Page 96 of Hard to Hold

“Thank you.”

“No one should—oh.” He stretches the last sound out as it hits him. “And now you’re sleeping with me, a player you’re supposed to recruit. No wonder you were so adamant that we not—”

“That would be why.” I laugh and vacillate on whether or not to tell him that Finn was the miscreant who made the accusations and started the rumors.

But I decide not to.

If Rush ever came to KSM, I want it to be because I earned it, not because he’s pissed that his agent was an asshole to the woman he’s currently sleeping with.

If Rush were to become my client, I want it to be based on merit and not pity.

“I guess I threw a spanner in the works.”

“A what?” I laugh.

“What is it you guys call it?” Deep in thought, he twists his lips for a beat. “Wrench, I think?”

I stare and then chuckle when it hits me. “You mean a wrench in the plans.”

“Yes. Sure. A spanner in the works. I threw one in there.”

“You sure did, and it was definitely a welcome one.” I rest my head on his shoulder and loop my arm through his as we both watch the lessons in front of us.

“But you still haven’t answered my question.”

“Which was?”

“Why haven’t you actively recruited me when we’ve had all the time in the world?”

“I haven’t earned your complete trust yet, so there’s no way I can represent you.” I feel his body still beside me and know my comment hit home harder than I’d intended. “One of the most important aspects of a client-agent relationship is trust. After all, the decisions I make impact every part of that athlete’s life. Without that, it’s just empty words, and that’s not who I am. Never will be. And honestly, Rush, isn’t that what you deserve too?”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

RUSH

“ANY WORD?” I ASK THE minute Finn answers the phone.

“Good morning to you too.” He laughs as if he’s fucking hilarious. He’s not.

“Yeah. You too,” I say for propriety’s sake. “Have you heard anything back from the club?”

“Relax. I’m in constant communication with them.”

“And?”

“And nothing. We’re going back and forth.”

“Why is it that when you’ve ‘gone back and forth’ in the past, you’ve filled me in on every step? This time, I haven’t heard shit.”

“Because so far I have nothing worthy to report.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning they’re still trying to figure shit out.”

“Don’t bullshit me, Finn.”

His sigh is heavy. “Seth’s refusing to play with you, and since he has two years left on that long-term hefty contract he signed years ago, some team would have to buy those years out in order to transfer him. You’re the easiest candidate to move to remedy the situation since you’re up on a contract renewal.”