Page 30 of Grizz

I tighten my grip on the folder in my hands.“Is Grizz almost ready?”I ask, trying to keep my voice calm.“We were supposed to be out the door ten minutes ago.”

He chuckles, slow and smug.“Oh, he’s ready.”

I narrow my eyes.“Then why isn’t he out here?”

Tanner leans one shoulder against the wall, clearly enjoying this, the picture of casual defiance.“Because he’s busy.”

My pulse ticks.“Busy doing what?”

“Playing ping-pong.”

I blink.“Ping-pong.”

“Yep.Intense game too.He’s up by three in the quarterfinals of the tourney.”

I stare at him, mouth sagging open.“You’re joking.”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”He spreads his hands.“He’s locked in, Turner.Focused.Can’t interrupt greatness.”

My patience is running thin and my blood pressure is spiking.“He’s supposed to be at a photo shoot for a multimillion-dollar partnership, not sitting around”—I stop myself before I say something I might regret and dial it back a notch—“wasting my time and the team’s money.”

Tanner grins as if this is the most entertainment he’s had in days.“Well, technically, he’s being active, not sitting around.That’s athletic, right?”

I inhale a deep breath and push away thoughts of strangling him with his own earbuds.“You’re a real comedian.”

He offers me a half bow.“Thanks.I practice.”

I step closer, lowering my voice so it lands like a threat.“Tanner, I’m serious.Can you please tell him to get out here?”

He raises an eyebrow, head tilted.“Can I?Sure.Will I?Depends.”

I frown.“Depends on what?”

“What’s in it for me?”

I blink, certain I misheard him.“Excuse me?”

He folds his arms, that smirk deepening.“I’m about to walk into the lion’s den and tell the franchise player to stop mid-match when he’s on his way to the semis to defend his title.I need hazard pay.”

A dam breaks within me and along with it, my control.Fury ripples and I hiss at him, “You’re unbelievable.”

He’s completely unfazed and shrugs.“Hey, I’m a professional.I know my worth.”

“Fine,” I snap, cutting the air between us.“I’ll owe you.”

He shakes his head slowly.“Nah.Owing me is too vague.I want a legit return.”

“You’re bargaining with me right now?”

“Think of it as a motivational strategy.”

I let out a frustrated laugh, half snarl.“Okay.Name your price.”

Tanner pretends to think it over, gaze rolling skyward as he taps his chin.When he looks back at me, he says, “Desserts.From Bartiz.For a month.”

“A month?”

“Thirty days.Unlimited desserts.Make it happen.”