“Holy fuck,” I groan as she cleans me up then sits up with a satisfied smile. “You’re something else.” I grab her and pull her close, kissing her, my tongue sweeping hers, not caring I can taste myself on her. “You’re incredible.”
“My pleasure Coach Gage,” she winks and slides back to her side. I lean my head back against the headrest.
“How am I going to get through the rest of the night after that?”
“I figured that would take the edge off. For now.”
I lifted a brow. “For now?”
“Oh yes, Coach. You owe me when we get home.”
She puts her seat belt on, and I start the engine. I can’t wipe the smile from my face. This girl is everything I’ve been waiting for. I knew it, I knew she would be all along, I just needed my mind and her, to catch up.
Chapter 30
Francesca
The following weeks were crazy. I was busy helping my mom plan the Almost Christmas festival. We were leaking bits and pieces on social media, and it was really taking off. We had a ton of people inquiring about available hotels and restaurants. Reservations were booked throughout the town.
Jacksons team was on a 6-0 streak. There was so much talk about them going to States again. Jackson wouldn’t entertain the buzz, but I knew he was excited. He couldn’t stop talking about the boys and how well they’re doing.
We went to another PR event. This one much quieter than the last one that Nick almost ruined. Speaking of Nick, we hadn’t heard a word from him. It was like he just gave up. But I knew better. He was biding time. And it made me nervous.
I was going through some more of Jackson's contracts, still not happy with what his agent Tony was doing. I decided I had to tell him, whether he listened or not was his own business. It wasn’t my money Tony was taking but I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t at least give Jackson a warning.
I was having dinner for everyone at my house tonight. Just a bunch of pizzas and hanging out watching the fight that was being broadcaston pay per view. They were all coming around seven, but I knew Jackson would be here sooner, right from practice.
I was still nervous about how we portrayed our relationship. Britt knew we weren’t faking anymore. I think Billy had some kind of weird thought process about it too, if the baby girl comment is anything to go on. I wanted to ask Jackson about it, but I didn’t want to make him uncomfortable either. I can’t imagine those two would talk, and if they did, Jackson wouldn’t divulge any intimate details.
Adam only questioned me that one time, but he’s been making it a point to be around more. I think he’s lonely. He still hasn’t heard from Chelsea except a text to say she was staying with her mom a little longer as her mom had been sick. When I originally text her, she told me she was with her sister. When I reached out to her this last time, I got the same story as Adam.
“Chesty!” Jackson calls out as he walks in the back door.
Rolling my eyes at his stupid nickname. “In here!,” I call from my makeshift office. It was my dining room table but since I never eat at the table, I set up a workstation.
He strolls over, smelling fresh from the shower and leans down giving me a kiss. “I missed you.”
“You saw me this morning! It’s been like eight hours.”
“So? I’m greedy. I want all your time,” he says.
I love when he doesn’t hold back. It’s what I asked for. I asked that he always tell me what he’s thinking and feeling, that there is no holding back anymore. So, I need to believe him when he says sweet things like this.
“Whatcha doing?” He grabs a chair and pulls it close, looking at my computer screen. “Is that my sneaker contract?”
I swallow nervously. It was now or never. “Yea, I uh, I actually wanted to talk to you about this one. And the other sports drink contract you have.” I had skimmed over the other three endorsements he has, all giving me the same conclusion that Tony was screwing him.
There was something about that guy. He was sneaky. I didn’t like some of the comments he’s dropped when we’d talk. Or when I’d hear him on the phone with Jackson. But he had been with him since the beginning, so I needed to tread carefully.
“Yeah? What’s with them?”
I clear my throat again. Jesus, Chess, just spit it out. “So, I think you could do better on both. Um, from what I’m reading, it looks like, if this is the most recent contract, do you, I mean, maybe Tony didn’t send me the most updated one?” I look at him and he’s smirking.
“Just say what you’re trying to say, Francesca, I trust you. Are they not good?”
I let out a small breath. “Well, they could be better.” He’s watching me so I turn back to the contract. “It doesn’t look like Tony negotiated anything new with them from last year, but his cut went up a few points.” I glance back at Jackson; his brow is furrowed and he’s trying to read the screen now. I keep going. “The sports drink, I know it’s an up-and-coming company so your take will be small to start, but Tony still took a higher percentage than even the sneaker contract.” He’s still skimming so I keep going. “It just doesn’t make sense to take such a big cut on a brand-new deal. And since you’re not actually a current player, Tonys cut should be less than those actively contracted with the NFL.” I’m so afraid I’m stepping on toes. Jackson still hasn’t said anything. “I’m sorry, I just, if I didn’t say anything, it wouldn’t be right. It’s your money, your deals, you decide how you want to carry them out.”
He finally turns and looks at me. “Chess, thank you. Seriously, thank you for looking these over. I’m glad you said something, it’s why I agreed to have you look at them.” His eyes drop though, and he goes back to trying to read the contract. “Guess I should have looked at these two instead of going in blind.”
