Page 20 of Fumbled Beginning

“Wedid it, but you’re welcome.” Her smile was victorious. A couple of guys walked by doing a double take. The second we stepped inside the restaurant, the whispers and stares started. I usually avoided public places, but today was an exception because we were celebrating.

“For a minute there, I was sweating bullets. I thought for sure they were going to kick my old ass to the curb when you showed them that dollar amount.”

“They spent a lot of money last year bringing in a new quarterback who you’ve done well with. Their focus this year is the defensive line. They had too many on the injured reserved status, they need their guys young and healthy. And you, my friend, might not be the youngest guy on the team, but you’re healthy and know how to get the job done.”

It had been a long day, filled with highs and lows. I was glad to put the bullshit behind me now that I knew I was returning to the team next season.

Robin pulled out her iPad, and we quickly scanned the contract, ensuring the base salary and all other guaranteed money added up. I made a note to schedule an appointment with my financial advisor next week once the contract was finalized.

I started investing my money and planning for retirement early in my career. A lot of the younger players were under the assumption that once they started making money, that meant they would always have money. Nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone was one play away from being cut or injured. It was a quick fall from making millions of dollars a year to making zero.

“JP?” My head flew up at the sound of that voice.

Damn, Rylee was a sight for my sore eyes. She was in a black power suit, her hair was pinned back, and she wore a pair of pumps that made her look like a fucking boss. It was my first time seeing her in her business attire, and I liked it—a lot! Especially the silk blouse with the pearl buttons that I wanted to pop open with my teeth.

“Hey, Sunshine? This is a pleasant surprise.”

She took a timid step forward. “I was on my way out the door and thought that was you.”

“It’s good to see you.” I tried to compose myself, but my grin grew wider by the second. “What are you doing here?”

Her brows creased when she spotted the woman at my side. I could see the question in Rylee’s eyes, wondering what Robin was to me.

“I had a business meeting.” She glanced over her shoulder at the small group getting ready to leave.

“What are the odds of us running into each other?” I scratched my jaw.

She pursed her lips. “Seems to be happening a lot lately.”

“Are you sure you’re not stalking me?” I teased, leaning back in my seat and crossing my feet at the ankles.

“I don’t have any tattoos with your name and number on my breast yet, so you’re safe for now.”

I threw my head back in laughter. I should have been more excited over the contract I had just signed instead of being so giddy over seeing my friend’s sister.

“Ahem.” Robin cleared her throat. Shit! I forgot she was sitting right next to me.

“Oh, sorry.” I stood up and allowed my feet to carry me to Rylee.

“Rylee, this is Robin. Robin, meet Rylee Cross.”

“Cross?” She leaned forward, resting her arms on the table. “Any relation to Maverick Cross?”

“Yes, he’s my brother.” Rylee’s eyes bounced between the two of us. “I’m assuming you’ve heard of him.”

Robin chuckled while dipping a shrimp into the cocktail sauce. “Who doesn’t know your brother?”

Rylee went quiet for a minute. “Right.” Her smile was tight, and unless I was mistaken, there was a glare in her eyes directed at my agent. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll let you two get on with your date.”

“Date?” Robin sputtered, and I couldn’t help but snort out loud.

“Yes, you are here together, correct?”

I scrubbed a hand over my jaw and stared at the woman who had driven me to the brink of insanity since the moment I met her. Something was going on in her head, and I wished I knew what it was. Because I wouldn’t allow myself to believe it was jealousy. Not that I would mind it one bit.

She hiked her purse up over her shoulder and was about to leave. I grabbed her by the elbow, halting her in place. “Robin is my agent,” I explained as she blinked slowly. “My very married agent.”

Her eyes closed, and her head tipped back. “I am so sorry, I assumed…”

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