Chapter 28
LIBBY
The afternoon is grueling with two more lengthy interviews. All three candidates are great options, and despite the fact that I’m leaning toward Andrew—and not just because he’s Jordan’s preference—it’s going to be tough making a final choice.
“Those went really well,” Liam says when the last candidate, and Erin and the cameramen, leave the room. “We’ve got a hard job ahead of us. Should we break for dinner and then discuss?”
I glance back at Jordan, who has stood up and is stretching.
“I want to go over my notes and sleep on things tonight. I’d obviously like to discuss my thoughts with Jordan and get his impressions.
” I don’t hide from these men that I trust Jordan for guidance on these issues.
I want them to pass along to Mr. Stevens that he’s an excellent consultant and I’m using him to make sure this team is a success.
Dan chuckles in that fatherly way he has and glances between me and Jordan. He’s moved to come stand near me. “I’ll text you some of my thoughts to consider,” he says to Jordan.
“Sounds good,” Jordan replies. “Ready to go home and get some dinner?” he asks me.
“Definitely. Always when you’re cooking.” I reach for his hand, since he won’t do that on his own.
Dan slaps Jordan on the shoulder. “Good to hear you’re taking proper care of the boss. Keep that up.”
“Yes, sir.” Jordan pats him right back like they’ve been friends for years.
I smile. I can see our relationship with the Rogers family blossoming into something authentic.
His wife was one of those women who appealed to me right away—open and honest and unpretentious.
They have three teenaged boys, all of them in hockey, and she chatted in a hilarious way about her life in the car, driving them all over Colorado for games.
Erin has us all do filmed confessionals about the interviews before we can leave. I keep mine short, promising Erin I’ll film more of my thoughts in the morning, when I’ve had a chance to ponder the interviews and a chance to rest.
Once we get home, I go upstairs to change out of my work clothes, and by the time I come downstairs, the kitchen already smells wonderful, scents of tomato sauce, melting butter, and yummy spices swirling around the room.
“What’s for dinner?” I ask, sitting at the kitchen island to watch him work. He’s stirring something in a small pot.
He reaches for a carton of cream beside him and pours it in, continuing to stir when he looks over to talk to me. “A stovetop tortellini dish. Full-on comfort food. We had a very long day.”
“Sounds amazing.” I lean my elbows on the island. “Did you hear from the bank contact today?”
Jordan shakes his head. “I tried calling when I didn’t get an email back, but no answer. Apparently she’s out of the office for the week, but she’s checking emails. Hopefully I hear back from her in the next couple days.”
“Still feeling off about it?”
“Yeah, but I’m going to exhaust every avenue.
It will help Baylee feel better. Mitchell’s claiming to have lost a lot of money.
” Jordan grabs a spoon from the drawer next to him and dips it in, blowing on the creamy white sauce on the spoon before trying it.
“Want to try?” he asks when he turns and catches me staring at him.
Of course I’m staring at him. My hot hockey player husband is cooking for me. What’s not to stare at? “Yes, of course.”
He grabs another spoon, dips it in again, and then comes to the island to hold it out to me. The alfredo sauce is amazing.
“Jordan. How are you this good at everything?”
He chuckles. “A lot of practice.”
I settle back in my chair. “You know what would speed this whole process with Mitchell up? Letting me write a check.”
Jordan scoffs. “We’ve talked about this. I don’t want people taking advantage of you. Besides, we need to trust my gut on this and follow up on everything. I’m not convinced his claim is legit, and I don’t want you handing out five hundred thousand dollars to anyone who fills out our form.”
I give him a sigh of faux long-suffering. “Fine.”
We settle into conversation about the interviews while he finishes cooking.
We both agree that while the other two candidates are very good, Andrew has the edge, having already coached for the team and knowing the guys.
Plus everything he told us today about his strategies for the team and this season are in line with the philosophies Jordan and I have already been discussing.
A text from Dan later that evening to Jordan says he agrees.
“Unless Liam has a major issue with him, I think we’re hiring Andrew Cooper,” I say when we sit down to eat.
“A very good choice, boss,” Jordan says with a grin as he pulls out my chair.
I settle in and give him a wink. “That might be my favorite term of endearment.”