Satisfied 2X

I slowly sipped the glass of water Candy had brought. She returned with a tray, including a pitcher with slices of lemon floating on top. I was starting to see how invaluable she was in small ways.

“We have nothing but positive feedback after the press conference,” the director reported. He settled on the worn-down couch. “Every post I’ve seen has been a good one. The fans are going bananas.”

“Bananas?” I had to stop my giggle. I didn’t know people still said that.

“I have requests for sit-down interviews. You two are going to be the hottest couple in football.”

I twisted my lip under my teeth. “Great. Can you send the schedule to Candy? She’ll add it to my calendar.”

“Whatever you need,” Dylan added. He wrapped an arm around me.

Steve looked up. “You two don’t have to do that for my benefit.”

Dylan shook his head. “It’s not. Mind your fucking business, Steve.”

I elbowed Dylan in the ribs. “What he’s trying to say is we’re ok with this.”

Steve laughed. “The guy bought you in an auction, but whatever floats your boat. I know people are into weird shit these days.”

I stiffened. Did he know there was more to this than Dylan and me? Did he have a clue that Isaac was part of the equation?

It wasn’t a traditional equation. But it was one I liked. I loved it. Each man gave me something different and unique. I needed them together. The idea that that could be exposed or revealed in some way made prickles of panic fire through my spine. I shivered.

“You ok, darlin’?” Dylan rubbed the side of my arm. I saw the protective gaze radiate from Isaac.

I nodded. “Yeah, just the air conditioning or something.”

“What you two have going on is cute,” Steve mumbled. He was clicking through his phone. “The schedule has been sent to Candy. You have your first interview tonight with Sports Now.”

“Sports Now is tonight?” I gaped. “Couldn’t we work up to that? Do some practice ones first?”

“This is it. If you can’t sell it to them, no point in trying to swim in deep waters.”

“I can go too,” Isaac offered.

Steve’s face crinkled around the eyes. “Not necessary for more team members to be there.”

“No,” I argued. “I want him there.”

Dylan squeezed my knee and I knew he understood. I needed both of them.

“It will show the Sports Now staff that we have true Warrior support,” I explained. I didn’t know if Steve bought it. “He’s not going to be on camera or anything.”

“Fine.” Steve waved his hand in the air. “Just get it done. Sell it. That’s all I care about.”

Dylan rose. “I think we’re done here.”

“Are you dismissing me?” Steve’s surprise was obvious.

“Vanessa has a team to run. You nailed the PR piece today.”

Steve laughed. “You’re a wide receiver, not an executive.”

“She needs to work.”

Steve looked at me. “Is this for real?”

I rose from my chair. “Steve, I have other meetings.”