Page 12 of The Arrangement

“I mean, if we buy it, we could fire the current management. That would be one problem solved.”

“One problem solved while we take on an endless number of others.”

Tate shrugs.

This is ridiculous. We have no business buying another sports team, not when our hands are full with the Arrowsandour hockey franchise.

I scratch the top of my head.

“Come on, Jase. You had to have seen this coming.”

No, I didn’t… but I probably should have.

I should’ve known you can’t take a man out while he’s at the top of his game and give him nothing to do. Idle hands being the devil’s playthings and all. Renn has always been able to find mischief, even if his hands are full.

“Can he put it off for a while? A year?” I ask, groaning. “Maybe two?”

Tate shrugs again.

“Gannon will probably love this.It’s good to diversify,” I say, mocking our eldest brother’s inevitable tone. “Why do I feel like I’ll be the only holdout?”

“Because, my guy, you will. I’m with Gannon. I think it’s smart to show our investors—and the world—that we’re united. That it’s business as usual over here.”

Dammit.

“Strength garners support,” he continues. “Everyone wants to support the strongest. And it’s a whole hell of a lot better to walk into a room with everyone talking about your business deals than have them talking about your father’s transgressions. That’s what they’ll remember at the end of the day.”

“True.” I run a hand down my face. “I hate it when you make sense.”

His brows pull together, studying me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m just … tense. I’ve had a headache for a week.”

He stands, yawning. “Me, too.”

“You’re probably just tired from chasing women all weekend. We are not the same.”

He lifts his chin and grins. “You underestimate me.”

“Oh, really?”

“Really. But that’s an expected take from someone so old,” he says, heading for the door. “I’m going to grab another coffee from your break room. It’s infinitely better than ours because Gannon is cheap, and then get back to work. I’m heading to San Antonio tomorrow to smooth things with a few Arrowsinvestors. It’s a good thing I like golf.” He pulls the door open. “I’ve golfed so much the past six months that I swing in my sleep.”

“Must suck to be you.”

He winks. “It never sucks to be me. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Bye, Tate.”

I wait until the door latches before I blow out a breath. Then I sink back into my chair and try to sort through my thoughts. But instead of thinking about my conversation with Towlin, Renn’s impending proposal, or the hundred calls I need to make, I let my mind flow elsewhere … to the one place it goes when I need to decompress.

To Chloe.

“I’d give Jason Brewer whatever he wants.”

A smile immediately splits my cheeks. Because no matter how shitty or stressful of a day I’m having, Chloe makes it better.

The past three years with her in my office and the past seven months with her as my EA have been the best of my professional life—despite my family drama nearly paralyzing my personal one. Knowing Chloe is here, waiting for her iced coffee and ready to support me through the day, is a relief. It gets me up in the morning.