37. Chapter Thirty-Seven #3
He lounged in his chair, sprawled out like this was just another locker room meeting, one arm propped lazily on the table. But I knew better. That posture? Eloquent for his level of unbothered. His voice, though—that was another thing entirely. Low. Unyielding. An edge sharpened to quiet menace.
“She’s Coach Wylie. And her contribution to this team,” he continued, his gaze locking onto the suit like a sniper sighting his target, “is as valuable as any other member of the Renegades organization.”
Millsy let out a slow, delighted sigh. “Aw, good of you to bring that up, Shep.” Millsy rocked in her chair, her finger tapping away on the gleaming finish of the corporate table as though the busy motion reflected energy zinging through her system that just couldn’t be contained.
“Except ‘valuable’ doesn’t quite cover it. She’s essential.”
She glanced around the room, her grin fiendish with delight.
“I think we all remember that game-winning goal from her first week on the job, yeah? Coach’s Review caught that saved our asses.
And let’s talk player performance, since, oh look at that—Coach Trasier’s been singing her praises.
” She tugged her phone from her blazer pocket, flicking through with purpose.
“In fact, I happen to have a statement from him right here. Full support for Coach Wylie staying right where she is. And if I have the facts right—and I do—the organization planned on offering her a permanent position, what with Sellers doing the whole stay-at-home dad thing.”
She turned to Jasper Pendleton, her chin tilting up in silent question. He barely moved, just the faintest nod. Millsy’s smile sharpened.
“Gentlemen,” she continued, Her voice snapping through the tension around the table.
“You’ve got a problem. You’ve riled up the whole Renegades C-suite, but the team?
They’ve made their position clear. Your star player is willing to walk rather than see Coach Wylie fired.
Your head coach is backing her. And Fournier?
The captain speaks for the players.” She rocked back in her chair, all lazy confidence.
“Yeah. I’d say you’re in quite the pickle. ”
The nameless suit quivered in outrage. “The negative impact on sales can’t be discounted.
The repercussions could be long-term. We could be dealing with questions of integrity in the workplace, questions about whether the staff is able to perform their duties impartially.
There’s a reason we have a no fraternization policy. ”
Melani Tremblay cleared her throat. “The arena has been at capacity for years, so I can’t give you stats on increased ticket sales,” she admitted, her voice shaky but growing stronger.
“However, recently, we’ve recorded more traffic on the team site and vendor sites than we have through the entire previous season.
Fan engagement has seen a noticeable uptick.
Socials? A significant surge. Comments and interactions are overwhelmingly positive, with fans loving the idea of Shep and Merri.
And demand for interviews…” She hesitated, then glanced at Jasper.
“It’s higher than anything we’ve seen since the playoffs. ”
“Thank you, Melani,” Jasper said and the woman shot toward the door, leaving the room in another weighty silence.
My heart slammed against my ribs.
Shep was fighting for me. Not just with words, but with everything. His career. His future. Everything he had worked for—he was willing to sacrifice it for me.
To protect my career, my dreams.
The realization hit like a tidal wave, love surging so fiercely it stole the air from my lungs.
I wanted to dive across the table into his lap. Climb into his lap and bury my face in his chest, his heartbeat steady under my cheek. I wanted to hold on and never let go.
I adored him. I’d give my left big toe to scream it from the top of this table this very moment, from ice level in the arena, from everywhere and anywhere. Why had I even doubted?
He caught my look and gave me a slow wink. I couldn't stop the smile that broke free then. And unable to hold it in, I mouthed "I love you" across the table.
His answering smile would have blinded a lesser mortal. But I was made for this Golden Boy.
My initial perception might have been of a careless and irresponsible man, but he’d demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was more than that. He was solid, dependable and holy crap, he was mine.
“I’m going to ask you, Shep, Mr. Chandler, Coach Wylie and Millsy to head on out. I think Grandfather and I can finish this meeting ourselves. Thank you, everyone, for your time this morning. We will take everything under advisement.”
Millsy nodded, popping up out of her seat with a satisfied smack of her lips. “Alrighty, then, Jasper. See you at dinner, Granddad!”
Everyone filed out of the executive office.
Millsy, her smile triumphant, patted Shep on the cheek. “Well played, Landon. And you, Coach Wylie—” Millsy winked. “You owe me one fantastic steak.”