Chapter 15 – Jordie #3
Then we sit on the couch and eat our Frito pies, Reece in the middle of Phoenix and I while we watch the first part of the movie. During the second half, we take turns painting each other’s nails, mine in bright rainbow, Reece’s in pastel rainbow, and Phoenix’s in a shocking pink color.
By the time the movie’s over, Reece’s head is tipped over against her dad’s shoulder, fast asleep. “I thoroughly enjoyed that,” I say as the credits roll.
“That’s what she said,” Phoenix replies cheekily, and I snort so loud I have to slap a hand over my mouth to keep from waking up the little one.
“You’re so bad,” I reply, and he flashes me a mischievous grin.
“That’s not what she said.”
I roll my eyes at his ridiculousness. “I guess I should get going so you can get Reece in bed.”
He gathers his daughter in his arms and stands. “I’d like you to stay. We still haven’t gone over your contracts. If it’s not too late for you.”
“No, it’s fine,” I admit.
“I’ll turn the AC to a non-arctic level so we can change back into regular clothes. You can use my room again.”
What else of yours can I use? my mind asks, and I’m a bit shocked at my internal brazenness. With heated cheeks, I simply nod, following him up the stairs. He goes into the room next to his while I dart into his bedroom to change back into my polo and shorts.
When I emerge, I stall in the doorway of what’s obviously Reece’s room.
It’s decorated in a cute but stylish way, with a large pink-and-purple rug taking up most of the floor space.
A small, heart-shaped lamp gives off a muted pink glow while Phoenix kneels beside his daughter’s bed.
He’s changed her into a silky pink nightgown and is gently wiping her face with a cloth.
The kid doesn’t even stir when her dad lifts her chubby hand and kisses the back of it, whispering something I can’t hear.
I’m moved almost to tears at the tender moment and quickly back away, traipsing silently downstairs.
Phoenix returns a few minutes later, now dressed in a ceil-blue T-shirt and gray athletic shorts that make me have to struggle to keep my gaze above the equator.
God, what is wrong with me? I seem to have strayed precariously into ho-bag territory around this man. He tosses a black Yale Law School sweatshirt at me, and I catch it easily.
“It takes a while for the temperature to get back to normal. You can wear that if you’re chilly.”
I am, so I slip on the sweatshirt over my clothes, doing my best not to be a sniffy little weirdo. But damn, it smells good, mostly like laundry detergent, but there’s a hint of his masculine scent clinging to the fabric. Phoenix retrieves his laptop and sits beside me on the couch.
“I made changes on a few things. First of all, for the car commercial, they wanted you to wear one of their polo shirts. That would give the impression you’re an employee, which you’re obviously not.
I added that you will be wearing Dragons gear, either your jersey or a polo like you’re wearing now.
Though you’re advertising for them, you also want to maintain your own brand. ”
“Makes sense,” I say. “I never would have even thought of that.”
“That’s why you’re paying me the big bucks,” he jokes. “Now, for compensation, they’re offering money, but this is the largest car dealership in Houston. They usually offer a new vehicle, but I didn’t see that in here.” He taps the top of the laptop.
“I was wondering about that. My brother did a commercial for the same dealership, and he got a new truck out of it.”
Phoenix makes a disgusted sound. “Fuckers are low-balling you because you’re a woman.” His fingers tap over the keyboard, making notes. “We’re not going to let them do that. You’re worth more than what they’re offering.”
“Th-thank you,” I stammer out, and he turns his head to smile at me.
“You’re one of the most popular women in the league, and you’re representing a Houston team.
They should be throwing cars and money at you.
” He returns to his laptop. “Now, we need to specify what kind of vehicle so they don’t try to stick you in a cheap-o compact car that you can’t even get in and out of. What would you like?”
“A truck,” I say instantly. “Nothing fancy, maybe just an F-150?”
Phoenix begins typing. “Color?”
“Black.”
He nods. “You want it customized?”
“Can I get it with the optional rally fun pack?” I ask with a note of teasing in my voice.
Phoenix laughs. “A big fan of Chevy Chase and the Family Vacation movie, I guess?”
“One of the best movies of all time, I confirm.” I picture the new truck in my mind and say, “Ooh, how about with a purple pinstripe down the side?”
Phoenix’s Thing One and Thing Two dimples pop to life as his lips tip upward at the edges.
