AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I feel Liam’s eyes on me. It’s almost like he’s judging my reaction. Shit.Has he heard something after all?
I fight to keep my breathing steady. It feels like I got punched square in the tit. “I’m just surprised, that’s all. Last night, Harry arguably played the best game of his professional career.”
Liam shrugs. “As I’ve said before, he’s been inconsistent. And we haven’t been satisfied with Harry’s performance for a while. Last night’s game doesn’t change that. We’ve identified a replacement, and if Los Angeles will give us the package we want for him, Harry’s out.”
My heart scrunches up like a ball of aluminum foil. Jesus—he sounds so cold.
As the owner of the Paragons—hell, of any of his business ventures—Liam is ruthless. I enjoy my job here, but the man keeps me on my toes. There’s always something tofix.But how the hell do I fixthis?
Liam continues, oblivious to the chaos looming inside me. “We need you to review his contract and make sure everything’s golden.”
My heart beat speeds up, and my palms start sweating.
This is not me. I’m Ms. Cool Under Pressure. This is not me.
But the idea of Harry being traded to the other side of the country does things to my blood pressure that would seriously concern my primary physician. Not to mention the fact that these men are asking formyhelp to execute their plan. I force my breathing to slow, seriously growing concerned. Crap. I’m totally going to be Googling heart attack symptoms when I get back to my desk.
In the meantime, I start to argue. “Why the rush to make a move on him? It makes more sense financially to keep Harry on the roster. His current salary is lower than any veteran wide receiver we could find to replace him, and by holding steady, you can keep that cap space for next season,” I say, trying my damnedest to remain cool and casual.
“It’s not just about the money, Nadia,” the GM replies, already getting to his feet. Apparently they’ve already made up their mind. “I’ve got to get to my next meeting. Let me know if his contract presents any surprises.”
“I’m aware that it’s more than just the numbers,” I contend even as the man heads for the door. I am trying to appeal to the logic behind such a trade, but I’m it’s already falling on deaf ears. “But Harry is keeping his nose clean. His endorsement deals and charity involvement all shine a positive light on the Paragons. You’ve got to admit that his stats are average in our division right now.”
“We don’t just want average,” the GM shrugs as he exits, leaving just me and Liam alone at the table.
I shake my head and keep trying to get through to them. “This just doesn’t se—”
“Nadia.” Liam leans back and sets his forearms on the table, interlocking his fingers. His stare penetrates my skull, making me wonder how Eliza deals with this guy. “Just a few weeks ago, you were saying that you’re not qualified to judge the on-field performance of my players. Now you’re suddenly an expert on our trade decisions?”
“All I’m saying is—“
“This isn’t a negotiation!” my boss roars.
I shake my head, still dazed by this situation that I’ve found myself in.
“Be straight with me. Is your loyalty to your career, or to your little crush?”
“My…my…” Fuck.
Without waiting for me to decide on what to say, Liam rises abruptly.
I clear my throat and straighten my shoulders. “I’ll review his contract, and let you know the specifics.”
“See that you do.” He turns for the door.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
I dragged my feet on having an important conversation with Liam. Now, I’m in even more of an impossible situation.
After I pull up Harry’s contract, I’ll need to review my own and refresh myself on exactly what’s in there about betraying a conflict of interest.
Either way, I’m officially screwed.
41
HARRY
“How you doin’, sexy?”
