Why would the team’s manager be calling me? Depending on the topic, any communication was always done via the coach, PR, or HR.
“Answer it,” Jayden said with an urgency already thrumming in my veins.
“Jonas,” I answered.
“Sutton.” Jonas’s Southern-accented voice rumbled down the line. “You got Moore there with you?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. I need you both to head over to the main office for a meeting at three this afternoon. I know you’ve only just flown in, but it’s important. Can you make that happen?”
“That should be fine.” I looked at Jayden, my eyes widening a little. “Uhm, is everything okay?” I refused to ask if we were in trouble. The question reminded me too much of being a rookie.
“Sure is. See you soon.” He ended the call with no further explanation.
“What’s going on?”
“He’s asked for us to attend a meeting at three.” A quick glance at the time told me it was already just after one in the afternoon.
“What did he say when you asked if everything was okay?”
“Said it was fine. Nothing else.”
“Urgh, what the hell’s this about?” I saw the moment he thought the same thing that had just entered my overworking brain. “They couldn’t be talking trades, right?” He paled, looking as horrified as I felt.
I hoped they weren’t. The last thing I wanted was to leave the team. That both Sutton and I were creeping toward the end of our basketball careers was obvious. Our ages pretty much guaranteed that. But since we had just signed new contracts, I’d have been surprised if that was the case.
“Let’s not jump to conclusions. He said there wasn’t a problem—”
“One or both of us being traded wouldn’t be a problem for him. We’re just numbers on a jersey.”
While Jayden wasn’t wrong, I couldn’t imagine the manager calling us in about that. Shit, unless there was a trade offer and with us sharing our relationship status, they wanted to make sure there weren’t any legal issues.
My stomach sank. That could totally be it.
“What? What is it? You just thought of something.”
I twisted my mouth a little, wishing I could control my expressions better around this man. Hell, I had pretty much done so all last season by concealing my feelings, so why couldn’t I now?
“You better just fucking tell me. Shit, we’ve only just agreed—”
“I know,” I said quickly, cutting him off. The man was right, as frustrating as that was. “I just didn’t want to panic you.”
I glanced down, realizing I was still a mess, and Jayden wasn’t much better. “Let’s shower, and I’ll let you know what I’m thinking.”
Narrowed eyes stared back at me. “You better.”
His pout was fucking adorable. I kissed him and smiled against his lips before pulling away. “I promise.”
* * *
When we entered the room,a heavy thump punched against my chest. Six people were sitting around the conference table. As well as Jonas, Monty and Coach Brentworth were here—Monty smiling at us both. There were three other people, one woman, and two men. None I recognized.
“Coach Jenkins,” Jayden said from my side, stepping forward and taking one of the men’s hand in his. “What are you doing here?”
My gaze bounced between them. While I didn’t recognize him, I knew Coach Jenkins was Jayden’s old coach from college.
“Good to see you, Jayden.” Warmth lit his voice. “I’m sure once you sit your ass down, you’ll soon find out.” He chuckled and sat.
