CHANGING THE PLAYER: Charleston Pirates #1 by Chance, Jacob (digital e reader TXT) 📕

“Damage control for what? Since when is a single guy getting his rocks off a crime?”

“Since you had to do it on camera and with two women. Why can’t you have sex with one person at a time like most people?” she asks.

“Why should I be like most people? Why does anyone care what I do in my free time?”

“Flynn, you know the answer to that as well as I do. You’re a famous football player. Everything you do is a reflection on your team. Remember them? You need to start keeping them in mind or you won’t have a job much longer.”

I ruffle Kendra’s hair. “Calm down. Mr. Benson loves me. The team would be lost without me,” I boast.

“Okay, don’t say I didn’t warn you. There have been too many incidences of improper conduct from you this season.”

“Like what?” I fire back.

“There have been innumerable women.” She ticks off, raising a finger on her hand. “Public displays of drunkenness.” There’s another finger. “Some would say disorderly conduct. I mean, you did almost get into a fight.” Finger number three raises.

“Hey, wait a minute. A little shoving doesn’t constitute calling it disorderly conduct.”

“When you knock over a table full of drinks, it does.” Her expression is smug.

“Whatever.” I shake my head. I’m still not willing to admit defeat. I’m not tapping out, especially when it’s my little sister trying to prove me wrong.

“I can continue if you’d like,” she says in an innocent tone.

I pour myself another cup of coffee. Turning around, I lean back against the edge of the counter. My shrug is nonchalant. “Sure. I’ve got time.”

Kendra takes advantage of my feigned willingness and launches into a ten-minute diatribe of all my indiscretions. By the end of her ranting I feel somewhat like an ass, but probably not as much as I should. I’m more annoyed than anything.

So I like to have fun and I have a problem with limits. What guy doesn’t get wild and crazy sometimes?

“I feel like I’m being persecuted for being like pretty much every other average Joe.” I lose my ability to stay silent any longer.

“You’re not an average guy, Flynn. You’re a freaking football superstar, and you need to act like one off the field too.”

“Why should I change my behavior? No one has ever been harmed because of me or my actions. Why should I be penalized for living my life the way I want to? I’m not breaking any laws. I’m not breaking any league rules.”

“Flynn, you can’t perpetually push your luck and then complain when it finally gets you in trouble.”

“I’m not in trouble.”

“Not yet. I’m sure you’ll be hearing from Nadia any time now,” she says, mentioning my agent. Like that should scare me.

“Look, you do whatever it is you need to do as my publicist. Put your special spin on this and make it go away. That’s what I pay you the big bucks for.”

“Pfft. With the bullshit I’ve had to deal with this season, you better give me a raise soon.”

“You should be thanking me for all the other players you’ve gotten as clients because of me,” I tell her.

“No, I got them as clients because of my work. They’ve seen what I’ve had to do to keep your career alive, and now they think I’m a freaking miracle worker.”

“Touché, little sister. I’m not saying you’re not good at your job.”

“No, you implied I didn’t get the clients I have on my own merit, and I resent that. I’ve busted my ass starting my business, and I do a kickass job. While I appreciate that you hired me when I had no experience, you had no choice since your previous publicist dropped you. How ironic is it that the reason she gave was that you were too much work? And not only did I take over her duties, but I stepped in when your personal assistant quit too. I’m doing two jobs for the price of one, and you’re more work than any of my other clients.”

Now I feel bad, and the foot I put in my mouth tastes like shit.

“I’m sorry. I know how amazing you are at your job—jobs. I’m the first one to brag about you. I didn’t mean to make you feel unappreciated. I guess that’s one of the drawbacks of working for me.”

“One of the many drawbacks.” She smiles glumly.

“I hate to cut this short, but I need to eat something and hit the gym.”

“How about eggs and pancakes?” she asks.

“And bacon?”

“I’ll cook if you clean up,” she says.

“You’re on.”

2

Nadia

“Nadia. Mr. Benson is ready to see you,” the receptionist announces, rising to her feet.

I hold up my hand. “There’s no need to show me the way. I’ve been here more times than I can count.”

“Very well.” She nods.

I walk briskly down the hall, eager to find out why Mr. Benson summoned me here. I have a pretty good idea, but I’m hoping I’m wrong. Pausing at the entrance to the conference room, I rap my knuckles on the open door.

“Nadia.” He smiles. “Please come in.”

“How are you, Mr. Benson?”

“I’m well, thank you.”

My gaze swings to his daughter Sadie. She winks at me. “Hey, Nadia.”

I smile. “Hey there.”

Sadie is the Vice President of Operations for the Pirates. She and I have become great friends over the past few years, but we try to remain as professional as possible when we’re in a business setting like now.

Mr. Benson gestures to a chair. “Have a seat.” Once I’m settled, he continues. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I called this meeting, so I’ll get right to it. Due to Flynn’s recent behavior, I’m seriously considering releasing him. His incredible play on the field can’t compensate for his actions away from it. I wish they could, because losing him will hurt, but I need to put the well-being of the team first.”

“I understand the cause for your concern.” What else can I say? Flynn put himself in