Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
FRANCESCA
I’m rarely left speechless, but right now, my mind can’t even put together a sentence other than ‘Is he fucking kidding me?’
One look at him and I can instantly see the regret he’s feeling. Maybe he regrets where the fight happened, not that it actually happened.
Whatever was said must have been horrible because Rhett isn’t the type of man to start a fight, especially with a teammate at practice.
Or maybe he’s changed. I don’t really know him anymore. This could be how he acts now.
It’s highly doubtful, but unfortunately, it’s still a possibility.
My gaze moves to the other fighter. I remember him from the binder. He was the very last picture. Chase Williams.
The newest player on the Savannah Sharks and a recent high school graduate. He seems to have a chip on his shoulder, like he’s the best of the best.
Maybe he is a great player, but pulling shit like this will overshadow any great play he has this season.
I know it’s my job to make sure each player represents the team in a positive light, but if he’s picking fights this early in the season, I’m going to have my work cut out for me this year.
“So, Francesca, what are you going to do about their fight?”
I turn to look at Dad. “This might be completely unfair, but I’m thinking about asking the press to just delete the pictures and videos and not run a story.”
“And do you think they will go for that?”
“Not without some negotiating on my end.”
“Well, have at it. I look forward to seeing what you can accomplish.”
“You and me too.” I grumble before heading straight for the group of reporters to introduce myself to them.
All conversation stops as I get closer to the group. They turn their attention to me, and I give a small wave.
Like an idiot.
“Hi. I’m Francesca, the new Director of Public Relations for the Savannah Sharks. Since we’re all going to be working together, how about we sit down for a chat? We can go to the conference room. I can have someone bring in some drinks, if you would like?”
The reporters glance at one another before agreeing.
“Great.”
Glancing back at Dad, he nods and says, “I’ll arrange for food and drink to be brought to the conference room. ”
“Thank you.” I whisper before leading the group to the conference room.
What can I offer in exchange for them squashing this story?
When everyone is inside the conference room and settled in their seats, I take a deep breath and try to gather my thoughts.
“Like I said earlier, I’m Francesca, and I know we will be working together for a long time, so I think it’s important to get to know one another. I would love to work with all of you to come up with solutions on how we can introduce the team to the community. I want to get the community more involved, too.”
I glance at them, hoping they don’t get up and walk out.
The dark-haired, middle-aged man speaks first. “I’m Kyle. I’ve been an announcer for the team for a year now.”
The only woman speaks next. “I’m Raven, and I’ve only been here since May, so I’m new to learning about the team and other reporters like you.”
She chuckles and her fiery red curls bounce off her shoulders.
A taller, older man sitting next to her gives her a smile before saying, “I’m the oldest here, age and job wise. I’m James, and I’ve been here almost two years.”
He must have started after I moved away because I don’t recognize him.
The last man has long blonde hair and is built like Thor. He looks more like a bodybuilder than a sports announcer. His voice is softer than the other two men, but still commands attention. “I’m Chris, and I started with Kyle.”
“It’s nice to meet all of you. I know it’s not fair for me to ask for a favor on my very first day, but we all have the same goal in the end. We want the team to do well, and we want the community to support our team.”
Raven sits up straighter. “You don’t want the fight talked about, do you?”
“Of course not. Do you?”
“Fans love hockey fights.” She swipes her hair from her face.
“That’s true, but I’m pretty sure the fans don’t want to see their own players fighting each other. That means the team isn’t vibing like they should be this close to the home opener. This story could lead to fans losing trust in not only the team but also the organization, and with a new owner, it could spell disaster for our future.”
The four reporters look at one another as if they just want to report the fighting story and get on with the rest of their day.
I let out a sigh and slump in my seat. “Look, I’m not asking for something in exchange for nothing. I’m willing to negotiate. Just name your price, so to speak.”
The four of them glance at each other before turning their gazes back to me.
Raven speaks. “Would it be rude to ask for a few minutes to ourselves before we discuss things with you?”
I stand and say, “Not at all. I can check on the drinks and snacks and give you like ten minutes or so. Unless you think you will need more time?”
She offers me a smile. “I think ten minutes will be perfect. Thank you for understanding.”
I leave the conference room and practically run into Dad. He glances from me to the closed conference room door. “How’s it going?”
“They are mulling over their half of the negotiations, and I’m going to check on food and drinks.”
“I already took care of it. Why don’t you go outside and get some fresh air for a few minutes?”
“Thanks. That sounds nice.” I head straight to the main doors where the sun is shining through the glass, promising me rejuvenation and relaxation.
I just hope I don’t fuck things up and make things harder for Dad and the team.
If this story gets out, then there goes the team’s reputation. There won’t be a redemption season for the Sharks. We might as well close the doors and let the league find a better market.
Shaking those thoughts away, I enjoy the sunshine for a few minutes before heading back inside, feeling more capable of the job than I have all morning.
As long as they are willing to negotiate, I know the outcome will be good for all parties involved. With a smile on my face, I knock on the conference room door and push it open.
It takes over an hour of my time, but we finally reach an agreement. I had to promise three future exclusive interviews with me and one exclusive interview with both Williams and Montgomery to get the four reporters to delete the pictures and squash any rumors floating around.
