Page 109 of The Game We Played

“I’m sold.” Daymond stands. “Hire her. Make it happen.”

“But we haven’t discussed salary or employment conditions,” Ursula argues. “She might not want to leave the island and move to Steel City.”

My heart batters in my chest. A week ago, I would have jumped at the chance to move to Steel City. But now? Now I don’t know if I can handle seeing Tanner on a regular basis. Being an up close witness as he goes through woman after woman.

My stomach sours. Maybe I should stay in Smuggler’s Hideaway. After all, I can now keep writing for theGazettefor at least another year.

Screw the pirate. No way. I’m not making a decision based on a man. I am an independent woman. I make my own choices.

But I am a journalist. The only experience I have with PR is Belinda.

“I’m a journalist. I don’t have experience with public relations.”

Ed snorts. “You spent the summer faking a relationship with Tanner Long. You have experience.”

Faking? I wasn’t faking anything. But I’m not about to announce how I fell in love with the most unavailable player on the team to the senior team management. They’ll never offer me the job then.

Daymond stops at the door and glances over his shoulder at me. “Don’t underestimate yourself. I had you looked into. You say you’re a bartender, but the owner ofBootleggersaidyou’re in charge of marketing. She also said you’re an expert at diffusing situations. And everyone in this room knows you can write. Welcome to the team.”

I have to bite my tongue to stop my jaw from dropping to the floor. The billionaire owner thinks I can write. I barely stop myself from squealing with excitement. He shuts the door behind him and I force myself to face the remaining members of the senior management team.

I expect them to appear annoyed or back away from his statement. But, except for Ursula, who’s obviously annoyed, they smile at me.

Ed leans forward. “What are your demands?”

“My demands?” I squeak.

“Salary, vacation days, bring your pet donkey to work. Your demands.”

“I don’t have a pet donkey.” Although now I kind of want one. They can be quite cuddly. I could use a faithful companion to cuddle. The mermaid knows men aren’t to be trusted.

Ursula slides a package across the table. “Here’s the initial offer.”

“It’s negotiable,” Rose adds.

I open the folder and my eyes nearly bug out of my head at the suggested salary figure. It would take me five years of workingMermaid Karaokeevery night to earn this amount. Five years of glitter getting in places it shouldn’t. Five years of listening to women who are pitch deaf.

Maybe I can do this. I can study up on PR. There must be online classes I can follow.

“New employees who move to Steel City are also provided with accommodation for the first six months of the contract,” Ed adds.

I’m tempted. Seriously tempted. But there’s one problem. One six-foot-three-and-a-half-inches problem.

I close the folder. “Would I have to travel with the team?”

Knox clears his throat. “Yes, you would have to travel with the team. You and the members of your staff are part of the essential staff. You’ll be expected to travel on our charter plane and stay in the team hotel.”

“You’ll manage locker room access and media interviews during the trip,” Ursula continues. “Coordinate postgame podium interviews for the coaches and players.”

“And you’ll collaborate with my content teams,” Rose adds, “to document the trip and manage media requirements.”

I blow out a breath. “I’ll spend time with the team?”

“Yes.” Knox nods. “But if any of the team gives you a hard time, you come to me.”

I lift an eyebrow. “And if you aren’t there?”

I know he won’t be there. Everyone on the island knows he accepted another job. He’s leaving the Seals.