Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

“Yeah, she mentioned it.”

“Not sure how much she explained, but she’s had a lot on her plate these last few weeks. They lost a patient, and it hit her whole department hard. Today, she had a great presentation, so I’m sure she’s riding that high.”

“That’s probably it. I’d better go. We need to eat fast and get to the arena. I’ve got some ass to kick tonight.”

“I’ll be watching.”

“How about we make a little wager. If I can get a hat trick, you redo my contract and eliminate that additional ten percent you added when I was a prick?”

I can’t help but smile. He really is an arrogant bastard. “Perry Carver, you are looking at a three million dollar endorsement. Do you really want to antagonize me? How about you get a hat trick, win the series, protect my woman from your douchebag teammates, and I’ll THINK about reducing the fee.”

He gives a loud whistle and roars in laughter. “You’re an asshole, but I’ve got your back. See ya.”

I drop the phone and think about calling Bizzy then decide against it. I trust Perry to keep her safe, but even more, I trust Bizzy.

An idea slams into me. I search my calendar and buzz Gail. “Gail, can you come in here for a minute?”

“Don’t you need to get going? The appointment is in forty five minutes,” she reminds me.

“Yes, I’m on my way out, but I need your help. How long will it take to get me set up with a fully operational home office?”

“You already have a home office.”

“I should say, a remote office. I need complete functionality with all accesses.”

“Depending on the equipment you need, it could be done within a week.”

“Do it. You have my permission to sign off on any requests. I’ll get it approved on my end.”

“What’s going on, Shaw?”

“After my lunch tomorrow, I’ll need a one way ticket to Charlotte. I’ll have my laptop, but send all necessary equipment to Bizzy’s apartment.”

An approving smile tugs at her lips as she nods. I grab my things and kiss her lightly on the cheek before leaving. “Don’t know what I’d do without you,” I tell her honestly.

When I get to my car, I send an email to my boss letting him know my plans. As expected, he replies immediately with approval, which is humorous because I didn’t ask for permission. One way or another, I’m going to Charlotte.

My palms are sweaty as I open the restaurant door and usher my parents through. It’s not nerves; it’s a sense of urgency to get this over with. Sasha and her parents are waiting on us by the hostess stand, and I immediately feel the heat in her father’s disapproving stare.

“Sasha, Mr. and Mrs. Crane.” I offer my hand in greeting. “Crenshaw Bennett.”

“Claude and Ann,” he corrects me.

“These are my parents, Seth and Maria Bennett.” I wave between my mom and dad.

Everyone exchanges awkward handshakes. My mom looks straight to Sasha’s stomach, and tears form in her eyes. Sasha notices, too, and makes a point to touch her rounded stomach with a sly grin. She thinks my mom is emotionally overwhelmed with happiness.

I know differently.

The hostess takes us to a large table in the back of the restaurant, and I sit between my parents, noticing more disapproving glances from the Crane family.

“I’m glad we could finally schedule this. It’s way overdue.” Ann tries to sound cheery, but there’s a crisp slip in her tone. Presumably, still angry with me from the scene at the doctor’s office a few months ago.

“Yes, I think so, too,” Mom agrees.

The waitress takes our drink order, and we fall back into an uncomfortable silence. I lean back in my chair, waiting until my mom taps me on the thigh.

“I guess we need to address the elephant in the room. This is difficult for everyone involved.”