Page 59 of All In: The Price We Pay

And no matter how much those words flatter me, they also contain a bitter truth. I’m convinced that Evan has everything he wants.

For me, though, our arrangement won’t last in the long run.

But for now, baby steps are enough for me. So I send him a heart, to which he replies with a kiss emoji. He’s right. In the worst-case scenario, we’re talking about ten years during which we can’t be together officially.

What’s ten years, anyway? I’d rather ignore the anxious knot in my stomach for now.

Three days later I had hardly left the office. I even spent one night sleeping on the couch there. Now Carly stands in the doorway with a frantic look on her face. “Derek’s on his way. He wants to discuss the blackmail payment. Apparently, the lawyers have reached an agreement with Michael and Joaquin.”

I stand up and run my fingers through my hair. A little advance notice wouldn’t have hurt.

“Evan will be with him,” she adds and disappears.

Great. I look like I’ve been in the office for well . . . for three days.

After a quick trip to the shared bathroom, where I splashed water on my face and smoothed out my clothes, I head toward the conference room with my heart pounding. We haven’t seen each other in five days. It should be a piece of cake to run into him.

With a “Good morning,” I burst into the conference room, where Derek, Evan, Carly, and Simon are already waiting. “Oh, full house?”

Simon waves it off. “I’ve got something to discuss with Derek in a minute. Thought I’d check in to see what you guys came up with.”

I nod to the group, and Carly smiles at me. My gaze wanders to Evan, and my breath catches. He’s beaming. I can’t help but smile back. It’s been five days since I’ve been able to show him how much I’m committed to us and how happy I am about the flowers and . . .

Carly’s clearing of her throat snaps me out of my attempt to give Evan a hard-on across the conference table.

“The written settlement includes a confidentiality agreement, but we all know how well those work. Even if nothing is said about the amount, word will leak out somewhere that there was some kind of agreement between Joaquin and Evan. We can’t completely stop speculation about it. Of course, the team has been notified to closely monitor statements from Joaquin’s circle. Ultimately we’ll spend the next few days reviewing content, reporting it, having it deleted, and continuing to post pictures of Evan and Valentina.”

“And about the game,” Evan chimes in.

I’m surprised he’s contributing. Until now, Derek has been doing all the talking for him.

He sits up straighter in his chair. “The arrangement with Valentina is coming to an end, and we’re heading into the playoffs. I’ve got forty-one goals and ninety-three points now, and there are still almost six weeks until the playoffs. I don’t want to tell you what to do, Carly, but if we could focus on that, I’d appreciate it.”

Derek wants to say something, but my dear colleague beats him to it. “That’s a great idea, Evan, and I’m on good terms with your team’s social media manager, so I’m sure I can work something out. But we mainly cover the lifestyle aspect of online reporting. These people aren’t interested in your performance, but rather in . . . ”

“Gossip and rumors,” Evan mutters.

Carly nods. “But I’ll include that. Also, that a relationship between you two is difficult because you’re focused on your professional success. You will finally win the Cup this year, and Valentina has to head to a shoot soon anyway, which will hopefully win her an Oscar. I can put your idea to good use. Thanks for the input.”

Evan looks at her gratefully. “Thanks for your help, Carly.”

“So do you really want to end the collaboration at the end of the season?” Simon asks.

“Yes,” says Evan, while Derek adds, “We’re still thinking it over.”

“Well, we don’t have to decide today. Derek, we still have something to discuss.” Simon stares at him expectantly.

“I’ll be right there. Evan, that’s it. I told you, you don’t have to come with me.”

Evan stands up and offers Carly his hand. “It’s fine. I was just on my way home from the airport, anyway. It worked out perfectly. This way I get to thank you both.”

“As you wish.” Derek doesn’t say goodbye to either Carly or me and trots off after Simon.

“It was nice meeting you, Evan” Carly says, looking at both of us. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

He purses his lips.

“Let’s go to my office,” I murmur, and we all leave the conference room together.