Page 12 of Risky Game

“We’ll be there.”

We’d taken to meeting after practices and preseason games immediately following. It helped keep us sharp, where we could all jot down what we saw, both good and bad, while it was fresh. Allowed us to spend more time on the opponents’ films, too. Picking apart their own offense and defense.

I got to my office and tore off my game shirt, doused my face with water, and did a quick wipe down in my private bath before putting on a clean shirt. I’d have to do quick media interviews and be back to meet with the coaches.

Grabbing my phone from my desk, where I always left it during games, I swiped to check for messages. There was sure to be media and texts from management. I always avoided them during the game, which meant my phone was nowhere near me, but today, there was another reason to check my phone.

Ruby. She told me yesterday she’d let me know by tonight what she planned to do.

My hand shook, making my phone wobble when I saw her name in the string of unread messages. Ignoring everything else, I clicked on hers first.

I’ll accept if you lower the salary to $50k. Move in before Amelia gets there?

We’d discussed both options of her being settled before Amelia got there or giving me time with her first.

It was the money that tripped me up. What was her deal with money and taking it from people who offered? Especially if what she was doing was a hard damn job.

Whatever. I needed her.

She’d get a hefty Christmas bonus. I wasn’t going to argue about the money.

Move in tomorrow night. Take Monday night off, though, so I can have the night alone with her.

Her reply was almost immediate. Good thing since I needed to get to the media room. Sounds good. See you then.

A smile broke out on my face. I quickly wiped it away.

Yeah, I was smiling because I’d found someone to help with Amelia, but even I was too self-aware to lie to myself.

I was going to see Ruby again, and that made me happy.

I was so royally fucked.

Chapter 5

Ruby

I considered not taking the job. I considered backing out after I accepted. If I’d had any luck getting a job that paid nearly half of what Logan was offering to pay, I would have jumped on it.

Maybe.

I had a bachelor’s degree in art history. I also had no experience working with children outside the fact Jassen and I practically raised ourselves and the time I spent with Luke and Brittney. Surely, there had to be more qualified candidates, but there was something about the way Logan’s face melted when he spoke about his daughter.

He adored her, and it was clear he missed her like crazy.

And yeah… maybe the fact he was so damn hot and sexy and made my stomach flip and my knees wobble had something to do with taking the job.

Which was also why I should have backed out of it.

It was a phone call from my best friend, Gina, who still lived in Portland, and a text message I received after that had me sticking with it.

Gina, because she was my number one encourager and thought me being attracted to my soon-to-be boss was hysterical. “Can you call him daddy, too?” she’d playfully asked.

I’d snorted out my glass of wine through my nose. “No. And ew…”

I’d called her a bitch. She’d laughed in my face and after we hung up, Paulie texted.

I miss you. What are you up to?

---