Page 12 of Home Game

“Paulson knew it’d be a hit to lose you, but he also knew with your salary, and the salary cap, not only would I have to trade one player to him, but I’d also have to drop one player.”

Noah Moore. He was the reason my new team hated me. He was the reason I lay awake at night in a pool of guilt.

“I understand,” I managed to say.

He continued. “You’re one of the strongest players in the league today and no one wants this to work out more than us.”

I glanced at Gordon, who sat looking at us with crossed arms. “What Mark is trying to say is that in order for you to find success on our team, we need you to be part of the team.”

I felt a cold sweat break over me.Translation: my place in this team was in jeopardy unless I learned to fit in. “Got it. How much time do I have?”

Ashford sighed. “I’m required to keep you for the length of the season. So, let’s make this work, okay?”

“I’ll make it work.” My promise rang hollow to my own ears.

“So, tomorrow we’d like to promote you.”

My head shot up. “What?”

“We want to make you assistant captain.”

“What did Logan say?” I mentioned Max Logan, the captain.

“It was his idea.”

I sat there trying to absorb that.

Gordon jumped in. “We thought if we put you in a leadership position it would help you assimilate with the team better.”

This was unreal. “What did Jensen say?”

Jensen was the other assistant captain. And not my biggest fan.

Gordon looked uncomfortable. “He was less on board.”

Of course, he wasn’t. Jensen was Noah’s best friend, and he hated my guts.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes.”

I looked between the two men. It was highly unusual that a new player would make it to AC so soon after joining the team. It felt engineered.

Ashford leaned forward. “We want to put that situation with Noah behind you as much as you do. You’re one of the most valuable players in the league today. I know what you can contribute to this team. But I will fucking destroy anyone who gets in the way of this team getting what it deserves.”

I read that message another way. I needed to perform and get this show on the road or valuable or not, they would get rid of me. I needed to make this work.

I looked at Gordon. “You don’t think this is too soon?”

Ashford stood up. “It’s happening and my lawyers will draft the paperwork tonight. We will send the contract to your agent tomorrow, so give Krista a heads up.”

I stood up, and we shook hands. “Thank you.”

He slapped my shoulder. “Go out and celebrate.”

Someone walkingon the sidewalk caught my eye. She was small and dark and wearing a familiar leather jacket.

Zoey.

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