Why now? Why would he fire the most sought-after agent after all these years?
She’d known Tristan had moved back to Chicago, but why was he seeking new representation when he’d had the best? Yes, she could admit Ralph Dawson had been, and still was, one of the best agents in the business, and everyone knew it. Even she was in awe of some of the sizable, history-making contracts Ralph had negotiated. Most clients wouldn’t dream of cutting ties with the man.
“There are thousands of agents and entertainment lawyers,” Cree continued. “Again… Why me? Is it because you haven’t tortured me enough? Oh, I know, you want to hire me, and then when a better agent or entertainment lawyer comes along, you want to dump me again.”
“Cree, baby, you know it wasn’t like that, and I want you because you’re perfect for me,” Tristan said, his unwavering gaze dared her to contradict him.
Cree huffed out a breath and ignored the last part of his statement. Yeah, she understood why he cut her loose years ago for a more experienced agent. She also understood it was business. The problem was how he’d done it. She found out he had signed with Ralph by watching Sports Center one night.
To say she’d been shocked was an understatement. At first, she thought the announcer had gotten the details wrong because there was no way Tristan would get another agent without first informing her.
That night, when she confronted him, he admitted to it. Admitted Ralph had been pursuing him for weeks before Tristan met with him. Supposedly he hadn’t known how to tell her that he had signed with the guy.
An apology had barely been out of his mouth before Cree swung at him. He dodged her punch, but that didn’t stop her from shooting a wine glass at him. Thankfully, his reflexes had been on point because he had ducked just in time.
No one had ever betrayed her like that, and she’d felt like a fool for not seeing it coming. She immediately shut down her emotions. She hadn’t wanted to hear anything Tristan had to say. Especially when he professed his love for her while her small sports agency was on the verge of crumbling. She might’ve had other clients, but Tristan was her highest earning one, and he knew that. She’d needed him to help her business stay afloat, at least until she added more athletes to her client roster.
It hadn’t helped matters that Cree had been young and full of herself. Her ego had taken a huge hit and so had her bottom line. She’d had so much going on in her life that the timing couldn’t have been worse.
“Cree, at least look at the offers and see what’s at stake.” Tristan nodded at the manila envelope that he had set on her desk. “I’m sure you’ll agree adding me to your client list will not only be beneficial to you, but also to this firm. I’d imagine reeling in another client, who can bring in millions to the organization, would be worth considering. Besides, I’ve never known you to turn down a major opportunity.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. He knew her too well. Her partnership at the firm was solid, but that didn’t mean she’d ever stop bringing in more clients. Which in turn meant more revenue and profit for the agency.
With that thought, and the fact Warren had seen Tristan in her office, she needed to at least consider Tristan’s request.
Cree pulled the documents from the envelope and silently skimmed the papers. Quickly taking in the terms, deliverables, and compensation before doing the same with the next two.
Damn this man. If she signed him, the endorsement offers alone would bring in over ten million in revenue to the agency. Which would be great toward their bottom line. He’d also be the only NFL, or former NFL, player signed with them at this time.
Of course, she’d known he was big time now, but this? He wasn’t even playing football anymore, yet the money these organizations were willing to pay him was impressive.
“Take a look at the last two offers,” he said, and she shuffled the papers around until she reached what she was looking for.
Cree skimmed both, struggling not to react to the minimal terms and clauses that were definitely in Tristan’s favor. And the dollar amounts? Unbelievable.
“So, you think you’re the shit now that all these organizations are throwing money at you, huh?” Cree said, struggling to hide a smile.
She could be mad at him while also being proud and impressed with what he had accomplished over the years. He’d been one of the best running backs in the league, and these offers reflected that and more.
Tristan grinned and then chuckled. “What can I say? I’m just good like that.”
They both laughed, and Cree shook her head before sobering.
“Congratulations, Tristan. I mean that. You worked hard to get to where you are today, and you deserve all the love coming your way.”
He nodded. “Thanks, baby. That means a lot coming from you.”
Him calling her baby was like hearing fingernails scrape across a chalkboard. When he betrayed her, he lost the right to refer to her by a pet name.
“With that said, I can’t represent you, Tristan. We have history, and things I allowed to happen back then can never happen now. I’m at a different place in my life professionally and personally. Besides, I’ll never forget how you treated me.”
He huffed out a long breath and unfolded his tall frame from the upholstered chair. Then he walked around the desk and perched on the edge of it before looking at her.
“What’s it going to take for you to forgive me?” he asked, watching her intently with those alluring eyes.
“If you stay away from me, I’ll forgive you,” she said with a straight face.
Tristan chuckled, and goosebumps skittered across her skin at the sound. Besides his good looks, she had once loved his deep, raspy voice that was as seductive as his smile and dimples.
