Page 7

Paxton
No, smart ass. I ducked out of the ‘punt bunny’ scene in college. Too much drama. If you’re smart, you’ll do the same thing.
Maverick
Coach picked me up for my speed, not my brains.
Kaia
Oh, we know.
Alice
Were you planning to tell me about this before or after you came to town?
Maverick
Ouch, Kai. Ouch.
Paxton
Nothing is official until it gets signed, sis. Didn’t want to get your hopes up if it was going to fall through.
Jameson
You retiring at the end of this?
Paxton
That’s the plan. One last big swing. Bow out before my body breaks.
Rhyett
As someone who’s about to hit thirty-eight, I’m worried you’re over-anticipating what your body will do by thirty-five.
Elora
Bullshit, you big baby. Keep up your supplements, PT, and yoga, and you’ll be fine, Pax.
Alice
Please call me in a bit.
Deep clawsof overwhelm made my vision go foggy, my head throbbing as I forced myself not to panic. This was fine. This didn’t actually change anything. Yes, it would be nice to live within driving distance of my favorite brother. I know you’re not supposed to have favorites, but I couldn’t help it. That didn’t mean I needed to stay trapped withHart Investments. Greyson was bluffing. Throwing a tantrum like a toddler, trying to manipulate me into staying.
Your name has become synonymous with mine, Ms. Rhodes.
The asshole didn’t own me. I wasn’t his, and with a resume like mine and carefully honed interview skills, I’d land a solid position in no time. I’d just put Ollie down as my reference—he’d vouch for me.
Hell, how many women hadtwobachelor’s degrees under their belt?
Damn his name. Damnhimfor thinking my brother’s position would change my mind. Had he drafted Pax in some ploy to keep me under his thumb? To ensure loyalty the way that banks and employers kept people indentured with long loans as an indicator of stability? Like if I had something important entangled with the company, my loyalty would be stronger?
Leighton and I made the walk to the bar in a thick silence as my brain ran in circles and my temper grew, but when I made to drop her at the door, she grabbed my hand. I tried to hide that I was shaking. “You sure you don’t want to come in? I’ll buy you nachos?” she asked hopefully.
“Thanks, but I’m good. I want to pretend my boss didn’t just purchase our big brother and hide in a rom-com for the next twelve hours until I have to go in and face the music.”
“Alright. I’ll see you in a bit?”