Page 33 of Wicked Truths
I let out a sigh and slump in my seat. “Look, I’m not asking for something in exchange for nothing. I’m willing to negotiate. Just name your price, so to speak.”
The four of them glance at each other before turning their gazes back to me.
Raven speaks. “Would it be rude to ask for a fewminutes to ourselves before we discuss things with you?”
I stand and say, “Not at all. I can check on the drinks and snacks and give you like ten minutes or so. Unless you think you will need more time?”
She offers me a smile. “I think ten minutes will be perfect. Thank you for understanding.”
I leave the conference room and practically run into Dad. He glances from me to the closed conference room door. “How’s it going?”
“They are mulling over their half of the negotiations, and I’m going to check on food and drinks.”
“I already took care of it. Why don’t you go outside and get some fresh air for a few minutes?”
“Thanks. That sounds nice.” I head straight to the main doors where the sun is shining through the glass, promising me rejuvenation and relaxation.
I just hope I don’t fuck things up and make things harder for Dad and the team.
If this story gets out, then there goes the team’s reputation. There won’t be a redemption season for the Sharks. We might as well close the doors and let the league find a better market.
Shaking those thoughts away, I enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes before heading back inside, feeling more capable of the job than I have all morning.
As long as they are willing to negotiate, I know the outcome will be good for all parties involved. With a smile on my face, I knock on the conference room door and push it open.
It takes over an hour of my time, but we finallyreach an agreement. I had to promise three future exclusive interviews with me and one exclusive interview with both Williams and Montgomery to get the four reporters to delete the pictures and squash any rumors floating around.
My first interview with the four of them will be before the first game of the season, so I have a few days to prepare. Based on the mischievous glint in Raven’s eyes, she’s going to be asking me some hard questions to answer honestly.
Now that one problem is handled, I march, like a hawk searching for its prey, to the locker room in search of problems two and three.
Walking down the very familiar hallway, I push the memories of two years ago to the back of my mind. Two years ago, Rhett would have never fought a teammate during practice. Two years ago, life was less complicated.
Pushing the heavy locker room door open, I barge in. Several conversations stop mid sentence as soon as they notice me walking deeper into the room.
I pass the showers and head directly to Rhett’s corner.
He’s always had this corner of the locker room since I’ve met him. Hell, it was probably his corner since his first day on the team.
Several players gasp and murmur as I walk past.
Another player yells out, “Hey, what are you doing? You can’t be here right now. We’re in the middle of changing.”
He’s the one that was fighting with Rhett. ChaseWilliams, the newest member of the team. Cocky, arrogant, full of himself, and thinks he’s God’s gift to women.
Even under his surprised expression, he’s staring at me as if I just agreed to go home with him.
Well, he’s got another thing coming. There’s only one player I want to go home with, and unfortunately for him, he’s on my shit list, too.
I seethe, as his surprised look is wiped away and a cocky smirk forms on his face.
“I don’t give a flying fuck what you are in the middle of doing right now, especially after that little stunt on the ice. Besides, it’s not like I haven’t seen a flaccid dick before. It’s not that impressive. In five minutes, you and Montgomery both will be in my office or else.”
Chase clenches his jaw shut as several players chuckle nearby. His smirk morphs into a frown as he glares at me.
I look away from Chase and my gaze meets Rhett’s before dipping lower. He’s standing in front of his locker, wearing nothing but a towel. I take in his impressive, lean body.
He’s more toned now, with muscles on top of muscles, like he’s been hitting the gym every day for the past two years. Last night, I couldn’t see his definition very well, but I could feel it.