My first interview with the four of them will be before the first game of the season, so I have a few days to prepare. Based on the mischievous glint in Raven’s eyes, she’s going to be asking me some hard questions to answer honestly.
Now that one problem is handled, I march, like a hawk searching for its prey, to the locker room in search of problems two and three.
Walking down the very familiar hallway, I push the memories of two years ago to the back of my mind. Two years ago, Rhett would have never fought a teammate during practice. Two years ago, life was less complicated.
Pushing the heavy locker room door open, I barge in. Several conversations stop mid sentence as soon as they notice me walking deeper into the room.
I pass the showers and head directly to Rhett’s corner.
He’s always had this corner of the locker room since I’ve met him. Hell, it was probably his corner since his first day on the team.
Several players gasp and murmur as I walk past.
Another player yells out, “Hey, what are you doing? You can’t be here right now. We’re in the middle of changing.”
He’s the one that was fighting with Rhett. Chase Williams, the newest member of the team. Cocky, arrogant, full of himself, and thinks he’s God’s gift to women.
Even under his surprised expression, he’s staring at me as if I just agreed to go home with him.
Well, he’s got another thing coming. There’s only one player I want to go home with, and unfortunately for him, he’s on my shit list, too.
I seethe, as his surprised look is wiped away and a cocky smirk forms on his face.
“I don’t give a flying fuck what you are in the middle of doing right now, especially after that little stunt on the ice. Besides, it’s not like I haven’t seen a flaccid dick before. It’s not that impressive. In five minutes, you and Montgomery both will be in my office or else.”
Chase clenches his jaw shut as several players chuckle nearby. His smirk morphs into a frown as he glares at me.
I look away from Chase and my gaze meets Rhett’s before dipping lower. He’s standing in front of his locker, wearing nothing but a towel. I take in his impressive, lean body.
He’s more toned now, with muscles on top of muscles, like he’s been hitting the gym every day for the past two years. Last night, I couldn’t see his definition very well, but I could feel it.
My fingertips tingle as I remember dragging them down his chest to his firm and throbbing-
Rhett clears his throat, bringing my gaze back to his .
My face flushes from being caught checking him out. I try to hold on to the anger I was feeling before ogling him in front of the entire team, but I fail. My gaze lowers one last time, wanting to take their fill of him.
His towel is wrapped around his hips, dipping dangerously low in the front. His dick bobs, like it loves my gaze locked on it. Someone wolf whistles from behind me, pulling me from whatever trance I was in.
My gaze shoots back up to Rhett’s before I spin around and head back to the main door.
Spencer Reed and Gage Roberts exit the showers with grins on their faces.
I try to avoid their gazes, but Spencer knocks his arm into mine as I try to pass by. “Nice to see you back, Francesca. Let’s get the whole team together like old times. After you kick their asses, of course. I’ll even pay.”
That brings a small smile to my face. It has been a while since I’ve hung out with the guys. They were like an extended family that annoys the shit out of you, but you’d rather hang out with them than be alone.
“That sounds great, especially the part where you pay.” I say before pushing open the locker room door and heading upstairs to my office.
A few minutes later, a knock sounds on my door. Looking up, I see both guys standing in my doorway.
“Come in and let’s get started on coming up with a plan to boost team morale and stop the gossip. ”
Neither one speaks as they sit in the chairs across from my desk, so I fill them in. “I was able to get the press to drop the story and delete all evidence, but you two will have an exclusive interview at some point this season.”
Chase Williams scoffs. “I didn’t sign up for that.”
“Well, I did it for you. It’s better than the alternative. I can get my brother and father in here for their opinions, but I have to tell you my way is bound to be the easy way.”
Rhett nods. “We will do the interviews whenever they want and I promise this will never happen again.”
“Thank you.”
Chase laughs. “God, you are such a suck up. Why don’t you just fuck her and get this little reunion over with so the team can get to where we need to be for the first game?”
Rhett clenches his hands, but I shake my head. I don’t need Rhett causing any more fights because of me.
“This isn’t high school, Chase. This is the real world. You want to be the center of attention and be in the middle of the drama? Then go for it, but leave me and my sex life out of it. Next time, I won’t spend an hour worrying about your reputation. I’ll let you destroy it on your own.”
He glares at me. Sure, I might have added fuel to his feud with Rhett, but I know Rhett can stand up for himself.
“You can leave. I’m done with you. ”
He gets up and walks out of my office without a backward glance.
Rhett waits for a few moments before saying, “He’s young and immature, but I know he’ll come around. He’s a good kid underneath it all. I just need to be a better captain for the team.”
“Yeah, there’s always a reason for a guy to be an asshole. Look at Joey. He became an asshole after Mom died.”
Rhett chuckles. “I think he was always an asshole, and you were just too preoccupied to notice.”
Yeah, preoccupied with daydreaming about boys until I met Rhett. Then he consumed my every thought.
Letting out a sigh, I say, “I need you to tell me everything you know about the club downtown that belongs to my Uncle Tony.”
His face pales as if that was the last thing he expected me to say.
Does he know what’s going on? Am I the only one out of the loop?