Page 90 of Playing the Field

Brooke closes the door behind her and moves to lean against the window, giving us space but making it clear this is not a private conversation.

Anastasia doesn’t sit.

She crosses her arms, watching me carefully. “What’s going on?”

I take a slow breath. “Have a seat, Ana.”

Her lips press into a thin line. “I’m good standing.”

I huff a quiet laugh, shaking my head. Stubborn as ever.

“Fine,” I say, leaning against my desk instead. “I wanted to talk to you about your future with the Tigers.”

Anastasia stiffens, her fingers curling against her arms.

I nod toward the contract on my desk. “That’s your official offer for the permanent team doctor position.”

Her breath catches.

I watch her carefully. “You earned this, Ana. Not because of me. Not because of us. But because you’re the best damn doctor for this job.”

She doesn’t move.

Doesn’t speak.

I can see the war happening behind her eyes—the part of her that wants this, wants it so badly, battling the part that’s terrified of what people will say.

I push forward, needing her to understand. “I went through the contract myself. The no-fraternization policy applies to players, colleagues, and medical staff. Not me.”

Her eyes snap to mine, sharp and searching.

“There’s nothing in this contract that says you and I can’t be together,” I continue, voice even. “Nothing that jeopardizes your position. Nothing that makes this look like some kind of backroom deal.”

I let that sink in before I say what I know she needs to hear.

“If you sign this contract, it’s because you deserve it.”

A beat of silence.

Then—

Anastasia exhales, her arms finally loosening.

“You checked,” she murmurs.

I nod.

She swallows, shifting slightly. “I didn’t want to ask.”

I nod again, softer this time. “I know.”

For the first time since she walked in, some of the tension drains from her shoulders.

Then, because this isn’t just about her job—because this is about us—I add, “I also want to be honest about the PR side of this.”

Her brows furrow. “PR?”

Brooke finally speaks. “We’re getting ahead of the story.”