Page 23 of The Final Draft

“Where are you and Digsby off to so early this morning?”

“Today is our spa day. Isn’t that right, Digsby?” I swear, the dog rolls his eyes at me. I don’t want to guess what a spa day entails for either of them. She arches her eyebrow, staring at me, sizing me up while I try not to laugh. Nothing deflates my cock faster than Mrs. Dilworth’s glare.

“Sounds like a well-deserved day of pampering.” I’m always polite, at least on the outside. Another neighbor enters theelevator and they lean their heads together to share the latest building gossip. I have no doubt it includes me.

“You ladies have a fabulous day.” With an “after you” motion, I sweep my arm out. I have a lot to think about, so I texted Kat to let her know I’m walking to the office today. I need to sort out my next steps with Harper.

When I arrive, the office is buzzing with excitement. Of course, it’s always full of energy. It’s an open workspace with desks scattered throughout. Lots of conference rooms line the walls for meetings. Since my agents are on the road eighty percent of their time meeting with clients and potential clients, they don’t have offices. This office primarily serves as a place to house our support team and meet with clients when they’re in New York.

The Decker Agency has forty-three agents and several are here today preparing for the NFL draft. We also employ thirty-nine support staff, seven accountants, and four lawyers. We represent athletes at every level, spanning fifteen sports from the NBA to bowling. Most agents specialize in a specific sport and have multiple players in their portfolio.

I only represent a few players now, transitioning most of my clients to highly trained and motivated agents. The few clients I carry are my friends, not forgetting the guys that got me where I am today. I still charge them minimal commission.

“Good morning, Mr. Decker.” Violet, my new assistant, pops up to follow me into my office. I drop my messenger bag on the couch and grab a water from my fridge.

“Morning, Violet. Anything DEFCON-one this morning?” I crack the top and guzzle the entire bottle. Walking from the Upper West Side to Midtown was a great way to clear my head. Idecided I only want to handle crises. Everything else can wait. I have other things to deal with besides work today.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what that is,” she fumbles. “Josie didn’t tell me about DEFCON status.” She scrolls through her phone like it holds all the answers. God, I miss Mary Kate. She was my assistant for years, and we practically started this agency together. Then she fell in love and moved to London. I still blame Ashleigh for playing matchmaker. I’ve had seven assistants in the past year, and I feel like it could be eight sooner than later.

“It’s okay, Violet. Anything about to blow up or need immediate attention?” I give her my patient expression, remembering to not spook her. I can be a bit much, so I try to cut her some slack. She’s definitely better than the last two assistants I’ve had.

“No, sir. I don’t think so. But Mr. McCoy,” she starts and is interrupted.

“Wants to know what the fuck is going on. You didn’t come in yesterday, you come in late today. What’s her name?” Patrick makes himself at home on my sofa and gives me an intense glare, raising the tension in the room. Violet scurries out of the room.

Patrick is my Chief Operating Officer and second in command at The Decker Agency. Honestly, he runs the place. He was the first agent I hired to help me, and we’ve been together for seven years. He’s great at the business side of things. Everyone is aware when they talk to him, it’s like talking to me. We operate with absolute respect for each other and total transparency. Well, with work, that is.

Patrick still carries some of his original clients, like I keep my friends. We’re both sentimental that way. He’s a few years older than me, and his premature salt and pepper hair gives him a distinguished look. Many assume he’s older than he is, which works well when people are hesitant because of my age.He’s a huge football guy, and when I landed Logan Swindell, top quarterback in the NFL, he was here to stay. After that, we couldn’t hire people fast enough to keep up with the demand.

Athletes want the level of service we offer. We treat you like family, and that’s hard to find in this business. Just like family, we look after our clients, but we’re also honest and direct, even if it’s difficult. We’ve had to tell guys it was time to hang up their cleats, focus on their health, or put their family first. Yeah, we love the money they bring in, but we care about them as people. That’s why several of our agents are previous clients. They want to keep the cycle and culture going. I’m proud of what we’ve created.

“Why do you assume there’s a woman involved?” Of course it’s true, but I can’t let him think he’s got me all figured out.

He quirks his eyebrow at me, not even giving me a verbal response.

“Thanks, Violet. Will you close the door on your way out? And let me know when someone calls so I can kick this man out of my office.” She gives me a hesitant smile and leaves. She’s sweet, but we aren’t a good match. Speaking of matching, I picture Harper’s dark eyes and flirty smile. I run my hand over my face and put my forehead in the palm of my hand.

“Shit. This isn’t good. You’ve got that look.”

“What look?” I mumble. I can’t make eye contact with him.

“Like a man that’s totally fucked because she’s got him under her spell.”

“I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.” I silently count to three, take a deep breath, and put my game face on.

“Can you find out who represents Zac Burns of the Havoc?”

“So that’s how you’re gonna play this?” He shakes his head in disapproval.

“Yep.” For now, that is. “Don’t you have some work to do?”

“Yeah, I hear you. Don’t forget, we’ve got that meeting with Tyler Kingston and his family this afternoon to help them navigate the pre-draft drama. It would be nice if you showed your face. He’s the top contender for the Heisman this year. His father is already talking shoe deals.”

“We should charge a high maintenance parents fee. I swear, they make these draft negotiations ten times harder than they used to be.” Fuck. I sound like a grumpy old man when I say that.

“Okay, Boomer.” His laugher hits me where it hurts. “But, unfortunately, you’re right.” Patrick leaves, but stops in the doorway. “Hey, I’m glad you’ve found someone that makes you rather be somewhere else but here.” He raps his knuckles on the door as he walks by, startling an already nervous Violet.

I’ve got a few hours before my meeting, so I focus on my fun project. I pull up my chat with Priscilla because I want to test the waters on a potential trope. The green dot shows she’s online, so I’m excited we can work through my latest idea.

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