Chapter 14 #2
“What can I do for you?” Keeley asks, kicking her shoes off before crossing her legs and leaning back into the cushions.
My mind conjures far too many inappropriate responses before settling on the correct answer.
“As you’re probably aware, Gregory Winston is releasing a book.
Turns out, he wasn’t a fan of the Storm culture.
Claims the players and staff were ‘not people he wanted his family associated with.’”
Keeley cringes. “I saw it. His views are all over social media. Or should I say his lies? I was here while he was here. There was nothing wrong with our culture. And if there was, it came from him and his sidekick, Tray.”
She tenses when she mentions Tray, the team’s general manager when I first took over, and my mind drifts back to when I sought her advice over whether or not I should let him go.
I always sensed there was something she wasn’t telling me, and her reaction just now hasn’t changed my mind.
“It’s like one thing after another,” she continues, mindlessly running her fingers through the strands of her hair.
“We’ve barely come up for air after the Zane ‘scandal’ and now…
” She trails off when her eyes meet mine, wincing before she laughs.
“That’s not helpful. You know what we’re facing. You don’t need a recap.”
“I don’t, but it’s nice to have my anger reflected back at me. It makes my reaction feel justified.”
“You have every right to be pissed after everything you did for this team to protect them from the chaos he left behind.” Her cheeks flush from her anger on my behalf, making my chest knot. She only knows half of it. I wanted to protect her too.
“There’s more,” I tell her with a wince of my own. “Beckett’s seen the posts or somehow been told about the book, because he’s declined our offer.”
“God-fucking-dammit!”
“My thoughts exactly.” I huff out a laugh.
“Sorry, once again that wasn’t helpful.”
“On the contrary…your little outburst lifted my mood.”
“Good. Have you spoken to Wes?”
“He’s the one who told me. He’s looking for options while I figure out what to do about the book’s claims.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m not. That’s why you’re here. I need your help to get ahead of the fire.”
Keeley nods a few times before her lips lift into a knowing smile.
“You were already doing that, weren’t you?” I ask, realizing I’m an idiot. Of course she’d be on top of this.
“That’s what I do best. And it’s been all over socials all day.”
“All day?”
“Yep. It was impossible to miss. I’m surprised you only just found out.”
“I don’t do socials, Keeley.”
“You don’t? We should fix that. It’ll help your image.”
“According to your writer friend, I don’t need help with that. Power and charm, remember?” I wink and Keeley bursts out laughing.
“How could I forget?”
She smirks back at me, and instantly, it’s clear our almost kiss is forgotten, just like our actual kiss was.
And it needs to stay that way. No more kisses or almost kisses. I’m not sure our relationship would survive another one.
“Back to the task at hand. What are you thinking?”
“That we leak something proving he’s not the guy he says he is.” She smiles innocently and it’s my turn to laugh. “I know you’ve got more on him than you’ve told me. You’re hiding something.”
“What? I wouldn’t dare. Though it’s funny you say that. Wes suggested the same.”
“Wes? Really? I never pictured him as the type to go for petty revenge.”
“Did you picture me as that type?”
“Definitely. So let’s get planning.”
Ignoring the urge I have to ask why she thinks I’d go for something petty, I nod and move around to my desk, bringing my computer to life. “Yes. The sooner we figure this out, the better.”
“Thank you. I’ve got a nanna night to get home to.”
“Your nanna’s still alive?”
“No.” Keeley giggles softly, her expression playful.
“Monday nights are my nanna nights because I can start later on Tuesdays. I get into my pajamas the instant I get home, then I curl up on the couch with a blanket, a book or movie, and a mug of tea or glass of wine. And that’s where I stay until I fall asleep, or I force myself to go to bed at some ungodly hour of the morning. ”
“That actually sounds appealing. Perfect even. I’d much rather be having a grandpa night than tackling this issue. In fact, I wish most of my nights were like that.”
“I bet you do.” She beams brightly and my jaw drops.
“What does that mean?”
“It’s fitting because you’re an old man and a literal grandfather.”
“Now who’s bringing age into our conversation? I thought age was merely a number?” I tease despite telling myself I wouldn’t mention the other night.
Keeley’s about to respond when my phone rings, and I jump at the welcome interruption. “Sorry, I better take this.”
I grab my phone and check the screen, my gaze locked on Keeley as she scrolls through her own, the smallest of smiles pulling at her lips.
And fuck. I really need to keep our conversation more professional. Less flirting, more work.