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“I’ll have to tell you later, when we don’t have an audience,” I whisper, leaning in and kissing his helmet.

With too much confidence in my step, I walk past Ben and Xander, who are gaping at us. I use that confidence to carry me all the way into Dean’s office. He’s a manager above Ben’s level, and even though I’m technically going over Ben’s head with this request, I don’t particularly care.

Ever since finding out that I was working for Levi, Ben has given me crappier and crappier shifts. Working past midnight, cleaning toilets. We have a full-time janitor, for fuck’s sake. This weird power move needs to stop.

“Miss Thomas,” Dean says, standing and shaking my hand.

“Thank you so much for meeting with me,” I say.

“What can I do for you?” He gestures for me to sit in the chair opposite his desk.

I do so, sitting up straight and clearing my throat. I try to exude some of Levi’s confidence and power as I say, “Sir, I’ve only been working here for a few months, and unlike a lot of my coworkers who view this as a summer job, I have plenty of golf experience.”

His expression is one of interest, nodding along to my words.

I push on. “Not only have I played at the collegiate level and have a bachelor’s degree in sports management with a focus on golf, but I’ve been in the process of getting my LPGA certification as well.”

His eyebrows lift in surprise and my stomach tightens. This is what I was afraid of. He doesn’t know any of this because Ben never brought it up.

“That’s really impressive, Miss Thomas,” he says.

I continue, needing to say my piece before the conversation gets derailed. “Sir, my supervisor has done everything in his power to assign me jobs that are below my skillset. I’ve bartended, cleaned carts and equipment, I’ve cleaned toilets and even flipped signs in the parking lot.” I huff a frustrated breath but try to reign in my anger. “With all due respect, sir, I’d like to work in the pro shop or be a part of the assistant coaching staff, at the very least.”

Dean frowns deeply and leans back in his chair, pondering. “You said Ben is your supervisor?”

I nod but don’t elaborate further. I don’t want to completely trash Ben and tank my chances at getting the job I want here. No matter how much he deserves it.

“I agree with you, the skills you have could be used on our assistant coach staff. I’ll need to speak with Ben and get to the bottom of this,” he says.

“I also have a letter of recommendation from Bryan Clark. He’s a well-known short-game coach,” I add, before he can dismiss me altogether. Of course he’d want to talk to Ben.

“Yes, I know Bryan well,” Dean says, pressing a finger to his lips and tapping it once, twice. “I’ll tell you what, the assistant coach position is yours.”

I nod. Am I disappointed that Ben will likely only get a slap on the wrist? Yes. But this is already more than I expected coming into this meeting.

Baby steps.

Change won’t happen overnight. But at least I can keep working at Hartford Heritage.

I get a ride home from Rosie, who tells me about her plan to drive to Boston and look into her birth records. If I hadn’t needed to take so much time away from the club already, I would have offered to go with her.

Levi is waiting in the living room. There are two bags packed by his feet and I slowly walk inside.

“Hey,” I say, startling him.

“Hazel,” he says, standing up from the couch.

“What’s this?” I point to the luggage.

He takes a deep breath and asks, “Do you trust me?”

I frown. Of course I trust him, but this is out of character. “I do, but I’m going to need a bit more information.”

“Yes, but first, how did your talk with Dean go?” he asks, running his palms down my arms, linking our fingers together.

“Good. Not perfect,” I admit. “Ben still works there. But you’re looking at the new assistant coach.” I grin, swinging our arms from side to side in excitement.

Levi smiles, kissing me swiftly. “That’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.”