Page 100 of The Romance Game

Webster is quiet for a long moment as if surprised I didn’t jump at the opportunity. “In that case, be in touch with Coach Becker before the end of the day. All the best to you.” He hangs up.

Sliding my phone in my pocket, I press my hand to my forehead and then hammock my hands behind my head, turning in a circle.

Wow. Whoa. What just happened?

The ultimatum must’ve been exposed and I’m guessing Becker forced Webster to call because it’s essentially the assistant coach’s fault they lost the best quarterback the team has had in its history.

Just saying.

My contract was up for renewal. Webster told me the only way to stay on the team was to marry his daughter, but I’ve recently gathered from the other guys that he was on the chopping block and thought the way to stay on was to make sure I did. It was an evil plan.

The problem is, I almost fell for it.

But the PR patch-up worked, I announced my retirement, and now they’re offering me double to renew. I’d be crazy not to. Grabbing my Miami Riptide ball cap, I slide it on and hurry to meet Harley and tell her the great news.

She left earlier to drop Luke off with her sisters for the day so we can finalize the game plan for the Sip & Scoop. Thanks to Chip, I have the funds to hire a crew to repair it. Thanks to my football career, I can hire people to manage it, leaving Harley andI with fewer responsibilities and more time together...or me to play one more season. I have to check the new contract. Webster didn’t specify the terms. But one more year and another chance to win big? It’s a no-brainer.

After grabbing a couple of coffees from Beans & Books, I head over to the Sip & Scoop. Harley approaches from the other direction and I lift the coffee cup in a wave.

“There’s my favorite business partner.”

“And there’s my favorite beverage provider.” She kisses me on the cheek and then takes the paper cup.

“Ready for our morning coffee conference?” I open the door to the Sip & Scoop.

“I just noticed the building no longer looks like a jungle creature habitat.”

“We’re making progress,” I say, feeling hopeful.

“You’re in a good mood this morning,” she comments.

“Aren’t I always? But I got good news.” I’m practically like one of Magnus and Lally’s dogs, ready to run circles around her in my excitement.

“Me too.” Harley smiles broadly.

“You go first.”

“No, you go.”

“No, you.”

She tilts her head because we will go round and round for the rest of the day. Even when we’re not at odds, we can still be surprisingly stubborn.

“Okay, fine. Webster called earlier and all but apologized to me. He said the team is offering me double pay to come back.”

Harley’s lips part, but no words come out right away. “Really? Wow. That’s amazing. Way to go.”

“I have you to thank for helping me navigate that mess.”

She wears a tentative smile. “Of course.”

“Your turn.”

Swallowing, she says, “My old boss offered me my old job at Appeal PR.” She explains about the almost-promotion.

“Where was that again?”

“It’s in Montgomery.”

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