Page 74 of Hot Stuff
“Well, we’re going to be defending the team and Laken against Cantrell but not yet. The lawyers have done their thing, and he now has a gag order on him that should prevent him from talking more. But it’s Jer, so anything is possible.”
I bite my tongue to keep from saying what I’m thinking but Oakley doesn’t have the same restraint.
“He’s an idiot. He’s already spreading rumors about the league’s new franchise, and you and I both know the league will not take kindly to him revealing any information on that deal before they do.”
“Wow. His idiocy never stops.” Rafe’s sigh comes through loud and clear. “Let’s talk again tomorrow and set up a press conference for the day after, Walker.”
“I’m good with that.”
“Okay, talk then. I’m sorry to cut this short but I gotta get back to Laken.”
“Go. And thanks. I’ll wait to hear from you tomorrow.”
“All right. Bye.”
When the line goes dead, Drake leans back in his chair. “Well. That’s one thing dealt with, what’s next?”
“Now I have your pretty signature, I think we talk about this.” Oakley drops a bundle of papers I recognize in front of him.
He barely reads the first paragraph before his eyes are up and he says, “It’s true?”
“Yep.” She nods with a Cheshire cat smile. “You’re the first, outside of the league and KAW, to know the newest NHL team is the Rogues coming out of Baton Rouge.”
“Holy shit.” He tips sideways and pulls out his phone. “I need to make a call to someone.”
I look at Oakley. “Shouldn’t you notify the league of the leak?”
“No. Better if it comes from direct sources.” She points to Drake, then pushes back her chair and stands. “C’mon, let’s make sure we don’t overhear anything. That way we can deny knowledge about this call without lying.”
“I need a refill,” I say as I stand.
Reaching for Drake’s mug, I hook a finger through the handle. It’s heavier than I thought, and he probably doesn’t need a refill but it’ll keep us out of the room long enough for him to make the call.
She waits until we’re in the kitchen before speaking, her voice lowered. “Are you going to reveal I offered you a job?”
“I don’t know. Should I?”
“Up to you. I’ve just told him about the Rogues so it’s not like you have to be vague.”
“True. And I did wonder if I needed an agent for the contract.”
“Get him and your lawyer to look at it but unless you have completely unrealistic demands, we’re open to modifying the contract to fit your needs.”
“Is that because we’re sleeping together or because you want me to coach the team?”
“I’d never give you special consideration because we’re having sex, and it’s more than that anyway.”
“It is.” I nod and lean my hip against the counter while she tops up all the mugs. “How much more?”
“Huh?” She glances at me. “What do you mean?”
“How much more do we want to make this now? We’re obviously not hiding our relationship anymore, and I’m about to announce my retirement…” Rubbing a hand over my jaw, I make a mental note to shave. “Should we establish the seriousness of us for the world to see to defuse some of the gossip that’s bound to circulate once the Rogues are announced?”
“How? Us being seen together, you moving in with me isn’t enough?”
“Well…” The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced my line of thought is a good one. “Got time for a quick holiday?”
She’s got her mug halfway to her mouth but stops. Putting it down, she doesn’t take her eyes off me. “You are not thinking what I think, are you?”
