He sits back in his chair. “This isn’t the type of work she wants to do, Beaumont. She wants to help people with disabilities be physically active.”
I deflate because he’s right.
“Okay, so then ... what’s next?”
“Hunter Beck.”
I pinch my brows together, confused about what Pittsburgh’s billionaire team captain has to do with Talia.
Coach continues. “It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to approach Beck and ask him to seed the money for a league-wide foundation that connects every team with disabled people in their communities. To provide equipment and help in getting youth wheelchair hockey programs and field hockey programs going. Where players could show up to help coach and cheer on the participants.”
My jaw drops. “Holy shit! Talia had an idea for something like that here in Cleveland.”
Coach shrugs a shoulder. “Like I said, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to try to get that going. But if another player were to ask Beck, he’d be ready to write that check. And then we’d need someone on our staff to run the program, and ...”
“Talia’s perfect for it.”
My throat tightens with emotion. He did this. It’s a done deal, and he’s telling me I just need to place a call to Beck so the idea comes from me and not him. It’s a perfect scenario.
“I’m ... damn close to speechless, Coach,” I say. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t do it for you, I did it for Talia.”
“I know, but?—”
He cuts me off with the palm. “I wasn’t done, Beaumont. It’s for Talia because I selfishly want to keep her close, but also because you’re the kind of man I always wanted for her. You’re ten times the man Kyle Macintire is and I’d be proud to call you my son-in-law one day.”
My throat tightens even further. Coach doesn’t dole out personal compliments, and I’m stunned by what he just said.
“Thank you, Coach. I won’t let you down.”
“This is your last chance to tell me if you’re not serious about her. I can kill this job offer without her ever knowing. And I want to do that if you aren’t one hundred percent certain you want to be with her a year from now—and ten years from now. If so, let her go to Salt Lake City and start fresh.”
I shake my head. “I’m very serious about her. I love her. It made my entire fucking day that she decided to come here tonight instead of going back to Cleveland.”
“Good. I’ll make sure Melina has a double room so Talia can stay with her.”
I freeze for a second, then say, “Seriously?”
He gives me another irritated look. “She’s my daughter. As far as I’m concerned, she’ll be staying in Melina’s room. Am I going to drop by at midnight and make sure she’s there? No, but don’t say anything—ever—to make me think she was anywhere else tonight. I imagine the team will pay for rooms for her that are empty a lot if she joins the team, but I sure as fuck don’t want anyone confirming it.”
I nod. “I understand, Coach. Thank you.”
“Get out of here. And let me be the one to make the offer to Talia. This conversation never happened.”
“Understood, Coach.”
I leave the office, finally able to relax and be happy about this idea. Hopefully she’ll want the job. I think she will, but I won’t fully relax until she tells me she’s taking the job and staying with the team. And, more importantly, with me.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Talia
* * *
Two Weeks Later
* * *
