Page 87 of Her Game Plan

“Too true.” My phone vibrates with a text from my assistant. “Hey, I’ve got to go. I need to call that potential sponsor I was telling you about.”

“Okay, but when you get back, we’re having a girls’ night. We’ll hang out and have fun. You can escape Callan’s house and all the awkwardness that’s sure to come from continuing to live with the guy you were fake dating, who you were then sleeping with and developed feelings for, who you’re still fake dating and still have feelings for, but you’re no longer sleeping with—”

“I think we get it, Addie.”

“Do we? Because I’ve been along for this entire saga, and I’m still not one hundred percent sure I do.”

I flash her my middle finger. “Girls’ night,” I promise.

After I hang up with Addie, I splash some cold water on my face, grateful that this call with Preston Hale isn’t on video when I see my swollen eyes and puffy nose. But the fact that he asked to talk to me the night after our loss? Not good.

Not good at all.

I take a few deep breaths, forcing myself to stay composed. Luckily, I’m good at pulling my shit together when it comes to work. My personal life? Not so much.

Finally, I dial the number I was given for Preston Hale.

“Hello?”

I force myself to smile, knowing people can hear it through the phone. Though, for the record, Mr. Hale is certainly not smiling. “Hello, Mr. Hale. It’s Charlotte Langford. I was told you wanted to speak with me.”

“Thank you for returning my call, Charlotte.” His tone is hard, like I’ve somehow offended him. “I’ll cut right to the chase. I received some information today, and I wanted to let you know I’m no longer interested in a sponsorship deal with the Stallions.”

My stomach drops to the fucking floor. I knew it was coming, but knowing something and hearing it are two completely different things. But he’s still on the phone, so I’m still in the game. And I can’t take another loss tonight.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Do you mind me asking why? I know the game today didn’t have the ending we were all hoping for, but these things do happen. And we are looking forward to a fantastic season next year. We’ve got a great coaching staff and players who have…” I’ve let go and let God at this point. No one knows what words are coming out of my mouth.

“Charlotte.” His voice breaks through my monologue. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but it’s not about the game today. I was informed that you all are looking to trade Callan Devine. And frankly, I’m not interested in being involved with a team that would do that, let alone someone who would trade their own boyfriend.”

I take another deep breath, trying to refrain from unloading my whole situation on Preston. He doesn’t respect me trading Callan? He won’t respect me if I tell him about my fucking tornado of a professional life, let alone the dumpster fire that is my relationship with Callan.

Being called an emotional woman would be the least of my concerns.

“I’m not sure where you got your information from, Mr. Hale, but no trade offers are in the works regarding Callan.”

There’s a pause, as if this is news to him. “I heard from a very reputable source that your GM has approached two different teams.”

This time, I’m the one speechless. Would Hugo do that without consulting me? Fuck. He would. But did my dad know and not say anything? “Our GM is talking to teams about possible trades all the time, Mr. Hale. I’m sure you understand that our goal is to have the best team possible. While I understand that you are a fan of Callan’s, if you are only interested in this sponsorship because of him, we likely aren’t a great fit—whether or not Callan is on the field for us next year.”

Preston chuckles. “You know, for such a small little thing, you’re not too bad at this whole business thing.”

Is that supposed to be… a compliment? If so, truly terrible. Deciding to simply ignore it, I mentally shove down my panic for long enough to say, “If you change your mind about wanting to partner with the Stallions, please feel free to reach back out. If not, I completely understand. Goodnight, Mr. Hale.”

I drop down on the edge of my bed, my head heavy as I massage my eyes with the heels of my hands. My heart hurts from the blows it’s taken the past few days. This is a major setback. For me, yes, but for the team as a whole. And if Hugo really has been making calls… My blood boils at the thought. I’m fucking sick and tired of that man. And the only thing more dangerous than a woman who is being ignored is one who has been backed into a corner at rock bottom.

And after losing Callan and the one sponsor I still had on the line?

This is fucking rock bottom.

Chapter 35

Callan

“Oh, shit, sorry.” I awkwardly do that back-and-forth thing with Charlotte where you’re trying to get around each other, but you both keep moving in the same direction.

Charlotte tries to move out of the way yet again. “My bad. I didn’t think you’d be home. I was just changing… for a meeting.”

I finally stop moving, letting her slip around me. There’s a heavy pause. Is meeting the new code word for date? Because, what the fuck? She’s not going on a date with another man.