Country’s cheeks were flushed. “It’s kind of a competition now. See who can say the most idiotic thing during a game.”
“That video got, what, two-and-a-half million views?” Owen shook his head. “I was going to say you should consider monetizing, but I guess that’s what you’re doing here, eh?”
Jenna’s blood rushed in her veins. Every second she stood here, the risk of getting stuck in a conversation with Country alone heightened.
“Owen!”
Jenna’s head snapped up as John approached. No. He couldn’t steal her emotional bodyguard. “Hey, John, I was just going to show Owen how to run the data backup.”
John nodded. “Sure, I need him for a second, but then I can send him your way.”
“But—”
John was already turning. “You’ve got that footage for me?”
Jenna frowned. She assumed he was talking about the spot on the Snowballs and Elite League for next week, but that was supposed to go to Liam. “For you?”
“Archer wants to see it. Make sure it has enough heart.”
“What, he doesn’t trust me?” Jenna asked, only half teasing. Her palms started to sweat.
“It’s a new segment, I wouldn’t read too much into it.” John grabbed Owen’s shoulder, and they headed to the door, leaving Jenna standing in front of Country, trying to keep him from seeing her hands shake.
Country drew a deep breath. “He likes to dangle carrots.”
Jenna scoffed. “I don’t even like carrots.”
“At least it isn’t strawberries.”
She laughed in spite of herself. “Yeah. Well.” She rocked on her feet, searching for an excuse to bolt toward the door. “Good job tonight.”
“You, too. I mean, I assume.”
Jenna nodded. “I’ve got to get to my office.” She took a step, but Country put a hand on her arm. The contact sent champagne bubbles shooting across her skin.
“I know what will give your story more heart.”
Jenna shook her head. “Country?—”
“You want this job, right? The team has Sunday Suppers. Every weekend. All of us gathered at the Thompsons’ like one big happy family.” He looked down at her, his eyes earnest. No hint of a joke.
She stepped back and pulled her arm away from him. “I doubt your teammates would want me there interrupting.”
“I’ll set it up. Just bring the equipment you need.”
The idea of showing up and spending the evening with Country’s team alone made her innards shrivel like she’d been touched by Hexxus in Ferngully, so she hedged. “I don’t know if I can make that work last minute.”
Country shrugged. “Up to you. I’ll text you the address.”
Jenna nodded. Why was he helping her with this? Did he think he still owed her something after tonight’s broadcast? “I sent an email about CSAs today. Not sure if you had a chance to look at it.”
He frowned. “We don’t produce weekly.”
“No, I know. I don’t think you have to, but you could consider marketing secondary products. Milk. Soap. Cheese. Really, the benefit is cutting out the distributor and going direct to the consumer.”
Country scratched his chin. “I’ll take a look.”
“I’m not going to pretend I know anything about what you’re dealing with. Just wanted to send it in case it was helpful.” For the first time, Jenna noticed the tension in his shoulders, the tightness in his jaw. He was always so quick to joke and laugh, she hadn’t paid attention.
