Beyond the Game (Out of Reach 2)

“Fine. We leave at midnight.”

“Thank you.”

“You know I can’t say no to you.”

“That’s not true. You denied me for weeks.”

His eyes heat and then soften. “You know that’s different. It was well worth the wait.”

“Yes, it was.”

“Are they always like this?” I hear Miller ask when Cameron’s lips press against mine.

“Yep,” Willow replies, and the table erupts with laughter.

Chapter 20

Cameron

I just finished a workout and sped through my shower. I don’t have to be back for tonight’s game until four, which means I get the rest of the day with Paisley. Pushing my feet into my tennis shoes, I grab my bag and stand just as Coach Drummond steps in my line of sight.

“Cameron.” He nods.

“Coach.”

“Front office needs to see you.”

My stomach drops. “Coach?”

“The GM,” he clarifies.

Fuck. I nod and head upstairs. I may as well get this over with. I’m not worried about my game, but I am dating another Blaze employee publicly. Sure, he told me it was fine, but there may be fine print. I fucking hate fine print. Not to mention there is still Hastings and his injury. Originally, he was out for a few weeks at best. Those weeks multiplied, and then it turned into the entire season. Things change. Healthcare isn’t an exact science. The human body is a marvel. So I have no fucking clue what to expect as I step off the elevator and greet his secretary, whose name I can’t remember. I make a mental note to ask Paisley. That is even if I need to take the time to learn it.

“I’m here to see Mr. Milton.” I refrain from using his first name. That could just be another nail in my proverbial coffin.

“Of course, Mr. Taylor. You can go on in.” She smiles and points at the door to Drew’s office.

Hiking my bag up on my shoulder, I make my way to his office, stopping at the door and knocking on the frame. Drew looks up and nods. “Cameron, good to see you. Come on in.”

Doing as I’m told, I stride into his office like my insides aren’t shaking. He points at one of the black leather chairs across from his desk, and I sit.

“Thanks for seeing me. I know you have some free time today, well, time away from the club.” He laughs. “I know what it’s like during the season. Every hour you don’t have to be here is like a get-out-of-jail-free card. Don’t get me wrong,” he adds, “I loved the game. I still do, but a little downtime is nice as well.”

“Agreed.” I nod. I’m not sure what this meeting is about, and my guard is up. I’m not being an ass, but I’m not overly talkative either.

“Anyway.” Drew sits back in his chair. “I’m sure you’re wondering why you’re here.”

“Yes, sir.”

He nods. “Hastings.”

That sinking feeling in my stomach falls just a little further. “Hastings,” I repeat.

“He’s retiring.” My mouth drops open in shock. “He’s not healing like he expected to, and he’s tired. He’s been in the league for fifteen years and has decided it’s time to call it quits.”

I open my mouth to speak, but the words won’t come. Hope wells in my chest. If I get a contract, if I get to stay, that means I get to stay close to Paisley. I don’t have to leave her.

“I’d like to offer you a three-year contract. We’re looking at twenty-two million for three years.”