“Of course. Take all the time you need. Thanks for the update on the meeting with Bennett today. I was hoping to attend, but got caught up.”
My smile falls. Chase. What would Grant think if he knew I slept with the player who I’m supervising during his compliance with the terms of the deal?
“Is something wrong, Gabrielle?”
“Um, It’s about Chase, um Bennett.” Taking a deep breath, I decide to be honest with Grant. If he’s taking a chance on me, he deserves the full picture.
“Something else we need to go over about his deal?” We can’t afford another scandal, and I respect Grant too much to let him be blindsided if for some reason Chase’s and my past comes to light.
“No, nothing like that.” I wipe my sweaty palms over my skirt before setting them on top of the desk. Squaring my shoulders, I spill the whole truth about the night Chase and I spent together in St. John.
“It’s interesting you brought this up because he came to me about Mark and Ricardo. All but demanded I fire them. I was already planning on it, but it took some balls for him to come to me making demands, especially considering I could’ve kicked him off the team.” He stands from the chair, straightening the sleeves of his shirt and jacket.
I gape at him as the words sink in. “He had no right to do that. I apologize for his lack of professionalism. I’ve been very clear about the boundaries that exist now. Nothing’s going on between us.”
He makes a noncommittal noise and adjusts the collar of his shirt. A hint of a golden chain peeks out from the top where it’s unbuttoned.
“We all have secrets, Gabrielle. As long as it doesn’t affect your job performance, it’s none of my business.” He winks before turning to leave my office, closing the door behind him with a soft snick.
I can’t believe Chase went to Grant behind my back. He was way out of line, but the butterflies in my stomach come to life at the protectiveness of the gesture. Maybe Taylor was right and I’m not giving Chase enough credit. And maybe I’m wrong in thinking there isn’t an exception to the policy that would allow us to be together.
ME
Dickardo’s gone.
IVORY
TAYLOR
Ding dong, the dick of the west is dead.
IVORY
So, what does this mean?
ME
Mark was let go too.
TAYLOR
You’re too polite. He was canned.
IVORY
It’s about damn time!
TAYLOR
Preach, sister!
ME
Grant asked me to consider taking the job.
IVORY
That’s amazing, Gabby! I’m so proud of you!
