“I wasn’t trying to be, but I guess it’s a happy consequence,” I say, feeling warmth infuse my cheeks at his praise. “Tell me more about the campaign.”
He does, and I’m a hundred percent sold. It sounds like it will be a lot of fun, and I’m looking forward to working with Kennedy.
“All the terms have been negotiated by Kamryn Hart,” he tells me. “She’s with Montgomery Sports Management.”
I bend my knee and prop my foot beneath my butt, turning to fully face him. “She’s the agent Carly suggested I go with. What are your thoughts?” I don’t know why I trust this guy I didn’t even like until tonight, but I do.
“I think she’s a fucking ballbuster,” Phoenix says with a grin. “And that’s exactly what you need since you’re apparently an awful negotiator. I don’t think you know your own worth, Jordie.”
“I mean, I know I’m a good football player, but all the rest of this…” I wave my hand vaguely in the air. “Endorsements and armed guards? I’m still adjusting.”
He pats my knee, and I find myself wishing he’d leave his hand there, but he doesn’t. “It’s a lot to adjust to, and you’re doing fine. You’re welcome to call me any time you have questions or just need to talk something through.”
“Thanks,” I say, swallowing hard around the lump in my throat.
“Good, send me your practice schedule, and I’ll set up a meeting with Kam and Kennedy in Philly.”
“Okay, let me know so I can make travel arrangements.”
Phoenix shakes his head like I’m ridiculous. “All that will be handled for you. We’ll take the Hale jet.”
My mouth gapes open for a long moment. “You have your own plane?”
“Yesss,” he draws out. “We’re the largest cosmetics company in the nation, and we have divisions on four different continents. It only makes sense that we’re able to travel at our convenience.”
“Add traveling by private jet to the list of things I have to get used to,” I mutter.
“Maybe you’ll have your very own plane one day,” he teases. At least I think he’s teasing.
“I currently drive a fifteen-year-old truck that was handed down to me by my dad,” I inform him wryly. “There’s paint chipping off in places, so I don’t think plane ownership is in my near future.”
“But soon you’ll be the owner of a brand new black truck with a purple pinstripe and the optional rally fun pack,” he says, making an extravagant flair with his hands. “You’re well on your way to the jet-setting lifestyle.”
I laugh as I push myself from the couch. “Thanks for all your help, Phoenix. I’ll get out of your hair. I’m sorry I got the date wrong and crashed your spa party with Reece.”
He stands as well, and I have to look up at him since he’s taller than me. “It was fun having you here. Thanks for being so sweet to Reecie.” His voice is soft and holds so much adoration when speaking of his daughter.
“I have nieces and nephews, so I’m used to being around kids. Reece is a doll, by the way.”
Phoenix chuckles as he walks me to the door. “She’s a little thug.”
“She is not!” I protest on a laugh as I smack his arm.
“She’s totally living that thug life,” he insists, though he’s smiling when he says it. “Don’t let her cuteness fool you.”
When we reach the door, I turn to him. “Thank you again for goingover the contracts with me and for the new opportunity with your company. I’m excited to work with Kennedy.”
“Don’t forget to send me your schedule so I can get our trip planned,” he reminds me. His hand reaches forward and brushes down my arm. It’s only a brief contact, but my arm tingles from the simple touch. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me too.” My voice sounds creaky, like someone opened a long-forgotten door inside a haunted house. I need to get the hell out of here. Now.
“And text me when you get home so I can make sure you got there safely.”
“It’s only a fifteen minute drive.”
He lifts one demanding eyebrow. I never knew eyebrows could be demanding, but he pulls it off flawlessly. “Then I look forward to hearing from you in sixteen minutes.”
It’s not until I get home and send Phoenix a proof-of-life text that I realize I’m still wearing his sweatshirt. Flopping down on my bed, I pull the neckline up over my mouth and nose, inhaling deeply, shamelessly.
