Only Mine (Honey Mountain #5)(11)

“Oh, God, no. Never. That’s a negative. A hard no.” Dylan rolled her eyes as if she were completely appalled by the question.

Jesus. Most women would be thrilled to be tied to me. This was a first.

“We work together. Nothing more.” I shot her a look because her response was unprofessional and offensive. And it fucking pissed me off.

The next few hours were not what I’d expected. It actually wasn’t all that bad. We talked shop, and Braxton asked me about playing hockey when I was a kid because, apparently, Dylan had divulged that information when she met him at that bar and said that I was a super fan of Juan’s. I’d definitely have to get her back for that one. Braxton proceeded to ask me a million and one questions about being a SEAL. I gave him superficial answers because I couldn’t divulge what he wanted to know. Dylan excused herself to use the restroom, leaving the two of us alone.

“Be straight with me, Braxton. Do we have a shot with him? I’d rather not waste our time or yours if he isn’t truly interested. I can break it to Dylan if you don’t want to let her down. But tell me what our chances are, come June.”

He finished the last of his second mai tai and popped a tortilla chip into his mouth.

“The truth… I’d say the Lions are his number-one choice at this point, completely off the record, of course. This is just two friends talking right now. We’ve been approached by a few others who have come calling, just like you, but Juan doesn’t care for the coach or the players. He’s a big Hawk Madden fan, and word on the street is, Hawk might be joining the coaching staff.” He shrugged. “I like you. I like Dilly. So, yeah, things are looking very strong for the Lions. You know, you’d be a fool not to hire her. I mean, the girl stormed into the bar and pulled up a chair right next to me. She acted like we were old friends and demanded I hear her out. That girl’s a winner right there.” He raised his chin toward Dylan, who’d just come out of the restroom and was being cornered by the hostess, Jos, who’d hit on me earlier.

There was some truth to what he’d said. Dylan had impressed the shit out of me by finding the guy and dragging him here to meet with us.

I’d give her that, even if I wasn’t ready to admit it to her.

Dylan Thomas was full of surprises.

The problem was—I wasn’t big on surprises.





five





Dylan





Things were going even better than expected. Braxton had been much easier to deal with than I thought he would be. He was a straight shooter who was just used to people walking on eggshells around him because he was the key to getting to his clients.

I wasn’t the type of girl who walked on eggshells. I was definitely more of a bull in a china shop. But here we were, sitting at this table, talking like old friends now. Even Mr. High-Strung Navy SEAL had calmed his ass down. That is, after he insulted both Braxton and me by insinuating Braxton wanted to sleep with me as part of the deal. That was wrong for a multitude of reasons. First off, Braxton had been super cool to leave that bar and come with me to the restaurant. Sure, he was flirty, but it was all in good fun. He’d never been inappropriate. Secondly, Wolf speaking up the way he did insinuated that I couldn’t handle myself.

And I didn’t appreciate that, nor did I look kindly at people who underestimated me.

I’d brought the guy to the table. I did not need a babysitter or a handout.

So, I paid him back the only way I knew how. If he wanted to go low, I’d go lower. And Jos, the super cute hostess, had practically begged me for information about the big, bad Wolf. So, maybe I’d added a few minor details that had left her gasping.

Karma’s a bitch, and I’m all too happy to help her out every now and then.

We’d finished eating, and Braxton had ordered one final fruity cocktail, which I found endearing for a grown man. He polished off his drink, and Wolf paid the bill before we all pushed to our feet.

“Thanks again for ditching the bar and coming here,” I said, as I hugged Braxton goodbye. I’d expected to be meeting with this arrogant, hotshot agent, but Braxton Jones was just a down-to-earth, nice guy.

“I’m glad I came. I’ve got your numbers, and you’ve got mine, so let’s just stay in touch. I’ll be in San Francisco for a game in a few weeks to see Jonathan play, so maybe we can meet for a drink after.”

“That would be great,” Wolf said, extending his hand.

Wolf stood taller than Braxton; he was leaner, with broad shoulders that tapered down to a trim waist. He wore dark jeans and a black button-up, and I wasn’t surprised at all that the hostess was drooling over the man. Braxton garnered his own attention, but every woman in the room had their eyes on Wolf Wayburn.

And he knew it, which annoyed me all the more.

We all walked out of the restaurant, and Jos called out to Wolf, and he let out a long breath before clapping Braxton on the shoulder. “Thanks for meeting us. I’ll speak to you soon.”

I couldn’t help but smile as I walked with Braxton into the hotel lobby because I was giddy over the information that I’d shared with Jos. I had no idea how it would play out, but I’d enjoyed sticking it to him tonight.

“What’s the story with you two?” Braxton asked.

“No story. I just started working with him. We didn’t exactly get off to a fabulous start, but you don’t get to pick who you work with, right?”