Page 88 of The Closed Off Captain

Jason grins. “Well, in this case, both.” Then he glances between Chloe and I. “Congratulations on the engagement, by the way.”

“Oh, we’re not—

I don't let her finish her sentence. “Thanks,” I say as I wrap an arm around her waist and pull her into my side. At the feel of her soft body against my side, I feel my tension begin to ease. Chloe, however, is a different story. I can feel her tense up; and that is not what I’m going for. So, I take control. “It’s going to be starting soon, so we’ll take our leave and find our seats.”

“Chloe,” Jason says before we take a single step. Her name on his lips makes my skin crawl. “This event is amazing; we’ve heard about the work you’re doing, and you are truly to be commended.” I don’t say anything because Chloe deserves the praise, even if it comes from this idiot.

Carl, the guy next to Jason, finally joins the conversation. “The work you’ve done with the Green Thunder organization is truly astounding. You have truly turned this team into a franchise team.”

I frown at his words, even as I’m happy for the praise for Chloe. Chloe laughs, but it’s not her real one. “The players have made this team a true franchise,” she corrects.

“True, but you have brought this team a lot of notoriety and really done an amazing job,” Carl says.

Chloe inclines her head the slightest bit. “Well, thank you; but these guys are a dream to work with. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get back to the other guests.”

“Of course,” Carl says.

“Just one more thing,” Jason says, and I feel Chloe tense next to me. I rub my thumb over her side, hoping it helps to calm her.

“What?” My voice is no longer polite; maybe it never was. But I just want to get Chloe away from the two of them.

“Would you ever consider starting over with a new team?” Jason asks.

I stare at him in shock.Is he seriously trying to get Chloe to leave the Green Thunder?

Chloe seems to be just as shocked as I am. “I am very happy working here,” she starts, and the pressure eases the slightest bit from my chest.

Carl sticks his hand out and hands me a paper. “This isn’t an official job offer, but it’s just a glimpse of what it would look like, working for Indianapolis. Look at it and consider it. Everything is negotiable.”

“Sir, I really am happy—"

“Just take a look at it,” Carl says. “You can always say no.”

Chloe takes it from him but doesn’t look at it. And with that, my patience is gone. “Gentlemen,” I nod as I turn, bringing Chloe with me. She doesn’t fight me, and I feel like she might bein a daze. I spy a quiet corner and lead us that way. I position us so that she’s in the corner with me in front of her, my back to the rest of the room. It gives us a little bit of privacy. “Hey, are you okay?” I put my finger under her chin and lift it gently, so I can see her eyes. I relax slightly when I see her eyes are clear.

“Yeah, sorry.” She shakes her head and then squints her eyes. “Did they just offer me a job?” Not trusting myself to speak yet, I nod. She laughs softly, but I don’t join her. “What in the world?” she mumbles.

I glance at the envelope still clasped in her hand. “Are you going to look at it?” I ask in a low voice.

“No.” Her answer is immediate. “I love working with this team.”

“I know you do.” My heart is conflicted. I can’t imagine losing her to another team, but this isn’t about me. “Maybe you should look at it.” Her wide eyes meet mine. I shrug, trying to make it look like it doesn’t pain me to even be having this conversation. “What if it’s a better offer?”

She continues to stare at me, and I wish I knew what she was thinking. Part of me wishes she would tear it up and throw it away without ever looking at it, but that’s not fair to her. What if it’s a better offer? More money, better position, less working hours or stress... I would hate it for me, but I want that for her...if that’s whatshewants. “Open it,” I tell her softly.

She breaks eye contact with me and opens the envelope and pulls out a single piece of paper. I watch her as her eyes skim over the words. I know it’s a good offer when her eyes widen, and my chest tightens painfully. She lowers the letter a moment later and meets my eyes. “Is this for real?” Her whispered words tell me exactly what I need to know.

“It’s a good offer.” It’s not a question.

“It’s areallygood offer,” she corrects. Her eyes are wide with panic when they meet mine again, and I step closer. “Why are they doing this? Why now? It’s the middle of the season.”

“Hey, you don’t have to decide anything right now. Let’s just get through tonight, okay.” And then, because I can’t resist, I reach out and touch her soft cheek. “You okay?”

“Chloe?” somebody calls from right behind me, and I realize our quiet moment is over.

Chloe shakes her head. “I can’t deal with this right now. I need to go. Can you hold this for me?” She shoves the letter at me.

“Yeah.” I step out of her way. Before I can say anything else, she strides away, step in step with a server. I watch her go a moment before I make my way to the table where my teammates and their wives sit. I pull out my seat and join them. I put the letter on the table next to my plate, so I don’t ruin it.

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