Page 84 of Holding Penalty

“Anyway, about the reason I called earlier.”

“Right. Well, the thing is … it’s the same as I told you last time. I could get you some small-money endorsements, like I always could, but I don’t know if you’re interested in putting in the effort for low returns.”

I sigh, annoyed. “Yeah, not really. I’m looking for something significant.”

That’s what I told Piper, after all, when I was down on one knee in the parking lot and she was still a runaway bride. If I let some no-name company pay me a couple thousand to use me in ads for their bargain product, she’s going to see right through me.

Truth be told, even if I do secure a significant sponsorship, it probably won’t fool her at this point. But this feels like the only play I have.

“Just find something, man. Please. I’m desperate here.”

“Desperate?” Worry fills Colson’s voice. “Why? For money? I literally know the dollar figure of your contract, Nash. What the hell are you getting yourself into?”

I groan. “It’s not that. It’s … it’s hard to explain.”

Colson lets out a long, thoughtful sigh. “Alright. I’ll pound the pavement even harder.”

“Pound it hard, Colson.”

A long beat of silence follows on the phone as I replay those words in my head. “I’m going to choose not to comment on the way you phrased that.”

“Thanks.”

“Because the terms of our professional relationship are very deliberately outlined in the contract we signed, and they certainly don’t include⁠—”

“You’re breaking your own promise already.”

Colson laughs. “Fair. Alright, man, I’ll dig deep into my book of tricks and see what I can do about getting you a deal.”

After the call, I unwind a bit by reading some hockey articles by analysts I like. It’s important to stay informed on the current state of the game. About an hour passes, and I get a text.

PIPER

Wearing your jersey to watch the game was so comfortable that I decided I’ll wear it to sleep

Then she sends a picture that makes me groan.

The picture is angled from her point of view, looking down as she sits crisscross on the bed. She has my jersey on, and the hem covers practically zero percent of her legs. If that jersey hitched up one millimeter, I’d be seeing all of Piper.

PIPER

Not wearing anything underneath, just the jersey

My throat goes dry and tight.

PIPER

I wouldn’t add that little piece of info if I thought there might be any sexual tension between us, but since you’ve assured me there isn’t, I’m sure it won’t affect you! Good night!

Fuck me. Piper could’ve led the Spanish Inquisition with her obvious talent for torture.

Piper knows exactly what she’s doing, that’s for sure.

I wonder if she knows what I’m doing when I pull out my cock and get myself off thinking of the picture she sent.

39

PIPER