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He nodded. “Yes. She’s safe. And won’t ask anything you’re not comfortable with.”
I brought my hand to my mouth, my brain working for once. “I don’t know. We’ll need to talk about it.”
“I understand. But as your agent, I’m bound to pass the offer along. Several sports magazines have made offers as well. She’s the safest.”
“Why is she safe?” Cole asked.
Aidan smiled. “She’s Marcus’s ex-wife, and Trent’s mother.” Then he went on, unfazed. “Think about it and let me know.”
“Yeah, we will,” I said.
If we were coming out, announcing it during the off-season on our terms might be the best way to go.
CHAPTER 23
COLE
“You feeling okay, babe?”
We left home early to get breakfast and defuse our nerves before our appointment with Donovan Hughes. I wasn’t hungry, but Patrick convinced me to eat just a little something.
I sipped my coffee and managed a couple bites of a blueberry muffin from our favorite coffee shop. My stomach was queasy even though I was more than ready to get started on unpacking our lives.
I forced a smile at him. “Yep, just anxious to get started.”
Patrick looked over at me with the same sweet smile and soft eyes he’d been giving me since we were kids. I’d stood no chance of not falling in love with him. “Let’s go, then. You’re going to like him.”
I nodded and opened my door. Patrick got out and met me in front of the car. I used the fob to lock the car, then followed him to the door. Like the gentleman he was, he opened the door for me, making me smirk at him.
A tall man with graying hair at the temples met us when we walked in. His warm smile was welcoming, and I could see why Cooper had recommended him to Patrick.
I held out my hand. “Hi, I’m Cole.”
He smiled and returned the gesture. “Hi, Cole. Nice to meet you. I’m Donovan Hughes.”
“And I’m Patrick,” he teased.
“Yes, I believe I know who you are. Come on in and make yourselves comfortable.”
Donovan’s office had a small desk, but the majority of the room was filled with a comfortable brown leather sofa and two navy blue plaid wingback chairs. I sat on the sofa and Patrick sat beside me.
It was obvious he was comfortable with Donovan, which eased my nerves a bit.
“How are you doing, Patrick? Are things improving?”
He sighed, but smiled. “Physically, I’m getting stronger every day. My arm will need some rehab, and my hand is finally beginning to go where I want it to, but the headaches are still there, though not a constant thing like before.”
“Are you still experiencing memory loss?” Donovan shifted to get comfortable.
“There are some holes in what I remember. I’m clear on everything up until the accident. They told me it should be temporary and would come back at some point. But I’m not sure I want to remember it.”
Donovan raised his brows. “How long were you knocked out?”
“I don’t know. But as I was driving home, I was listening to Fallen Angel. When the car stopped against the guardrail, I remember the sound system was still working, and Cole was singing.”
What? My eyes went wide and then began to tear up. “Really?”
Patrick bit his bottom lip and glanced at Donovan. “Yeah. I don’t know whether I dreamed it, or if it actually happened. Either way, hearing your voice gave me comfort. Because if my life was over, at least you were with me.”
