, and I got the fun job of announcing it to the team management. But that’s not important. What orwhomade you smile like that?”

“What? No idea. And thatisimportant,” I change the subject back to him. “What happened?”

“We appointed a guy from Tampa and not everyone is happy about it. Apparently, it’s my fault that Wes Johnson, a past player on the team, didn’t accept my offer, even after I begged.”

“God, I’m sorry. Want me to talk to—”Shit. I cut myself off and smile. “Keeley?”

“Keeley?” Dad frowns and his brows furrow. “She knows.”

“I just mean that maybe I can ask if she’ll talk to the guys and tell them you tried.”

“Thanks, but it’s okay. I’m a big boy. I can handle it. I just wish they’d realize I’m doing all that I can for the team. I’m workingwiththem. Not against them.”

“They will. It just takes time. The old GM had been there for most of the guys’ careers.”

Dad’s eyes widen before he laughs. “Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?”

“What?”

“Since when do you know about the team?” Oh.Shit.

“Since I started hanging out with Keeley and the wives. They seem to know a lot about the game.”

“Not everyone despises sports like you do.” Dad laughs at his own joke.

“I don’t think I do anymore.” I shrug. “It’s growing on me.”

Dad eyes me curiously and I internally tense. “Just the sport? Or… is there something else?”

“Just the sport.”For now.

Dad nods before waving for a server and ordering our drinks. As I take my first sip, I decide it’s my turn to share now that his stress has lifted a little. And because I’m so far out of my depth that I’m drowning.

“I need to talk to you about something.”

Dad’s gaze shifts to mine, and he nods before leaning back in his chair.

“Remember when I told you about Mom and Christian’s dad?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” He groans, making me laugh.

“It gets worse.”

“Jesus, she’s not having a baby, is she?”

“What. Ew. Dad. No.” Dad smiles and I laugh. “Funny. But I’m being serious.”

“Sorry. Go ahead.”

I look around to make sure no one is listening and lean in, waiting for Dad to do the same. “I think the Mikklesons are extorting money from clients, and I’m worried she’s involved.”

“What?”

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