Page 67 of Worth the Risk

“Thank you. Those are my bestsellers.”

“Anything else?” I ask. “I kind of need to get back to what I’m paid for.” I do my best to swerve Kimberly away.

Her sight lands on me. “I’ve sent you an updated schedule for the coming weeks. You have a few morning news slots coming up after you announce the season roster.”

“Usual business then. Can we catch up later?” I suggest.

“Sure. Maybe I can go over a few things with Piper and the team engagements coordinator during the next hour of practice?”

I look at Piper who seems lost. “It’s just protocol. The dos and don’ts of what can be discussed. Not a big deal since you didn’t even know who I was when we met.”

“What?!” Kimberly looks at Piper.

She shrugs her shoulders. “I know zero about sports.”

“Well, that will change soon.”

I grin again. “You okay?” I check with Piper.

“Sure, no problem.” Piper seems at ease.

“Great. I will give you two a minute then.” Kimberly walks off.

Piper looks at me, clearly entertained. “Have I just walked into a cult and this is my initiation?”

I rub both of her shoulders and hold her gaze. “Nah. It’s just a different world, a little closed-off sometimes. People kind of keep their distance unless you’re married or engaged to a player.”

“Oh.” Her eyes flutter.

A smirk spreads on my lips. “We can make that happen if you want.”

She scoffs a laugh. “Hudson Arrows, always on the fast track.”

“I’m not sure slow is for us.” I’m serious, and by the way her face stills for a second, I think she understands my sentiment.

“You haven’t even met my grandmother yet.” It sounds like a challenge.

“I’ll rectify that.”

Piper glances away then back at me. “I don’t doubt that.”

“Don’t worry, you’re the coach’s girl, so by association they may be a little scared of you.”

“Duly noted.”

I glance at my watch and know that I’ve already let break carry on for a minute longer, and it may have people thinking I’m going soft.

“I’m happy you’re here. Also, that you’re not running for the hills after the last five minutes.”

She steps closer to me, her hands sliding up my arms to land on my shoulders. “Nah, running for the hills would mean that you would only chase after me, and I like when you lead the way.”

There is something about her words that lingers inside me the rest of the day. Piper seemed at ease after chatting with the team coordinators, and a quick lunch was a refreshing change to my schedule. When I bid her goodbye, I could tell she was at peace yet still missing a piece of her life to make her feel fully calm.

And I have every intention to rectify that.

21

HUDSON

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