Page 22 of Make the Play

“What makes you think that there’s something wrong?” I ask. I mimic his earlier stance and cross my arms over my chest, feeling far too exposed under his gaze.

He steps closer, and his large, calloused hand settles on my cheek. “I see it in those beautiful green eyes, Corie girl. Tell me what’s going on.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Did he upset you?” My brow furrows at his assumption. “The asshole you just told that you loved on the phone. Did he upset you?” There’s a growl to his voice.

This makes me smile. “That asshole's name is Sloane, and no, she didn’t upset me.” I watch him carefully and see his shoulders relax.

“Tell me.”

“It’s nothing. Just me being an overly emotional mess.”

He drops his hand from my face, grabs my hand, and leads me to the living room. He sits on the couch and gives my hand a soft tug, and I sit next to him. He turns to face me, and I do the same. “I’m all ears.”

I have a feeling he will keep at it until I tell him, so that’s what I do. I replay my earlier conversation with Landry and even my conversation with Sloane, because she made me feel a little better about the situation.

I don’t know what I expected, but it’s not for Knox to reach into his pocket and pull out his cell phone. He taps at the screen and places the call to his ear. “Hey, Sally, it’s Knox. How are you?” he greets whoever this Sally person is. He listens and then chuckles, the deep sound washing over me like a warm caress. “Yeah, they’ll be here for all the home games. You know they don’t like to miss them,” he tells her. “I just happened to hear through the grapevine that Holly is leaving the organization.” He listens, and then a broad smile lights up his face. “Good for them. That’s great. And good for me, too, because I have someone perfect for the position.” His eyes find mine, and he winks.

Why do I feel the flutter of those lashes in my belly like a swarm of butterflies?

“Great, her name is Corie Reynolds. She’s Landry’s sister. I’ll send her to you first thing Monday morning. Thanks, Sally.” He ends the call and slides his cell phone back into his pocket. “Monday morning at eight, you are to be at the stadium to meet with Sally. She’s the director of HR and is friends with my mom. She said the position is open because Holly is pregnant and leaving to be a full-time mom. Holly is married to Cody Martin, one of our defensive backs. Good guy. I know they’ve been trying for a family for a while, so I’m excited for them.”

My mouth falls open in shock. “Did you seriously just call the head of human resources? For me?”

He chuckles. “Yep.”

“Knox.” My voice cracks.

He leans in and tucks my hair behind my ear. “All better?” he asks.

“Yes, I mean—I can’t believe you did that.”

He shrugs as if he didn’t just do me the biggest favor. “If I’d known she was leaving, I would have told her about you anyway. How did Landry find out? Wait, let me guess, Harry?” He’s smiling widely. “I saw the two of them chatting after drills today. Those two are the gossip kings of the Rampage.”

Before I can reply, my phone rings and Landry’s name flashes on the screen. I answer, putting the call on speaker so that Knox can hear. “Hey, Knox is here, and you’re on speaker,” I tell him. I hate being on speaker when I don’t know who can hear me on the call.

“Shit, I forgot he was coming over. Sorry, man,” Landry says. “I had to come to talk to Coach for Corie.”

“It’s all good,” Knox answers.

“Anyway, Corie, Coach Warner didn’t know about the position, but he’s going to put out some feelers and get back to me.”

“No need,” Knox speaks up. “I took care of it.”

“What do you mean? How did you take care of it?”

“I called Sally in HR. She’s good friends with my mom. They met when Mom was visiting a few years ago and hit it off.” He shrugs as if it’s no big deal. “Corie is meeting with her Monday morning at eight,” Knox explains.

Landry lets out a yelp in celebration. It’s so loud I wince and hold the phone further away. “That’s fucking right. Rampage for the win!” Landry cheers.

Knox just grins while my belly flips. This could be the break I’ve been waiting for. Not only that, but I also get the chance to work for the same organization as my brother. If I’m being honest, working for a professional sports team is my dream job. I grew up living football with Landry. I’ve supported him every step of the way. I love the game, and this couldn’t be more perfect. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I really want this opportunity.

“I’m going to swing by and pick up something for dessert. Don’t start on dinner without me,” Landry demands.

“We’ll wait for you,” I assure him. “Be safe.”

“Always.” The call ends, and I drop my phone onto the couch cushion.

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