Chapter 33
thirty-three
This is ridiculous, but I’ll play along.
Nick sits behind his executive desk with his elbows on his armrests and his fingers steepled, playing the world’s most boring version of a staring contest.
Which is comical, because before this week, I could do this all day.
But knowing that Daisy is somewhere on this floor has me itching to get out of my seat and pull her into my arms one more time before I actually have to haul ass to the dugout.
Nick starts. “Okay, so this is how it’s going to go—”
“I love her.”
“You’re going to—wait. What did you just say?”
“I love Daisy. And by some miracle, she loves me too. So I’ll keep this real simple for you.
If us working together is a problem for the Monarchs organization, then I quit, effective immediately.
I won’t take the Monarchs away from Daisy like her ex tried to.
I love her too damn much to make her choose between the two.
So if you’re here to tell me you have some antiquated view of who your sister should or shouldn’t date and are using your position as my boss to throw that weight around, then you can save it.
Because Daisy’s love and opinion are the only things that matter to me. ”
Nick stares at me harshly for a few moments before he breaks.
“For fuck’s sake. I get one chance to perform my brotherly duty to scare her new man shitless and what does he do?
He falls on the proverbial sword for her.
” He scoffs, waving his hand my way. “Listen, man, I was well aware of your feelings for my sister long before you saved her from that wedding from hell. Which, by the way, I’ve yet to properly thank you for.
I have a nice bottle of whiskey at my house with your name on it.
” He shifts forward, leaning on his desk.
“And keep all that talk of resigning to yourself. I swear my wife has bat-like hearing, and if you’re not careful, she’ll barrel into my office offering you a raise to keep you,” he grunts.
My lip twitches. “Well, I do have a woman who’s awoken this newfound desire to spoil her rotten, so maybe a renegotiation wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
He looks at me, unimpressed. “Yeah, yeah. But if Luisa asks, I threatened you within an inch of your life and reminded you that if you ever were to hurt Daisy,” he leans in even closer, “I know a guy.” He lifts a brow, trying to drive his point home.
I lift from my chair and hold out my hand for him to shake. Even though this conversation was unnecessary, I actually have grown quite fond of Nick and his antics. And I know how much Daisy loves her brother, so that means I’ll play nice.
“Thanks for the chat, but I’ve got a game to prepare for.”
He shakes my hand. “Thanks again. My sister looked so different when she walked in. I barely even recognized her.” He pauses. “Happy looks good on her.”
I release him and make my way to the door, fully intending to leave, but not before I make one thing crystal clear.
I speak, my eyes never leaving his. “And for the record, Nick. You no longer need to ‘know a guy.’ Because if someone hurts Daisy, I’m the only guy you need to call.”