Page 59 of Broken Play
"Um, there may have been someone who told me I was a mistake, but other than that one time, no, I don't." I wink. "And this guy has never been dumped."
I need time to research and mull it over. "Give me a few days to talk about it with Human Resources."
J.D. stands, and I follow. He extends his hand. "That's all we ask."
They shake hands, and when she reaches out to me, it feels wrong. There's a charge between our palms, something we both pretend not to feel. Instead, I go around her desk and scoop her up in a bear hug. "Thanks, boss lady." I make it look playful, but the way her breath catches against my ear reminds me that even though we're hiding behind jokes and official titles, we're together.
As we're walking out, she says, "If I can make it happen, I will, but it must be on the up-and-up. I won't jeopardize his college football eligibility, and if I agree, I'll want to talk to your dad off the record. Not here."
"No problem. He's coming by my house tomorrow night for dinner." I slap my hand against my brother's shoulder. "Are you and Birdie available?"
He nods his head. "Great. Dinner at seven at my house."
"I'll be done coaching Paulina about six, so it shouldn't be a problem."
J.D.'s hand is already on the brass doorknob when he pauses to look at Sutton. "Oh, I almost forgot. Birdie would love for you to come to the concert tonight."
Sutton blinks, slowly and uncertainly, caught off guard by J.D.'s invitation. I can see the gears turning and churning inside her head, weighing her options and outcomes.
"Come on, Sutton, we all deserve to let off a little steam."
She hesitates, mumbling about having a lot to do. I can hear the strain of exhaustion in her voice.
Leaning against the wall, keeping my tone light, I hope to take the pressure off. "You don't have to come for the whole show, but we'll have front-row seats—safely away from the mosh pit, I promise. Well, Noelle and Parker's friends will probably be in the pit, but us old people will have a seat." I give her a hopeful look, silently rooting for her to say yes, wanting a reason to be near her.
The corner of her lip twists. "I hate to ask, but do you have any room for the office staff?"
"Let me ask. I'm sorry I didn't think of it earlier. I'm distracted by the first home game."
"I'll let you know when I hear back," J.D. says as he immediately messages Birdie.
"Okay, thanks."
J.D. leaves first, so I turn around and wink at the blonde bombshell of a boss. She turns a pretty pink. "See ya tonight. Check your messages." I walk out but leave the door open and lean against Marlon's desk while I'm typing my message.
Me: Don't wear your cowboy boots or hat.
BL: Why?
Me: That's your disguise.
BL: You'll have to keep your hands in plain sight.
Me: I don't know. There's probably a closet somewhere.
"Were you waiting for me?" Marlon asks.
"Oh, sorry, I was texting my dad. Love your vest."
He looks down and straightens it. "You do? I thought it might be a little much, but my boyfriend said it makes me look like a high-powered broker."
I look him up and down. It's a navy-blue monochromatic vest, but with a checkered pattern you can see when he moves. "Dress for success is what I always say." Then I examine my athletic wear. "But I guess it depends on what you're trying to achieve. You have the best job in the organization... working for Sutton."
"Without a doubt, she's the best boss I've ever had, but I want to be the one making decisions, one of these days."
I'm not much older than Marlon, but because of my stature on the team, it feels like he's one of my little brothers. "Can I give you some advice?"
Marlon stuffs one hand in his pocket. "Sure."
