"Hey." He tried to look anywhere other than her backside as she strode past them toward the booth. He'd texted her back after her message about not giving Jack's story exclusively to GCBN but hadn't gotten a straight answer as to what had changed her mind. She’d changed the subject to his videos or Jack—anything but what was going on inside her head about work. Or more importantly, about how they’d spent the night in each other’s arms. How Country had stayed up late multiple nights that week reading everything he could get his hands on about Turner’s syndrome. Then about adoption.
"I feel bad for her," Glen muttered as he walked toward the coffee maker by the snack table at the back.
Country frowned, trying to make sense of that statement. Sick. Jenna had been sick. "I think she's back to normal."
"No, I wasn’t talking about that. I mean . . ." Glen trailed off as he selected his flavour and popped the cartridge into the slot, then lowered the handle on the machine. He turned to Country. "She works so hard. Still thinks she has a shot at replacing John."
Country bristled. "You don't think she's earned that?"
Kessler held up his hands defensively. "Hey, I always thought she'd be a good fit. Jenna's a ball buster. She could hack it." He shook his head. "It's just not how it works around here, you know?"
“Enlighten me. How does it work?”
Glen shot a furtive glance toward the door then took a step closer. “It works the way John wants it to work.” He opened his mouth to say more, but just then the studio door opened and Owen walked in.
Glen turned back to the coffee maker and waited for his cup to fill. When it did, he tossed out the empty flavour cup, grabbed his steaming coffee, and made his way to the desk. Owen greeted him with a wave and walked over to chat.
What had Glen said that first night he joined the broadcast when Country had mentioned that Owen was training for Jenna's job? Something about him not being sure that Owen was hired to take Jenna’s place when she was promoted? The pieces snapped into place as Owen turned and had a conversation with one of the cameramen.
Owen hadn't been hired to replace Jenna. He'd been hired to replace the man whose job she was gunning for.
At that moment, he was positive his stomach didn't feel right, though it wasn't because of anything he ate. He ripped open a protein bar and took a bite as the studio door opened a second time.
John Allen scanned the studio like a hawk hovering over a grassy field. His eyes caught on Country, and his grin widened. “Just the man I was hoping to see.”
Country frowned. “Good evening, John.”
He pointed at the protein bar in Country's hand. “I hope you were able to get something to eat. Mary mentioned you had practice earlier.”
Country nodded. “Yep, it's been an exciting week.”
John clapped him on the shoulder. “That it has. I have to say, I wish you had reached out before posting about Jack Harrison on your channel.”
The mention of GCBN taking the story connected pieces of his thoughts like the closing of an electrical circuit.
Jenna thinking she had a shot at John's job.
Owen talking with Glen and the camera crew.
Jenna texting him to tell him she wouldn't be taking the story to John.
Energy zapped down Country’s spine. Jenna knew. Somehow she'd figured out that John wasn't planning to give her the promotion, and she’d given the story up because of it. Clouds started to gather low in his abdomen. He took another bite of his bar, not concerned in the least if it came across as rude to talk with food in his mouth.
“The information came late in the day. I know you like Sundays off.”
John chuckled. “I would have pulled some strings even on the weekend for that story.”
Country had seen GCBN’s posts. They'd still taken full advantage of the announcement within hours of him posting the video with him and Jack. It wasn't like they had lost out on much. “Seems like your team jumped on it anyway.”
“That they did,” John mused, then hesitated as his eyes snagged on something over Country's shoulder. Country turned to see Jenna and Tasha exiting the booth.
John scratched his chin. “You know, Country, I realize this might not be the best time to discuss the future of this arrangement we've had, but at least on our end, we feel extremely pleased with the results of our collaboration. I'd like to offer you a permanent sportscaster position, flexible of course. We can discuss terms and salary when you aren't about to get on a broadcast, but I just wanted to put a bug in your?—”
“Not necessary,” Country cut him off. “I appreciate the offer but even doing these extra segments was pushing it.”
John's brow furrowed. “Pushing it?”
Country’s nostrils flared. Of course Allen would think he was doing him the favour. While he wouldn’t argue that the extra cash had been great, and the excuse to see Jenna even better, he’d felt like a sticky hand being stretched in three different directions for the past month. More than that if he counted expectations coming from his parents and Polk.
