Page 61 of Power Play Rivals
The minute the word matchmaker fell out of my mouth, Nathan freaked out.
So much so that the only words he spoke to me during the whole christening were a mumbled, ‘I’ll think about it.’
Seriously, sometimes I think that my players are just big babies that need someone always ready to come and wipe their asses anytime they shit the bed.
The one thing they don’t teach you at school is how that’s the correct definition of a sports agent half the time.
When the christening finally ends, I’m quick to get out of there.
Babies and church are just not my thing.
I only came for Jack.
And, well… Nathan.
But since he looks like he’s going to give me the silent treatment for the rest of the day, I don’t see why I should stay for Jack’s party, which is taking place at his apartment afterward.
“Leaving already?” Jack asks at the threshold of the church.
“You know me. God might have rested on the seventh day, but there are no days off for a sports agent.”
“I get it.” He chuckles. “Thanks for coming anyway.”
“Not a problem.” I smile warmly. “I know you’ve been busy with the girls and planning little baby Fiona’s christening, but have you taken any time to look over the contract I sent you?”
“Wait? That contract was for real?” he asks, eyes widening.
“Of course, it’s for real. Do you think I’d joke about that?”
“I don’t know. I just thought maybe it was some typo,” he says, looking a bit overwhelmed. “I mean, ninety-six million for an eight-year contract seems obscene to me.”
“It’s not obscene. You’re worth that and a whole lot more,” I tell him, and I mean every word.
“Piper… that amount of money will ensure my family is set for life. I can retire after those eight years without worrying whether I have enough money to send my girls to college or not. I… don’t have any words,” he says, his voice shaking.
“Hey, don’t go all soft on me now, Donovan. Remember that I got you. I’ll always look out for you and yours.”
When his eyes start to well up, I start to get uncomfortable.
“Hey, none of that. You don’t want to be the dad that cries for no reason.”
“But there is a reason. All ninety-six million of them.” And before I can stop him, Jack pulls me into a hug so tight that the air falls out of my lungs.
“Thank you, Piper. This… this means everything. To me. To my girls. You have no idea.”
I struggle to pull away from his bear-like embrace and offer him a timid smile.
“All in a day’s work. You did the hard part. If you weren’t such an amazing team captain, then I wouldn’t have been able to get such a high number. This all comes down to you and your abilities. I was just the middleman.”
“Humbleness doesn’t suit you, Piper. I know what a hard-ass Trent is when it comes to negotiating contracts. If he is willing to put the money in, it’s because you persuaded him to do it.”
My cheeks turn crimson remembering just how I persuaded him.
“I… uh… I should leave. I mean, before your pain-in-the-ass brother sees me. You know how he gets all flirty,” I try to joke, feeling like my chest is about to cave in on itself.
Jack laughs and offers me another warm smile, completely oblivious that I’m two seconds away from having a panic attack.
“Yeah, we definitely don’t want that.”