Page 2 of The Swiping Game
The debt. I got rid of the husband. Though I feel like he’s always there—just now in the form of another Visa bill.
When Sadie told Hunter to offer me a job when he became head coach, I jumped at the chance. Yes, it was a demotion on paper, but the pay was the same, and my mental health has never been better. Therefore, the thought of going back to working for Neil, even if just for a few weeks, makes me feel like I’ve eaten a bad burrito. Especially right now—it’s contract renegotiation time. The busiest weeks to work for the general manager of a professional football team.
“Is there anyone else?” I ask, even though I know the answer. There’s no one else here, and if they’re asking me, then they’ve also struck out on finding a temp for the temp. Or, Neil didn’t want to pay someone else, which is the more likely reason.
“I wouldn’t be asking you if there was,” Hunter says. “I know it’s a lot to ask. But, it’s March. You know how crazy his office gets at this time with contracts. And I’m going to be on the road scouting after my anniversary trip to Memphis. Oh, and did I mention that we’re going to pay you extra for your efforts? And offer overtime pay?”
I quirk an eyebrow. That doesn’t sound like something Neil would go for. “Really? Neil authorized that?”
Hunter smiles like he knows exactly what I’m getting at. “I made sure of it. He’s not going to take you from me and then not compensate you for it. And remember, it’s only a few weeks. Then you’re back here fixing my computer. What do you say?”
I really want to say no. Every cell in my body is urging me to tell them it’s not my problem and they need to find someone else to do it. That I’m just fine holding down the fort while Hunter is on his scouting trips.
But then I remember the credit card bill that came yesterday. And the one that came last week. And the week before that. A few extra dollars to make at least one of those go away does sound tempting, even if it means going back to temporarily work for Satan’s best friend.
“You made sure I’m getting a bonus for this?”
“Of course,” he says, a smile forming on his face. “Plus, I made sure to set up a donut delivery for each Friday I’ll be gone.”
“Damn right you did.” I let out a heavy sigh. “Fine. I’ll pull double duty for the next few weeks, but the second she’s healthy, I’m out of there.”
“Absolutely,” he says, jumping off the corner of his desk. “I can’t believe you thought you were getting fired.”
“Who’s getting fired? Anyone I know?”
Normally, knowing that I’m going back to work for my terrible ex-boss would be enough to ruin my day. But apparently I’ve pissed someone off in the karma department, because not only am I going back to work for my former boss, but I’m also greeted by the presence of a snake in a custom suit. Also known as Dean Braxton, agent to half of the Nashville Fury and the man who can piss me off just by existing.
“Dean! What brings you by?” Hunter asks. “Come on in and have a seat.”
I hurry to stand because him having a seat means he would have to sit next to me, and that just won’t do. I don’t like to share air space with demons.
“I was in the neighborhood,” he says, unbuttoning his gray suit jacket as he takes a seat. “How’s my favorite assistant doing? Have you missed me?”
“I tend to not miss vermin when they aren’t around.” I smooth out my skirt. “Also, who let you in? You don’t have an appointment.”
“I figured I’d surprise you,” he says, a cocky smile gracing his frustratingly handsome face. “I know you’re always so excited to see me, Tara.”
“As excited as I get for a papercut.” I turn to look at Hunter, needing out of this office. “Anything else, Coach?”
“You’re good, Tara. Shut the door on your way out?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
I don’t bother acknowledging Dean as I walk out of Hunter’s office, closing the door with a little more umph than needed. As soon as I make it back to my desk, I silently say a thank you to Hunter for buttering me up with extra donuts. That’s the only thing that can make this day any better.
Because it’s not enough knowing that I have to go work for the front-runner for worst boss of the year, but I’ll also have to see Dean Braxton, with his stupid, smug smile and his perfect jawline that he doesn’t deserve.
This day can suck it.
