Page 81 of Deking at Love
She took it, holding it so Sam could read too.Her eyes popped when she saw the figure they were offering for a settlement.They had known all along.They had known this was bad.
Recovering herself, she asked, “How soon will I get the official rescission and the statement?”
The VP’s perfectly manicured fingers tapped the file.“Everything has been prepared by our legal counsel.I have it right here.”
“I’d like to review the documents and have a few minutes to decide.”
“Of course.”The man slid out a few more papers and left the room.
Sam leaned in.“What do you think?”
“They’re tripling what I’d normally make on a full-time salaryandoffering to subsidize six months of COBRA premiums.”
“Of course they are,” Sam scoffed.“That’s cheaper than having you sue their asses for their screw-up.You’ve got them by the balls, Ange.”
“Yeah, but I just want to be done with this and have a clean slate when I move.”
“So you’re satisfied with the settlement?”
She nodded.“I am.It seems fair.And now I can get a job so I’m not a drag on you and your finances.”
He picked up her hand and kissed it.“Don’t ever think you’re a drag on anything.I’m still pinching myself that you’re coming with me.”
Her heart overflowed.“I love you, Sam.Let’s do this.”
Another two weeks later …
Angie awoke before dawn, stretching beneath the covers.She rolled against Sam’s back and let out a contented sigh when she wound her arm around his bare middle.He responded with a sleepy groan of his own and locked down her arm.A delicious ache throbbed between her legs, reminding her of their late-night escapades.The sultry smell of the sex they’d shared hung in the air, and the scent of his skin reminded her of home.She sighed against the smooth warmth over his firm muscles.
They’d been inseparable since he’d come for her, their days spent getting settled and their nights spent like rabbits trying to populate the planet.She couldn’t get enough of him, and it was pretty clear he felt the same.
She opened her eyes and glanced around the empty room.She and Sam had moved into their new place mere days before, and there was still so much to do to fill the large space.But there was plenty of time.It was mid-July, and Sam wouldn’t report for training camp for another six weeks.
She smiled in the dark.This was their permanent home for at least the next three years.
The day they’d returned to North Carolina, Sam’s agent had called with the details of his new contract.Three years at an AAV of two million dollars—more than Sam had hoped for, and he readily signed.They’d decided that day to buy instead of rent, especially when a former Surge player had made them a great offer.
Angie slid from the sheets, careful not to wake Sam.Today was a big day, and she wanted him to get more rest and give herself a few extra minutes to prepare for what lay ahead.
Pulling on her silky robe, she padded into the kitchen, where she washed their new purchases—dog and cat bowls—before starting the coffee and shaping dough she’d refrigerated the night before.A few scones for her and Sam and the rest for their hosts later today.The prospect of meeting a new group of people made her tummy flip, and walking in with a tray of goodies would make her feel less vulnerable.
She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat at the counter just as her phone dinged with a text.
Celia:Can you talk?
Angie’s languid morning shifted into all-hands-on-deck mode.She tapped Celia’s number, and her former office manager picked up on the first ring.
“I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
Angie smiled, even though Celia couldn’t see her.“Not at all.I’m two hours ahead, remember?You’re the one who’s up early.”
“Right.Well, this won’t take long.I just wanted to fill you in on what’s been happening.”Celia paused a beat as if marshaling her words.“Now I need you to understand that this isn’t official.”
“Okay.”Angie dragged out the word.
“They’ve just wrapped up an ongoing investigation into what happened with the HIPAA violation.It wasn’t a system glitch.They concluded your credentials were intentionally misused.The trouble traced back to Trevor.”Angie sucked in a breath.“The access logs tied back to his device and badge activity.Like I told you before, it wasn’t you, Angelina.”
Angie’s mind reeled.“Is the company going to do anything about it?”
