Page 77 of He Has Charm

“Maybe this’ll help. I’ve negotiated with Brawlers management and they’re keeping you on the team on injured reserve status until the end of the season.” I drop the mallet.

“What the fuck? How did you manage that?”

“The catch is your salary has been reduced for the remainder—”

“Down to what? Nothing?”

“Almost. They figure you can still make appearances with the team and play ambassador and I convinced them that would be worth something.” I let the implications run through my mind. The most important one is the team connection, still being part of that group of guys.

“How’d you convince them?”

“The team doctor reviewed the full file from your cardiologist at Harper’s insistence. They’d never seen it before because he’d been a minor when he was first diagnosed. They agree that you were taking acceptable precautions and not deceiving them about your fitness.”

“Harper was behind this.” I murmur, warm bliss spreading through my body, creating a restless need to see her as soon as fucking possible.

“They may want you to show up at games and sit on the bench in a suit and tie.”

“I think I can manage that.”

“You talk to Harper today?”

“No, why?” I get the idea he’s not telling me something.”

“Nothing. Except since you owe it all to her you should call her. Though I expect she’ll be calling you soon enough if she doesn’t stop in.”

“Stop in? I thought she was back in New York?”

“Not for long. Gotta go. Glad things worked out as well as could be expected.” He ends the call before I can question him further. Shit. There’s only one thing I can do because I’m not good at waiting around for things to happen, so I scroll my phone’s contacts for her name.

I actually have two icons on my phone for her. Sugar buns and Harper, depending on my mood. I close my eyes and press one of them randomly. My smile widens into a grin as the phone rings and I count the tics, waiting for her to answer.

Before Harper answers, the call is interrupted by an incoming call from Delaney. Shit. I have to take this. It must be about my new deal with the Brawlers.

“Bout time you answered your phone, Knight. I thought you were supposed to be quick.”

“Hello, Delaney.” I smile into my phone because I have a thing for ball-busters with a heart of gold and Delaney is like the godmother of that group with Harper as her up-and-coming protégé.

“I have a deal to offer you on the town house.” She pauses and my mind goes blank.

“What? What are you talking about?” She lets out an annoyed huff.

“Didn’t Harper say anything? No, of course not. She probably wanted to surprise you. Well, surprise. The Brawlers organization is unloading the place and Harper negotiated an option at a bargain price for you to purchase it. She had the crazy idea you might want it.” My heart thuds hard and I wrap my head around the crazy efficiency and knock-out generosity of the brilliant woman that is Harper St. John. Jesus. I don’t come close to deserving her.

“Well?” Delaney prods me.

“Fucking A. You bet I want it.” I don’t even ask how much it is because if Harper negotiated the deal I know it’s a good one and she’d know I can afford it.

“If you want to stay while we’re waiting for the closing, we’ll add a lease addendum and I’ll send you the paperwork.”

“I can’t believe you’re selling me the townhouse.”

“Believe it. Harper convinced me--or rather she strong armed me into agreeing to offer you the first option to buy once the Brawlers made the decision to sell. She talks a good game, that one. You could do worse. Gotta go.” The air goes dead and I look at my phone. Harper’s been everywhere behind the scenes and I miss the fuck out of her. Damn it.

* * *

By the time I try calling again, her phone is off but she’s texted me she’s on the plane and on her way back to Boston. Now the only thing on my mind is planning the kind of welcome for her that will make her want to stay.

I’m taking the chicken and vegetables from the pan and hear a knock on the back door. Who the hell can that be? I wipe my hands on a dish towel and then open the door.