Page 3 of Breaking the Rules
"Charlie," the GM said, too warmly."Thanks for coming so quick."He gestured with his chin toward Henry."Mr.Emerson wanted a word."
My throat went tight."About...?"I asked, my voice coming out rougher than I intended.
"Nothing bad," the GM said, waving a dismissive hand."Henry's just interested in getting to know our key players on a more personal level.Thought we'd start with our star forward."
Henry stood.He moved with an unnerving economy of motion, no energy wasted, every step measured.When he extended his hand, I hesitated for only a fraction of a second before taking it.
His grip was firm—all controlled strength, not the bone-crushing macho nonsense some guys pull.But there was something about the way his thumb rested against the sensitive skin of my inner wrist.Subtle.Deliberate.A spark of awareness shot straight up my arm before I could lock it down.
I cleared my throat, scrambling for a shred of levity."Guess billionaires don't do casual handshakes, huh?"
The GM laughed, a little too quickly."Henry is just...thorough."
Henry's mouth curved.It wasn't quite a smile; it was sharper, more knowing."I find it's important to make a proper impression."
Yeah.Mission fucking accomplished.
He released my hand, but the sensation didn't fade.It didn’t feel like freedom—it felt like a tether, thin and invisible, stretching between us.
The GM launched into a spiel about new sponsorship opportunities and community outreach events.I nodded in what I hoped were the right places, but my focus was entirely on Henry.He didn't interrupt; he didn't need to.His presence alone filled the room like low, rolling thunder.
When the meeting finally wound down, Henry stepped closer.He didn't invade my space, but he closed the distance enough that I caught the faint, expensive scent of his cologne—something dark and complex with a trace of cedar.
"It was good to meet you properly, Charlie," he said, his voice as smooth and cool as polished steel."I'll be watching your next game."
The words were simple.Standard, even.But the way he said them, the directness of his gaze, made them land like a personal challenge.
"Looking forward to it," I managed, hoping the ridiculous hammering of my heart wasn't audible.
The GM clapped me on the shoulder."That's all, Holt.Go get some rest before practice tomorrow."
I escaped the office, only realizing I'd been holding my breath once the door shut behind me.I leaned against the cool wall for a second, dragging in air.
Back in the sanctuary of the locker room, Shay pounced the second I returned."Well?Are we fired?Are you getting traded?Promoted to billionaire's personal bodyguard?"
"None of the above," I said, dumping my gear bag onto the bench with a thud."It was just a meet and greet.Owner stuff."
"Uh-huh."He narrowed his eyes dramatically."And the way you're blushing is because...?"
"I'm not—" I stopped dead when I saw Felix smirking at me from his stall.
"He's definitely blushing," Felix confirmed, nodding."Congrats, Holt.You're officially the team crush."
"Shut up," I grumbled, grabbing a roll of tape and tossing it at him.It missed by a mile, which only made them both laugh harder.
But as I changed into my street clothes, I couldn't shake the lingering charge from Henry's handshake—the quiet, heavy weight behind his words.He hadn't said anything out of line.He hadn't done anything more than look, speak, and touch my wrist for half a second.
Yet, something undeniable had settled between us in that office, invisible and heavy as a lead blanket.
I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed out, telling myself it was nothing.Just a rich guy sizing up a new asset.A very hands-on owner checking out his investment.
The problem was, as I pushed out into the evening air, I didn't entirely believe it.
