Page 116 of Over the Moon

“You’d better call me Hawk. I don’t answer to Mr. Madden unless I dislike you.” He tugged me in for a hug. The guy was a big teddy bear. “Clark, my man, that was some season you had last year. And that final game, you came into your own. From what I’ve heard from Wolf, you put in the work this summer, and you’re coming back stronger than ever.”

“Yes, sir. That’s the plan.” I nodded. “I’m honored that you noticed my games last season, and I hope to make the Lions real proud this season.”

“I’d say you’re well on your way to doing so.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “And did my wife give you some wise advice?”

“She really did. It helped more than I can say. She’s damn good at her job.”

“She’s the best. If you’re lucky enough to find a woman who makes you a better man—you best hold on tight, Clark,” he said, as he wrapped his arms around his wife and leaned down to kiss her cheek.

I planned to do exactly that.

“Such a sweet talker.” Everly winked. “Love you, Hawky player.”

“Love you, Mrs. Madden.”

“All right, I’ll leave you two to it,” I said. My voice was all tease.

“Think about what I said,” Everly said as she smiled up at me. “I’m here if you need support or just an ear.”

I walked out of her office, and my phone vibrated several times in my back pocket, so I leaned down to read the text message from my sister.

Emerson

Hey, superstar. Cutler and I are looking forward to seeing you soon. I texted Eloise to let her know, as well. Can’t wait to see you both. I know it’s tough right now, but I promise, you’ll get through it.

Working on it. Can’t wait to see you both.

My sister knew what was going on, and she was always the voice of reason. My brothers tried, but they would just call me a dickhead and tell me to figure my shit out. Emerson was different. She listened. She was logical and reasonable and understood the seriousness of the situation.

And it was definitely time to figure this shit out.

I loved Eloise.

She loved me.

And anyone who had a problem with it could suck it.

twenty-eight

. . .

Eloise

My dinnerwith Sebastian and my father had been uneventful, and he definitely wasn’t hitting on me. He was just a friendly guy, who was new to the team, and I think he was trying to make some connections and form relationships of his own.

I smiled when I saw the notebook from Clark on my desk when I walked into my office. I slipped it into his gym bag yesterday, and even though we spent every night together, we continued writing in this notebook and passing it back and forth, which I actually loved.

Hey, Beautiful,

Loved waking up with you this morning, but mostly loved showering with that beautiful body wrapped around mine. I think we should consider going to HR and getting ahead of this because I can tell this is weighing on you. I know you want time to think about it, and I’ll support whatever you want to do, but just know I’m willing to do whatever we need to do. I will not let this fall on you, I give you my word. I love you.

XX,

CC

Clark had shared his conversation with Everly, and he thought we should speak to my father first and then go to Human Resources. I understood the reasoning; I just wasn’t sure it was a good idea to risk it. They could easily fire me right then and there and then let him ride out his contract for the rest of the season, then not sign him once he becomes a free agent.

They could make us an example.

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