Page 90 of The Score

Chapter 30

Bear

The group disbands and we mingle with the rest of the team. Pen and I catch up with a few of the coaches, but say goodbye to them after a while. As soon as we're alone, Pen leans close to me.

"Now that we have some privacy," Pen says. "I need to tell you something or I will explode."

I wipe all previous thoughts from my mind. Mostly. As best as I can.

"Let me guess." I take a deep breath. "Are you considering a new job at the Strike?"

She chuckles. "Wow, you know me well."

I rub my lips together and command my heart to keep a steady pace. A decision was made. I'm keeping any romantic feelings at bay. No matter how gorgeous she looks in this dress, or the way the cinched waist accentuates her generous curves, or how the gold and black contrast with the light sienna of her skin, and how all the generous material makes me want to check what's underneath— by touch. Better not to think about it. Atall.

She continues. "But would it be weird? You and I working for the same organization?"

I lift a very casual, very composed shoulder. "We do everything together."

"Mostly everything."

I arch an eyebrow but otherwise ignore her comment. "Considering how your last job burnt you out—"

"You convinced me to quit though—"

"The real question is, would a job with the Strike be different? Sustainable? Because that's the whole point."

"I would hope so." She snorts. "I expect the budget alone would make a huge difference. I would actually have the money to help withsomethings. I could advocate for people. I could point folk to resources. Hell, we could be the resource. We could change a few families' lives. That's like… my professional dream."

She looks deep in thought for a second. Out of nowhere, I push a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.

Oops. I didn't mean to do that but, when she gazes at me, I smile.

"Talk to Evie," I say. "She's the expert on the front office stuff."

"I would have to apply properly of course…"

"You're my wife. It’ll help."

The words— they roll out of my tongue with ease. They fit. They feel good. They may be seen as slightly possessive if someone were to look too deeply.

And they should have stayed buried deep within my psyche. Fuck. I'm failing spectacularly at this already.

She shifts on her feet.

I clear my throat. "Some team spouses volunteer on the charity side of things, just like the team does when we go out to the community for all of these projects."

"I wouldn't be volunteering." She frowns. "Which, by the way— we have to get that postnup. Otherwise, everyone will think I'm greedy. Married to a richguy and entitled to half his fortune. Why do I want to be paid? I should be volunteering."

I frown. "Why wouldn't you get a salary? This is your career. You have the background to get hired if you want. We need to look into it, but if they're expanding, there should be new positions opening."

"Well, let's hope this Mariana Sinclair and Selena and whoever else agrees."

Her tone fades into the space between us, as her eyes turn to Dom nearby. He approaches in a way that makes it clear he intends to join us.

Pen sighs. "The minicamp starts in three days. I'll ask Evie then."

She finishes the thought just as our friend reaches us.