Page 76 of Love From Left Field (Knights of Passion)

“That could be a huge mistake,” Lucas murmured.

Seamus grinned. “Yes, Gwen might get sick of me or something before long, but she wants it and I owe her. She’s stood by me for years. She deserves to have what she wants. God knows why, but she wants me. So, meet the new owner of the Knights– Miranda Callahan, my daughter, who just bought the team for five dollars.”

Roger’s face went from white to red in seconds flat as he read the document in more detail.

“It’s all in order.” Lucas stated. “We had lawyers look at it and draft the details. There are a few things to work out, but the bottom line is Seamus is stepping down in favor of his daughter.”

The room spun around Miranda. “Dad, what’s going on? I don’t understand.”

He reached over and took her hand. “You were right, about everything. You’re the right person to lead the team into the future. I was clinging to the past, to my ideas, not ready to move on. We need you. I need you. Will you take on the Knights?”

It seemed like everyone held their breath in the room, all for different reasons. Lucas nodded once to her, encouraging her. Her mind whirled with the possibilities. Everything she had always wanted, had been preparing for her whole life. She had once thought it was gone but she knew the Knights were a part of her.

She stood, hands bracing her on the table. “Looks like I own the Knights.” And she turned to Roger. “And I don’t want you interfering any longer in my team. Are we clear?”

Roger stood, gathering his papers. “We have some things to work out but, congratulations, Ms. Callahan. I look forward to working with you.”

He walked out of the room, followed closely by Lucas.

Her father came over to her and stood uncertainly. She reached for him and pulled him close in a fierce hug. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have appreciated some notice.”

“It took us the past week or so to get the legal details in order. Lucas was critical to that process.”

“Lucas?” She searched for him but he was gone. Her feelings must have been written all over her face because her father touched her on the arm.

“Go after him. Before he’s gone.”

*

Lucas stood atthe elevator, waiting for the familiar ding. He had done what he had come to do– save the Knights. Now it was time for him to do what his father would have wanted. Figure out his path.

“We seem to meet at the elevator an awful lot.”

Miranda’s voice came from behind him like a beacon in the bleak darkness of his life. His stomach clenched but he took one breath before turning around to face her. She looked better than ever, if a little thin and tired.

“Congratulations. The Knights are lucky to have you.”

“I think I’m lucky to have them,” she said softly. “Where are you off to next?”

He plunged his hands in his pockets to resist pulling her into his arms. “Seattle. I was supposed to be there Monday but I’m going to take some time with mom first.”

Miranda nodded. “Do you really want to go back to being on the road, living out of a suitcase?”

He thought about lying but then again he honestly didn’t know what to say, so he settled for the truth. “It’s what I do. And I’m good at it.”

The elevator doors opened and neither one of them moved.

“Yes, you are.” She stepped closer until he could see the deep blue of her eyes. “You know, you were assigned to fix the Knights, make us financially profitable. The way I see it, you haven’t finished your job.”

Hope danced in his chest and he suppressed a smile. “Really? I hear they have new leadership and I think their new owner can handle it.”

She nodded, a smile curving her lips. “Maybe. But I also heard they have an opening for a president and I couldn’t help but wonder if there is anyone better qualified than a turnaround consultant? Someone who loves the Knights as much as I do.”

He cocked his hip against the wall and smirked. “Are you offering me a job, Ms. Callahan?”

“I do believe I am. Are you interested?”

He folded his arms in front of him, trying to look stern. “No, I don’t think I want to work for you.”

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