Chapter 27: Money is Money

We froze when we heard a loud bang. A slight annoyance replaced any other expression on either of our faces as a neurotic-looking man shuffled down the hallway. "Sir, this is where you were! I've been looking all over for you!" 

"You found me, kid. What's up?" Grant's gruff and cocky demeanor was now firmly in place, and I watched him with curiosity. I now understood this was his armor, but I didn't have to like it. I'd spent enough of my life with a man who hid his true thoughts, emotions, and plans from me, and I didn't want to see the same act on someone like Grant. He shouldn't have to hide who he is from the world, and at some point, we would need to discuss it, but not in front of an audience. Grant's eyes flicked to mine, and a silent conversation passed between us. I could see him asking me to wait, and I loved that he wanted to keep such a meaningful discussion between the two of us. I nodded so slightly that he would've missed it if his whole attention wasn't on me. 

"Coach is looking for you." The man glanced between the two of us, his face flushing when his gaze lasted a little too long on my cleavage. I wrapped my arm around my chest, grabbing my shoulder to cover myself. It was just cleavage, dude. I should've kept the itchy sweater on, but it seemed like a good idea to remove it at the time. An intimidating growl snapped the young man out of his slack-mouth stare. Grant grumbled next to me in a no-nonsense tone, "Let's go then."

Grant touched my elbow and leaned in next to my ear. His voice was so soft and deep that I felt it from that sensitive spot on my neck down to my core." The things I will do to you later would scare this poor boy."

I giggled awkwardly loud as Grant stepped back. His smirk was all-consuming and ignited heat throughout my body. I bit my lip and reveled in how his butt filled out his pants as Grant, and the kid began walking away. Grant looked over his shoulder with a longing look, his eyes creasing on the edges with amusement. I swear his ass shook just a smidge for me, causing my brain to short-circuit temporarily. When my brain started to function again, I felt brave, subtly tugging my dress top down to expose more of my cleavage far past what my mother would consider scandalous without showing any nipples.

I could feel Grant's eyes baring into me, and I wondered if he could see my nipples as they stiffened in a delightful pleasure, yearning for his lips again. All earlier insecurities went out the window, and I felt relieved they were unfounded. I yanked my dress back up as the assistant turned to see what Grant was looking at. Grant's hand went over the kid's eyes, whose flushed face could rival a tomato, and spun him, walking away with one arm around him to keep the assistant from getting any more looks. 

It was unnecessary as my moment of sexy bravery was over, and I would probably never do something so embarrassing again. Just something about Grant made me a little reckless, and I loved it. It was so freeing to be myself after having to be someone else for five long years. What I would be doing over and over again was enjoying how Grant's pants showed his toned muscles, highlighting how bite-able his butt truly was.

Waving my hand in front of my flushed face, I took a minute to cool the inferno he had ignited and readjusted my dress. I leaned against the cool cement wall, much the same way Grant had, and allowed the insecurities and doubts to roll off my shoulders. The tension I carried from them followed down my body and out through my heels. 

I'm allowed to be happy. I repeat that multiple times before heading back to the interview room and packing up. 

As soon as I walked into the room, I wanted to walk back out. Ben stood looking over the crew manager's shoulder. All of the happy and positive feelings I had just allowed into my body were replaced with annoyance. I instantly felt my blood boil. Why did he keep popping up in my life and in places that he had no business being? I stormed over to him, gripping his forearm a little tighter than I intended. "What are you doing here?" 

Ben glanced at my hand digging into his bicep and smirked, "I'm ensuring there won't have to be a third interview. You've already taken up enough of Dawes's time by having to re-do this interview because of your mistakes." 

I was so mad that my body shook. How dare he belittle everything that happened. It wasn't entirely my fault that this interview had to be redone. Now that I knew Grant had stage fright, it made sense why he took off last time, but I would never reveal that information to anyone, especially Ben. 

"Why would you even care?" I say, trying to keep my tone conversational. 

"I'm now consulting for the Hot Shots," Ben's smug smile widens. My body stilled as his words settled, and I realized I was right when I saw him with the GM. "So, we will be working together often." 

"Why? You hate hockey!" I nearly yell. The immediate crowd surrounding us goes quiet, but no one tries to intervene. I ignore the stares, lowering my voice again, "You repeatedly told me you would never consult for a hockey team." 

Ben shrugged, careful to keep his tone neutral, keeping any inflection from showing, "Money is money, Vi. If you paid me what you owe me, I wouldn't have to take this extra job." 

"Seriously, Ben? The court gave me six months, but it has only been one!" I ran my fingers through my hair, not caring that it messed up the careful style now that the interview was over. 

"I'm owed my money, Violet!" Ben whined. I seriously wanted to punch him. I felt like a mother scolding her child for not having enough patience to wait for a toy or dessert instead of a middle-aged man. 

"And you will get it. I will pay you what I owe you." I pointed toward the exit, "Now, get off my set. You are not authorized to be here!"