Page 30 of Ready to Snap
The man glances to Will’s and my joined hands. Before I can defend it, Will continues his explanation, “We are both aware of the non-fraternization clauses in our contracts. But I have to admit, I’ve always been attracted to Elle. After last night, I want to date her openly. We planned on meeting with you today before the photos leaked about me being with a mystery woman. So, what do we need to do to make that happen?”
“You don’t,” Denise replies with a sharpness I’m not accustomed to. “Those clauses are there to protect the players.” The fact that she only mentions players isn’t lost on me. “If we allow you to date, then we have to let all players do the same. We have a few options here: you can continue to pursue a relationship, but Elle will need to quit without severance; or you can end your relationship, and the only ones privy to everything are here in this room. In either case, you’ll both sign NDAs, and this will be water under the bridge. Regardless, we will not comment on any inquiries about the two of you having dinner last night.”
“What about me? I don’t suffer any consequences? This is sexist bullshit,” Will sneers, glaring at his agent. “How quickly can I be traded?”
“You can’t. I looked into it and no one would buy out your contract,” he sighs, low enough only Will and I can hear. “I’m sorry. Sign the NDA and we’ll pretend this never happened.”
“You’re making Elle choose between her job and me,” Will growls, then leans in to whisper, “Don’t choose me.”
I glance around the room, and all at once none of it matters. I’m an Ivy League-educated woman with years of experience. Jobs come and go, and I’ll easily get hired somewhere else.
Fuck it.
“I love the Cougars, but I can’t work here if I have to hide how I feel about Will,” I announce. “Do you have a termination contract drawn up?”
“No,” Will growls. “I won’t let you do this.”
I echo his words from last night. “When was the last time you let someone choose you?”
CHAPTER 11
WILL
Despite my protest, Elle signs the papers. I storm out of the meeting, not giving a fuck about pleasantries.
“Will, wait up!”
I don’t stop until the closed elevator forces me to. When she catches up, I snap, “You worked too hard for the Cougars to be treated this way.” She wraps her arms around my middle and presses her cheek above my heart. I can’t help pulling her closer, kissing the top of her head. None of this should’ve happened, and I’m pissed at myself for not preparing for the worst-case scenario. I can’t lose her over this. “I’m going to retire at the end of the season. We could’ve waited and saved your job.”
“It’s okay. I knew the risks. Everything comes down to money—you are profitable, I’m replaceable. I’ll find another job. I’ll be fine.” She glances up at me, resting her chin on my chest. “This little relationship of ours is new, but this wasn’t a one-night stand. I can't work with you for the rest of the season and pretend Idon’t want you.”
My chest is heavy, but I default to humor. “A couple of orgasms and you’re already in love with me, aren’t you, gorgeous?” The truth is, I’m the one who’s in love. I want to give her the world, but instead, she lost her job… because of me.
“Not quite, Darling. I need more than your face between my legs to win me over. I just didn’t want this to end before it even had a chance to begin.”
The elevator opens and I drag her inside, hitting theclose doorbutton no less than fifteen times. The moment they do, I take her face in my hands and bring her lips to mine, pouring everything I’m feeling into her. She gave up her livelihood for us to be together—a sacrifice she didn’t have to make, but one that makes my heart squeeze all the same.
As we break apart, our breaths are heavy, and she rushes out, “I need to call Nora about all of this.”
“Oh, uh… will she tell Ronan?” A smirk tilts my lips.
“You don’t want him to know about us?”
“I already told him we had dinner last night, but I kind of want it to come from me and not his wife, if that’s okay?”
“Of course. I’ll tell her not to say anything.”
“I don’t have anything to hide—Ronan’s been Team Elle for years.” I shrug and huff a small laugh. “Hell, they all have. I need to meet with my trainer in an hour, but… will you have dinner with me tonight? My place?”
Elle bites her lip, then smiles brightly. “Don’t you think that’s spoiling me a bit? You already made breakfast, and I still have the lunch you packed in your truck. My apartment isn’t as fancy, and is about a tenth the size of yours, but why don’t you come over and we can order in?”
“I don’t care how big your apartment is, I’d love to come over, but I need to portion out my tri-tip, and I’ve got therapy tonight at eleven. I could do the video call from your place but”—I rake a hand through my hair—“I want to tell the guys about us.”
“I totally understand. I’ll come to you and leave before eleven.”
“No, that’s not what I meant. I want you to stay over, I just need…”
Fuck, why is it so hard to get this out?
