Page 86 of Pucking My Grumpy Accidental Husband

My stomach drops like I just fell off a cliff. "Now?"

He holds up the still-buzzing phone. “He says they’ll want an answer soon.”

Chairman Ashford overhears and raises an eyebrow. "Mr. Kingston, I trust you’ll consider what’s best for your future—both professional and personal."

As we leave the conference room, the phone won’t stop buzzing, each vibration a reminder that our win might already be unraveling.

“Ready for that celebration?” I try to joke, though my voice comes out thin.

"Rain check?" Dax says, eyes on the screen. "I think we need to have another conversation first."

Fuck.

CHAPTER 20

DAX

I'm staring at my phone like it just grew fucking tentacles and started doing the Macarena. The number on the screen belongs to Frank Russo, Boston's GM, and considering I turned them down less than forty-eight hours ago, this call either means they're gluttons for punishment or something's changed.

"Answer it," Tessa says from beside me on the couch, where we've been celebrating our victory with pizza and terrible reality TV. She’s got my Renegades hoodie on again, the hem barely skimming her thighs, hair tumbling down like she didn’t even bother with a brush—and somehow it’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. "What's the worst that could happen?"

"Famous last words," I mutter, but I swipe to answer anyway. "Russo. This is unexpected."

"Dax!" His voice booms through the speaker, way too cheerful for someone who just got rejected. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

I glance at Tessa, who's paused our show mid-episode and is watching me with those hazel eyes that are currently more green than gold. Which means she's curious, not panicked. Good sign.

"Just enjoying some downtime with my girlfriend," I say, testing the word. It still feels surreal to say it out loud, officially, without worrying about who might be listening.

"About that—congratulations. Word travels fast in this league, and what you two did, standing up to that Harrison situation? That took real character. Real leadership."

Tessa's eyebrows shoot up. She can hear every word since I've got the volume cranked.

"Thanks," I say carefully. "Though I'm not sure why you're calling to congratulate me on my relationship status."

Russo laughs. "Because it changes everything. See, when we made that initial offer, we were working under different assumptions. We thought you were single, career-focused, ready to relocate without complications."

"And now?"

"Now we know you're the kind of man who chooses love over ambition, who stands by his principles even when it costs him. That's exactly the character we want leading our organization."

Tessa grabs my free hand, squeezing tight. Her touch grounds me, keeps me from getting swept up in whatever sales pitch is coming.

"What are you saying, Russo?"

"I'm saying Boston wants to make this work for both of you. New offer, improved terms, full consideration for Dr. Bennett's career."

My heart does this stupid stuttering thing. "I'm listening."

"Twenty percent salary increase over our original offer. Five-year fully guaranteed contract. Assistant coaching position secured for post-retirement. Full relocation package for both you and Dr. Bennett, including job placement assistance."

Jesus Christ. Those numbers are making my head spin.

"And here's the kicker," Russo continues, "official acknowledgment of your relationship. No hiding, no pretending, no corporate policies forcing you underground. We've done our research on Dr. Bennett—her work speaks for itself. We'd be honored to have both of you join the Bruins family."

I look at Tessa, who's gone completely pale. Her mouth is slightly open, and she's staring at me like I just told her we won the lottery.

"That's... that's a generous offer," I manage.