Page 123 of Mr. Charming

“God, no.” She acts as if the idea is ludicrous, but I catch guys checking her out all the time. “It was Bud.”

I roll my eyes, click the order button, and toss my phone on the bed.

She brings the sweatshirt over her legs and crosses her ankles. “I don’t want to ruin tonight, but I think you need to know.”

“Okkaayy…”

“Bud is upset about the post you made. The one with?—”

“I know which one.” Anger is the first emotion that arises because I’m not letting hockey dictate my life anymore.

She scoots closer to me, taking my hand. “He has a point.” I open my mouth to argue, but she puts up her hand. “I’m not saying you have to delete it, but I want you to know what you’re up against if you don’t.”

I trust Tedi, I always have. She’s probably the reason I’m such a popular player. She taught me how to show people the person I am through my posts. It’s the only reason I started doing it myself after I lost her. “Go ahead.”

“Bud isn’t set on signing you next year. He’s almost throwing it around like if you want a contract, you play by his rules.”

I slide my hand out of hers, both of my hands going into my hair. “He’s holding that over my head?”

“I know. He’s a controlling asshole. He’s not happy with the way I’m showcasing you either. He said you seem too perfect and people can’t relate.” She shrugs. “I’m biased, and maybe I’ve been doing that without realizing it, but I do have some ideas that might help him be happy. What it comes down to is that he’s threatening both of our jobs. He says if I don’t do what he wants, he’s calling my boss, and if you don’t delete the post, he might not give you a contract.”

I whip my head around and steady my gaze on her. “I’m not deleting it.”

She nods. “I figured. But?—”

“I don’t care. I’m not going to let Bud Caldron bully me. Fuck him. Another team will want me if he doesn’t.” I’m not going to let anyone come between us again. My job will not affect us, but damn, I’m gonna miss Chicago and the guys.

“I don’t understand him. You’ve gotten a lot of fans who are happy with that post. I’m not sure why… well…”

“What?”

She blows out a breath. “All publicity is good publicity. And although you’ve never been the bad boy who’s going out and doing illegal shit, you are… were… the guy who got them publicity for just being you. You’re always around the city. Not a homebody. You’re accessible to your fans.”

“That’s exactly what we did in Florida to get my name out there, remember?”

“I know, but Bud believes he needs you single, and apparently he wants you to show your age.”

My face contorts with disgust. “What?”

She nods. I can tell from how many deep breaths she’s taking that she doesn’t want to tell me any of this. “He wants me to show you struggling more. As if you’re toying with retirement because you’re falling short.” She bites her lips. “I’d never do that. Plus, it’s bullshit. You’re the strongest one out there. The best player.”

I quirk my eyebrow. “You’re definitely biased.”

“I am, but everyone loves you, Tweetie. And the post thing is your decision. I’m not going to be upset if you take it down. I don’t need you to publicly claim me.” She shakes her head. “But for the campaign, I have other ideas to make you more relatable that don’t involve any of the shit Bud wants. I just wanted to run it by you first because if you want me to do what Bud wants and go that way, I will. If staying in Chicago is that important to you and you want that contract, I’ll make it happen.”

“Fuck that. I don’t give a shit about Bud. And yeah, I love Chicago. I love these guys.” I grab her hand and pull her onto my lap. “But I want this more than anything.” I wave my finger between us. “Maybe I’ll retire, move to New York with you.”

She studies me for a beat. “There’s one more thing.”

I rock my head back. “Whhaattt?”

“We can’t go to the gala together. We have to go separately. Bud seems to know something is up.”

I frown. “Why do you think that?”

“He’s sniffing around. Mentioned how I used to do your social media back in Florida. I don’t know, just a feeling I have.” She takes my hands, lifting them and entwining her fingers through mine. She watches our hands move together for a second before her gaze meets mine again. “I want us out there, but I have to tell my boss first, and I’d rather be the one in charge of your campaign. If we have any shot of you staying in Chicago, I need to be here running this for you.”

“Tedi, I?—”

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