Page 92 of Playing the Field

For a moment, we just stand there.

Then—

Anastasia shifts, glancing at the contract on my desk. “Do I have time to read it?”

I smirk. “Take all the time you need.”

She nods, her lips curving slightly, and I know⁠—

This isn’t just about her job.

It’s not just about me.

It’s about us.

And for the first time, I think we might actually figure out how to move forward.

Together.

The moment Anastasia leaves my office, I shift gears.

She has her decision to make.

And I have a team to run.

The Toronto Tigers are heading into a brutal matchup against the Houston Sabercats—the top team in the league.

A team that’s been steamrolling their way through the season, crushing defenses, and running a strategic attack that’s nearly impossible to counter.

But nearly impossible isn’t the same as impossible.

And I don’t intend to lose.

I push away from my desk, grab my notebook, and make my way toward the coaching offices, my mind already analyzing every possible angle.

By the time I walk into Coach Brandt’s office, he’s at his desk, reviewing footage from the Sabercats’ last match. He barely glances up before muttering, “You’re late.”

I smirk. “I own the team, Brandt. I can’t be late.”

He grunts. “Tell that to Houston when they run us over on Saturday.”

I drop into the chair across from him, cracking open my notebook. “That’s not happening.”

He exhales sharply, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “They’re a problem, Callahan. Their forwards are the best in the league, and their scrum-half is lethal.”

I glance at the screen where their number nine—Luis Rivera—is picking apart a defensive line like it’s a training drill.

“Rivera’s dangerous,” I agree, eyes narrowing. “But not unbeatable.”

Brandt scoffs. “Oh yeah? You planning on shutting him down yourself?”

“No,” I say, flipping a page in my notebook. “But that’s why we’re bringing in Bodhi Donovan.”

Brandt pauses, giving me a considering look. “You think he’s ready?”

I nod. “I wouldn’t have signed him if I didn’t. He reads plays faster than most veterans. He doesn’t have Rivera’s speed, but he’s smart, he’s quick on his feet, and he doesn’t back down.”

Brandt grunts. “He’s young.