Focused: A hate to love sports romance(4)

Logan eyed me again. "We weren't told about that. Who are they filming?"

"They're still deciding. I guess Allie and Cameron knew about this," I said, referencing the team owner—Paige's best friend—and the longtime COO. "So does Coach, but they're holding a meeting tomorrow to tell the rest of the coaching staff before they decide which players to film."

My brother was quiet as he processed that, and Paige smiled encouragingly at me, even as she knew her husband would be pissed that something like this might interrupt practice. We were less than a month away from the start of preseason, and while late roster changes weren't out of the ordinary, it was still stressful for the coaching staff.

The Wolves hadn't won a championship since Logan played, even though their record had stayed strong. We'd won our division but failed in the past few years to make it past the playoffs, despite a tough defense and young offense.

"That's big money for Washington," Paige said, "to land something like that."

"It is. And a huge opportunity for more, when you consider merchandising." I set my glass down. "It helps in just about every facet—community relations, social media exposure, and new sponsorship opportunities. Players get exposure to a new crowd that may not know much about them other than their field stats. It's exciting."

Logan nodded. "I get it. I don't have to like it, especially if cameras are tripping my players up during practice."

"They won't, I promise."

His smile was small. "Yeah? You gonna be in charge of them?"

"Sort of?" I grinned. "I have to take a day or two to think about it, but you're looking at the official special projects liaison. I'll be the point person between Washington and Amazon. I'll be in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly; that the film crew has what they need, that the players are protected, and nobody gets in each other's way."

"Molly, that's amazing," Paige gushed. She hurried around the island to give me a tight hug. "She can't be too bad if she trusted you with something like that."

Logan looked thoughtful. Not thrilled, but not unhappy either. "And this is something you want to do?"

I nodded. "I do. And I know, Logan, you loved that I never had to deal with the players, but I'll be fine. I have sixteen years of knowing how to manage stubborn athletes under my belt."

Paige laughed.

My brother rolled his eyes.

"I wonder if the roster shakeup influenced Amazon's decision," Paige said.

Logan stared at the floor but didn't say anything.

"It's possible. Beatrice told me they're looking at a couple of narratives, and one is following the new players as they assimilate into the established culture of a team, college and pro." I shrugged. "But that's just one possibility."

Logan muttered something under his breath. Paige narrowed her eyes at him.

I cocked my head in his direction. "What was that?"

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I said I think I know who they want to film. Dammit."

Paige slowly pushed the swear jar back in her husband's direction, which he ignored as I stared him down.

"Who?"

Logan slicked his tongue over his teeth and stared me down right back. "This is a horrible idea, and you should turn down the promotion."

"Ummm, no. Why on earth would I do that?"

"Molly."

"Logan." I crossed my arms. "What's your problem?"

"You have worked so hard, kid," he said, and my arms dropped at the sudden seriousness of his voice. "So damn hard, and I'm so proud of you."

Paige glanced back and forth between us, and I shrugged.

"Who did we sign, and why does this freak you out so badly?" she asked.

He rubbed the back of his neck, closing his eyes for a long moment.

I grabbed my phone. "Fine, I'll google it."

"Noah," he said. "We signed Noah Griffin this morning. Press had barely got wind of it by the end of the day."

Paige somehow managed an, "Ohhhhhhh shit," even though her half-open mouth barely moved.

The phone clattered out of my hand, and I sank back down into the stool.

"Like, Noah Noah?" I pointed at the house behind ours, the one he hadn't lived in for years. "That Noah."

Logan's look was enough affirmation. Paige covered her mouth with one hand.

My younger sister Isabel appeared around the corner with a half-eaten protein bar in her hand. "What about Noah?"

We all looked at her but didn't answer.

I dropped my head into my hands.

"What about Noah?" Isabel repeated. "I heard Miami dropped him because of some drama in the locker room. Which is weird because he's like ... uber football robot man. I don't think I've seen him smile in three seasons." She whistled. "But damn, his QB sack record is bananas. Off the charts."

Isabel would know. Our resident sports know-it-all.

I thought my mind was racing before. How cute.

"Molly," Logan said quietly. "Come on, think about this. If they're showing up to film him, then taking care of him will be your job. Do you think that's smart?"

I snapped my head up. "I'm not a kid anymore, Logan."