Page 134 of The Overtime Persuasive

“Perfect,” Tripp says at the same time.

Liam rubs a hand over his jaw, failing to hide his smile. “It’s a little obvious.”

“Obvious fits on a letter board.” I write the name beneath next month’s date. “Pucks and Prose it is.”

Tripp tucks Pride and Prejudice under his arm. “Do members receive a discount?”

“Ten percent.”

Liam looks at me. “Your other book clubs get fifteen.”

“My other book clubs don’t have professional-athlete salaries.”

“Good business model,” Tripp says.

Owen shakes his head and heads for the door. “I wanna eat before this turns into a membership drive.”

Tripp looks at Liam. “You coming?”

Liam slides the drill into his toolbox. “Yeah. Give me a minute.”

“We’ll be up the street.” Owen pushes open the door, then points at the romance tucked beneath Tripp’s arm. “You’re not bringing that.”

“I’m buying it.”

“You own a copy.”

“My copy has notes in the margins.”

I ring Tripp up, discount included, and he follows Owen to the front door. They start to exit, but Owen stops halfway onto the sidewalk and turns back, his face incredulous, and looks at Tripp. “Hold up. You took notes on Pride and Prejudice?”

“Darcy insults Elizabeth’s entire family during his first proposal and still expects her to say yes.” Tripp tucks the book beneath his arm. “That kind of confidence warrants documentation.”

The door closes behind them, cutting off Owen’s response.

For a moment, the store is quiet apart from the old hockey game playing in the back and the faint scrape of Tripp and Owen continuing their argument outside.

“So.” Liam comes around the counter and wraps his arms around my waist. “Starting a book club with my team?”

“That appears to be what just happened.”

“Are you sure you want all of them in your little store?”

I slide my hands up his chest. “If all of you are reading, yes. I would love to have you here.”

“All of us?” He kisses my cheek. “That’s generous.”

“I’m a generous person.” I rise onto my toes and place the softest of kisses on his lips. “But please understand that twenty percent is as far as I’m willing to go on the books.”

He leans back. “You told Tripp ten.”

“I’m prepared to negotiate if pushed.”

“Twenty percent for the entire team?”

“Not a penny more. I don’t care how many goals you score.”

“What about assists?”