Page 81 of Hot Stuff
“Because we all saw what those women go through to get to that level, the shit that goes on behind closed doors.”
“Then why not a women’s team?”
“We’ll go after one of those next.”
Drake laughs. “You wanted to start with the hard shit first, then move to the easier.”
“And that right there is why we went after the men’s league. Since when is the women’s league easier? Why do you even think that?”
“Huh.” Drake sits back. “Damn. I didn’t even realize what saying that implies.”
“We know physically there are differences between men and women but the game is the same. Plus,” I add with a grin. “There’s nothing more satisfying than proving women are just as capable as men in an area traditionally controlled by men.”
Drake grins. “It’s going to be like watching a cat among the pigeons.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, you ladies are going to go in there and slaughter them all.”
Walker
“Do you want me in there with you? Or will I wait out here?” I give her the option because I want to support her the best way I can. And if that means I stay out of sight, then I stay out of sight.
“I think we should get people used to seeing us together. We’ve already been splashed all over the internet today, this isn’t going to make anything worse.”
“It won’t make it better either.”
She slips her arms around my waist and looks up at me. “I don’t want you to hide. Don’t want us to hide. I’m not planning to keep our relationship a secret so I don’t see why you should wait out here when you can be in there.”
Wrapping my arms around her, I pull her closer. “I don’t want to hijack your conference.”
“How?”
“By drawing attention away from you. From the Rogues announcement.”
“I don’t care if you do.” She shrugs. “It might make it easier to avoid certain questions if you’re there to distract the press.”
“You’re not going to announce anyone other than KAW owning the team and where they’ll be located, right?”
“Right. When we announce other things, I want it to be about the Rogues and nothing else. Right now it’s us, the leaked info, and the league.” She shakes her head. “Not to mention Cantrell’s part in it.Idon’t mind sharing the spotlight but when I’m discussing team details, I want nothing taking away from that.”
“Okay. I’ll be by the door.” I press a finger to her lips before she can speak. “I won’t hide but I’m just the supportive partner today. Next time I’ll be up there with you.”
She grins against my finger. “I want us to have matching jewelry by then.”
My mouth curls up in a smug smirk because I already know the ones I want. “Oh, we’ll definitely have those by then.”
“We’re ready.” Natalie Redding, the Rogues GM, marches toward us. “Dugan is making the announcement about the franchise, and he’ll make it short and to the point.”
“Did you give him the words we prepared?” Oakley turns in my arms so she can face Natalie.
“Yes. I explained our stance on the situation and that we’ll gladly see them in a court of law or public opinion if he doesn’t do this our way. He knows he fucked up. Knows the fact the franchise was linked to you in the media is on their heads, not ours.”
“Good. I don’t want enemies before we start but we can’t just roll over and play dead when they fuck up either. They need to be held accountable. We held up our end of the deal.”
Natalie nods. “Agreed.”
“Is Cami pissed?”