“Team colors. I like it.” He completes his typing and pulls up another document.
“I didn’t find much wrong with the other two contracts.
The sandwich restaurant is offering five thousand dollars plus free subs for a year. ”
“They’re a local mom-and-pop shop, so that seemed fair to me.”
“I agree, and you only have to say one line and then let them film you eating a sandwich. Easy money in your pocket.” His forehead puckers into a frown as he scrolls. “It doesn’t say what kind of sandwich you’ll be eating. Do you have a preference?”
“I… don’t think so,” I say haltingly. “Does it really make a difference?”
Phoenix shrugs and grins. “I’d caution against something extremely messy like a meatball sub, unless you plan on bringing a change of clothes in case of drippage.”
“I wouldn’t have even thought of that. A turkey club is fine.”
His head bobs up and down as he makes a note of that in the contract.
“The devil is in the details. Now, on the last one, the local sporting goods store, it seems like a great offer. They want you to do a two hour meet-and-greet in the store. Ten thousand dollars and a five-hundred-dollar credit for any sporting gear you might want. And it takes place next Saturday.”
“That sounds good to me.”
“And do you have any limits on how much stuff you’ll sign?”
“As much as I can in two hours,” I reply.
“M’kay, got it. And after the two hours are up, what if there are still people in line?”
My eyebrows pinch together, picturing little kids being turned away. “If they cut off the line after two hours, I’ll stay as long as it takes to see all of them. No extra compensation necessary,” I add.
“I think that’s a good move. The store owners will appreciate it and be itching to have you back.” His fingers click against the keys. “Plus, you’ll be getting additional royalties from the league for any McNamara gear that’s sold that day, so the more the better.”
“It’s nice to get paid, but that’s not the most important thing to me. I just want people to be excited about the Dragons and actually show up for games.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that.” Phoenix studies the screen. “But what does concern me is they’re only providing two security guards.”
“I saw that. Do you think that’s really necessary?”
He looks at me like I just sprouted a banana from my forehead. “At a meet-and-greet with tons of rabid fans?”
I blow a scoffing raspberry. “I doubt there will be tons or that they’ll be rabid.”
“Better safe than sorry,” he argues. “I’ve already contacted Tank Hanford to come as your personal security. You remember him, right? Bristol’s husband?”
“Tank is a little hard to forget. He’s a freaking giant,” I reply dryly. “But I don’t want to interrupt their family vacation. Bristol said they’re taking Gram and the kids to Galveston.”
“They’re headed back to Dallas on Saturday and will be passing right by the mall on their way. There’s a fun arcade in there, so Bristol and Gram can keep the kids entertained. He said he’d be happy to help if you sign a jersey for him.”
“Of course.”
“Tank is a former SEAL and now works in personal security, so he has plenty of experience.”
I chuckle. “I think his mere presence is enough to deter any problems.”
Phoenix makes a couple notes on his computer. “I’m letting the store know you’ll also be bringing your own security guard, and they can contact him for his credentials since he’ll probably be packing heat.”
I shake my head in wonder. “I think you’re being ridiculous. I don’t need an armed guard—”
My words are cut off when Phoenix presses his index finger against my lips. “Hush. It’s done. I’m not taking any chances with your safety.”
Bubbles tingle low in my belly like I just drank an entire bottle of champagne. Why was that simple command and his protectiveness such a turn on?
I playfully bite his finger, and he pulls it back with a laugh.
“Ow, no need to go feral on me, McNamara.” He shuts his laptop and reclines back on the couch.
“So the other thing I wanted to talk to you about is that Hale Cosmetics is wanting to do a collaboration with a football player and a basketball player. And since you’re already our girl, I thought you might be interested. ”
Our girl? I’d just put that in the vault and think about it later.
“Who’s the basketball player?”
“Kennedy Jeffries. Do you know her?”
My eyes almost bulge out of their sockets. “I’ve never met Kennedy, but of course I know who she is. She’s the toughest player in the league. Hell, she could probably go toe-to-toe with half the men playing pro ball.”
Phoenix chuckles. “I agree, and that’s why we wanted both of you in this campaign. Two fierce female athletes. And half the profits will go to support girls’ athletic programs.”
“I’m in. Sign me up,” I say instantly, happiness wrapping around my heart.
He gives me a sardonic eyebrow lift. “You haven’t even heard about the compensation.”