Page 14 of Over the Moon

“Agreed. But I’m on top of it. Are my daily notes helpful, or would you prefer I check in weekly with those?”

“I like seeing the daily results. That’s working out well. As the trainer of this team, it’s important that I am aware of what every single player is doing.” He always made a point to mention that he was the trainer. I was more than aware.

“Then I will continue sending you progress notes daily.”

“Great. How has your first week in Rosewood River been going?”

“It’s going well. I train with Clark half the day, and then it leaves me some time to hike and explore. I think I’m going to try river rafting soon, and I’m playing pickleball this weekend,” I said, wondering why I felt the need to let him know I was keeping busy.

“Yeah, it’s a nice town. Lots of tourists in the summer, with the river there and all.” He paused, and it sounded like he was sipping his coffee. “I just know that you probably don’t have many friends there just yet, so be careful with Chadwick. You don’t want to cross any lines while you’re there. He’s a charming guy and a bit of a ladies man.”

I rolled my eyes at the audacity of this guy. I knew he felt threatened by me being hired by the team. My being dual certified as a PT and an athletic trainer had come up in a meeting, and the man was definitely on a power trip with me. Itwas clear he wanted to make sure I knew that he was in charge. He’s already reminded me three times in the short time that I’d been hired that I answered to him and not my father.

“I assure you, I know how to behave like a professional. No need to worry.”

I wondered if he’d been warned multiple times about not getting too close to the players—or if I was just being reminded constantly because I was a woman.

I was younger than him, as well.

“Well, that’s why we’re all forced to sign that contract.” He chuckled, as if he wasn’t trying to threaten me, when we both knew that he was. “All staff employed by the Lions must be held to a higher standard, ethically speaking.”

I walked in on a very suspicious situation with Randall and his secretary, Talia, the first day I’d been hired. I found them together in the locker room after hours, and they appeared very nervous when I came in to find him.

Randall was a married man and much older than Talia, so perhaps he should take his own advice.

“I understood the contract when I signed it,” I said, my voice lacking any emotion.

“Of course, you did. I’d expect nothing less from John’s daughter.” He laughed, but it sounded forced. “He’s proud of you. Talks about you all the time. But it was a surprise when they agreed to hire you, you know, with your lack of experience. But just know that we can’t allow for any favoritism, just because your daddy is the head coach.”

I paused as I approached Clark’s house.

My daddy?

I was twenty-seven years old. This man was acting like I was a child.

I ground my teeth, and my hands fisted as I continued walking, making a conscious effort to keep my voice even.

“It’s not a secret that my father helped get me the interview, but I believe I’ve proven that I deserve to be here with my credentials and work ethic. I don’t think they would have interviewed me three times and hired me if they weren’t certain I was up for the job.”

“Oh, yes. Of course, you are qualified. It’s just that when I was going to school, they didn’t offer shortcut programs with dual certification.” More awkward laughter.

Please let this conversation end.

I counted down from ten to one, trying desperately to not lose my shit on this sexist, arrogant bastard.

“Well, it was a brutal and intense four-year program. But we don’t need to debate that. I’m here at Clark’s gym, and I need to get inside.” I wasn’t sure if Randall knew that his gym was at his home, and I certainly wasn’t going to offer that up and allow him to question me even more.

I didn’t choose to come here.

I was sent here, and I was doing my job.

“Sounds good. I’ll expect a report later today with the results of today’s workout.”

“On it. Have a good day.” I ended the call as quickly as possible and made my way to the front door, which was left open for me, so I waltzed into the house.

“What’s up, Weeze?” he said, as a wide grin spread across his face. He stood there, wearing basketball shorts and no shirt, per usual. He had dark wavy hair and just the right amount of scruff peppered across his jaw. He was ridiculously tall, with broad shoulders and a tapered waste. My eyes betrayed me, scanning his body from his chest down to the deep V on display, where his shorts hung low on his hips. I hated that I found it impossible not to look.

Not to linger.

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