Page 11 of Hot Stuff
“We’ll deal with the team’s lawyers from now on. No need to interrupt your day again,” Drake says as his hand replaces mine in Jerry’s. “Again, thanks for seeing us on short notice.”
Jerry pulls his hand from Drake’s and pushes his ample weight out of his chair. “I’ve got another meeting to get to. Good luck with whatever you do next, Alcott.” Showing me Drake and I aren’t the only ones saying things out of fake politeness, his back is turned and he’s striding from the room before I can reply.
Not that I was going to comment. I’ve never been a fan and after the photos Oakley gave me, I’m even less of one. I’m glad I won’t be around when that shit gets made public because if I’ve learned anything about Kristina over the last few years, it’s she does everything for a reason. And that reason is to climb a ladder.
It might have taken me a while—and Oakley shoving those photos in my face—but I finally see the woman for who she is. And Jerry Cantrell might think he’s in control of their little affair, but I’d bet the money I earned on my contract with Rogue sportswear she’s going to blow up his world.
“Walker, if you don’t mind, can I get a copy of your media announcement so I can draft a statement from the team?” Mischa asks.
“Sure. Although I thought Jerry didn’t want to make the announcement.”
“He doesn’t and we won’t, but we will need to make a comment on yours.”
“Ah, yeah, sorry, I wasn’t thinking.” I glance at the door Jerry went through. “Is it going to be an issue for you?”
She shakes her head and smiles. “No. He might think he runs the place, but Rafe will be extremely vocal about the results of this meeting. He’ll want to be sure you leaving the team is handled correctly.”
I nod. Neither of us voicing that we both think Jerry is not handling this the right way. Rafe would be here if it weren’t for his kid being in hospital. “I hope Rafe’s son is okay.”
“I’m sure he will be. He’s not the first nine-year-old to break an arm.”
“No. Guess not. Okay, well, let Rafe know he can give me a call if he wants.” I don’t know what we would talk about at this point except I consider New York’s GM a friend as well as my boss and I definitely don’t want to leave here without thanking him for all he’s done for me over the years.
Although, I’m not sure I should speak to him if I take Oakley up on her offer.
“C’mon, we can stop at your lawyer’s office before we head back to mine.” Drake grabs his briefcase.
“Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” I want to get to Oakley. I’m not ready to say yes—I still need some questions answered—but I’ve always followed my gut, and my gut tells me to go to Oakley.
Whether that’s because of her offer or the sizzle of attraction between us, I’m not sure. And at this point I don’t care.
I want to see her again.
Now.
In fact, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. “I need to do something. I’ll meet you at your office first thing in the morning.” I clap Drake on the back. “You don’t need me to talk to my lawyer, I trust you to do what’s necessary. I’ll sign anything I need to tomorrow.”
What I don’t add is that I might have something else for him to look at.
Do coaches need agents?
It’s something I’ve never thought about. I’ll need a lawyer at least, to look over any contract Oakley gives me.
“We need to get the press release finalized and distributed.”
“Tomorrow.”
“But—”
I give him the one thing I know he won’t argue against. “I need to speak to Shelby.”
Drake knows my sister is everything to me. I became her guardian after our parents died and while she’d been a few months from going off to college and anything but a kid at the time, I was still responsible for her. Any offer Drake gets for me or comes across his desk is vetted with Shelby in mind.
“You haven’t told her?”
Shaking my head, I say, “No, not yet. I want to tell her in person, before it goes public.”
“Sure. Sure. Get going then. I’ll see you in the morning.”
