Page 60 of Broken Play
"Sutton needs to be able to trust. I know it seems like she has it all, having been a professional tennis player and having a dad as wealthy as Mr. Anders, but I did a little research when she was brought on. She lived at a tennis academy without her parents until she was an adult. So, more than anything, she needs to feel she can count on you—that you'll be there to help correct any mistakes or just make her feel better. If she trusts you, she'll do anything to help you achieve your goals."
"And here I thought you were just a pretty face with an arm that throws bullets." He laughs.
"Don't tell anyone." I rap my knuckles against the desk before heading for the elevator, Marlon's words echoing in my head. As I make my way to the parking garage, my mind drifts to Sutton and how much I want to be the one she counts on.
By the time I slide into my truck, my phone vibrates, lighting up with Sutton's name.
BL: J.D. is the best. I made four suites available that we normally don't, and he bought out the suites so everyone could come.
Me: I'm the best, O'Ryan, but that's awesome. Make sure you ask Marlon face-to-face. I think he could use it.
BL: I didn't even know you knew his name.
Me: I know everything when it comes to you.
BL: You haven't found my spot.
Me: Bullshit. You quake and come until there's practically a puddle on my lap.
BL: Oh God, stop.
Me: You started it. And if you have any spots I haven't found, it's because we've been rushed. Soon you're going to be mine all night long.
BL: Dreams.
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Me: Wet dreams.
THIRTY-TWO
SUTTON
J.D. bought three connecting suites. I wish he didn't have to do that, but the rental of the stadium goes through Birdie's management company.
J.D., Greyson, their siblings, and Parker's friends walk around the suite as they get introduced to the players and staff. Noelle is talking Coach Stricker's ear off. About what? I don't know, but he's listening to her intently.
Marlon stands beside me. "Thank you for inviting me. Let me know what you need."
"I'm going down with Coach. Can you talk with Rosalie from HR about giving Parker O'Ryan an internship? I want to make sure it won't hurt his eligibility if he decides to play college ball next year. I'm trusting you with this. I need to know by tomorrow night. That's when I'm meeting with his dad."
Marlon has a confused look on his face, so I continue. "The O'Ryans' dad is the head football coach at LaGrange."
"How did I not know that?" he asks. "I've been here longer than you."
"Why would you?"
"I should have information before you do, so I can be valuable."
"Marlon, I have no complaints about you or the job you're doing. And by the way, that vest goes great with jeans. Stylish."
His normally slicked-back hair is more casual tonight and a little messy. Heath joins us. "Sutton's right. You look like a stud." Then he looks at me and says, "Coach said you were going to the first row with him. Can I come too?"
I don't want to hurt his feelings, but I can't think of how to say no. Luckily, Marlon saves me.
"Heath, no, no. We'll have much more fun up here. But I do have an extra VIP backstage pass for the after-party."
"And you know I'm not staying for the after-party. You and Marlon do the backstage thing. In fact, you can both come in at ten tomorrow instead of eight. Sound good?"
