Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Brienne’s doesn’t really affect me either since my contract is set, but I guess technically, down the road, she could cause issues. If she were to get pissed at me, she has enough pull with Callum to get me booted.
It’s not something I’d considered before, and many would think that’s a path I should never go down because the risk to my career is too great. You’d think with my bad experiences with the league, I’d be extra cautious.
Oddly, I don’t think Brienne would ever do anything to hurt my career or take advantage of me as one of her players. I’ve seen enough of her moral compass to know that about her, and I’m not worried.
I spot Baden grabbing a beer and heading our way, so it’s time to change the subject. Despite the fact he was a personal friend before I ever came here, I don’t want him knowing. “Where are Jenna and Sophie?” I ask as he reaches us.
“They had a preplanned shopping trip for today, so they’re off buying God knows what,” Baden says. “Which gives me the perfect opportunity to start letting people know while she’s not around… but I’m ready to propose to Sophie, and I want to do it at a game.”
Gage and I stare at him.
“What?” he says defensively. “It’s a brilliant idea.”
“Sounds complicated,” I point out.
“Because you’re completely unromantic.” Baden laughs. “I’m going to run it by Brienne when she gets back from her trip.”
“Why Brienne?” I ask a little too sharply, and Gage gives me a pointed look.
“Because I want Sophie to be up in the owner’s box, and Brienne’s sort of joined their little group.”
“It’s a great idea,” Gage says. “I’ll be dropping the question soon, too, but haven’t figured out how just yet. I’ve talked to her dad, though, and got his blessing.”
Baden laughs. “That’s totally old school. Nice.” He then nods over to Coen, standing with his arm around Tillie, here visiting for the weekend. “I bet they elope. You’ll never see it coming. One day, they’ll just be married.”
Gage nods with a grin. “They’ll totally elope. And Stone and Harlow… I can see them not getting married. They’ll live together, have kids, and grow old, but I don’t see them going conventional. I bet they’re the first to get pregnant.”
“I can’t wait for Sophie to get pregnant.” Baden sighs, and I’ve heard enough.
“You two ladies done with your gossip?”
They both laugh, and Baden punches my shoulder. “Seriously, dude… you’re lucky.”
“How’s that?” I ask.
Baden looks over to the play set. “You’re a dad. I have a feeling there’s nothing greater.”
Reluctantly, I have to join the conversation now because if he’s talking about my boys, he’s speaking my language. “You couldn’t be more right. Once you have kids, your life becomes infinitely better.”
“Any word from their mother?” Baden asks. Most of the guys know my history with Crystal and have taken time to ask about my current situation. Not being nosy, just concerned.
But as my personal friend, Baden knows more than most.
“Not a fucking peep in weeks.” Irritates the living fuck out of me. “I’ve left messages and even sent mail to her last known address. She’s disappeared.”
“Think something bad happened to her?” Baden asks.
“God, I hope not,” I say, glancing at the kids. “It’s hard enough with her just being absent.”
“Well, it’s impressive that you’re able to have a hectic career and care for them.” Baden sips his beer. “But you know what… you really should start dating again. It’s time to put yourself back out there and find a good woman.”
“Just because you’re ready to get married and have babies doesn’t mean I’m looking for that again,” I say with a stern look. “I’m more than happy with the way things are right now.”
“I bet,” Gage murmurs, and I glare at him.
CHAPTER 22
Brienne
Hauling the laundry basket off the floor, I balance it on my hip and make the trek back to my room. While I humor Daniel and let him do a lot for me personally, I draw the line at him washing my clothes or allowing the weekly housekeeping service to do it.
I’m exhausted, having just flown in from Germany this afternoon. The first thing I did when I got home was shower, change into soft yoga pants and a long-sleeved T-shirt, and throw in my laundry. Daniel prepared me a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, and I munched on that while I checked emails.
Now that my laundry is done, I’m going to kick back and watch the game on TV. Yes, I’ll have my laptop perched on my thighs so I can work, but I’ll also be watching. I couldn’t watch the game night before last due to the time difference and meetings. The Titans are on an extended road trip where they played in Florida, and now they’re in Atlanta tonight before returning home tomorrow.