Page 31 of Hard to Hold

“Have what?”

“Heard of Rush McKenzie.”

I almost choke on my next breath of air.

Great. Perfect. Should I dare to mention how last night I’d vowed to have sex with the man? I mean, wouldn’t that complicate things?

“Of course, I have.” I swallow over the sudden disbelief. “Premier League. The star Liverpool is hanging their hat on to win future championships. Kicked that tremendous goal in the World Cup match last year between England and France. And is currently embroiled in a scandal in the UK.”

“No press is bad press, right?”

“Are you telling me that Rush McKenzie is the man you’ve hired to be the face of the MLS? The one you’re centering this campaign around? The ambassador?”

“He’s charismatic and an incredible player. A man who guys want to be like and women want to be with. He’s a marketing team’s dream.”

First of all, why would Rush ever agree to something like this? From an agent’s perspective, it’s a poor decision.

Second, landing him as a client would be a huge boost for Kincade Sports Management.

Third, seriously? I finally decide that I’m willing to break my sex drought with someone, have some fun, and he’s now the someone I have to recruit? I can’t accomplish my second point without forcing myself to abandon my third point.

But it’s okay.

I can do this.

I can do my job and recruit Rush, because the long-term professional outcomes will outweigh the short-term satisfaction I’d most likely find with him.

At least that’s what I tell myself as I attempt to abandon my overthinking and focus on Cannon and this clusterfuck.

“Why would Rush ever agree to this?” And of course, the comment comes out with a bit too much snark so I try to correct it. “I mean—”

“Look at it from my standpoint, Lennox. While many people in the US don’t follow MLS, some do follow the Premier League. Rush is a well-known name. His presence spans from product endorsements to People’s sexiest man candidate to future Hall of Famer. Add to that, his club is currently questioning renewing his contract. There’s pressure for them not to, from what I understand.”

I emit an unladylike snort. “Since when does a football club give up its strongest player due to pressure? The British love their controversy, so why give up the one thing that might attract more crowds . . . as if they need to worry about that at all?”

“Look, I’m in agreement. One hundred percent. But you can’t fault a guy like me for seeing an opportunity and seizing it.”

“So is this what you mean about knowing Finn?” I ask the one question I was trying to figure an answer to. “Obviously you brokered this deal with him to get Rush here for the short while.”

“Yes. I’m not a fan,” he says as I slowly nod. “Wouldn’t it be great if I could swoop in and grab him to play for the MLS? Pay him more than he could ever dream of, secure him a place to play—when he’d most likely have to retire over there—all while having him stay stateside. He could promote the league at the same time he’s dominating it. It would be a win-win for both of us.”

And it would be the end of his illustrious career.

“The US pays nothing compared to what other leagues pay. I mean, surely you’re aware that players play for the MLS with the hopes of someday getting picked up for the Premier League and not the other way around, right?” I ask.

The look he levels me with says I’ve insulted him and his knowledge. “I’m aware, but I’m also a manager who’s trying to do his job.” There’s a sharp bite to his tone that reaffirms I’m now his employee, and I need to keep my opinions limited.

“Noted,” I say with a definitive nod while silently shaking it in disbelief.

I get it. I really do. In fact, I don’t even fault him for trying, but he’s reaching for the stars when he should be reaching for something a little closer to earth.

“Look, I get what you’re saying and appreciate the outside opinion. His contract is for the next three months. After that, we’ll go from there.”

What Cannon isn’t saying is that he hopes Rush isn’t picked back up again so he has no choice but to stay here and play.

What type of agent would ever recommend this to their client?

I walk to the window that overlooks a practice pitch that connects to the league offices. The turf is a vibrant green and the two rows of bleacher seats that surround it are a dark red. There are a few men down on the grass going through ladder drills before sprinting to the far end to try to head across into the undefended goal.