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kid…this kid wasn’t tainted. Yet. I liked Marcel and didn’t want him to forget what was most important: the family sitting in my office with him today.
    Shit! I looked down at my watch, noticing the time was getting really close to four o’clock. “Goddammit, I’m late,” I said, adding a mental thank-you to Cassidy for making me do the Lake Dixon thing today of all days.
    I gave an apologetic look to Camille when she cleared her throat, reminding me little ears were present. “Oops,” I said, blushing. And then I also apologized to Marcel. “Hey, man, I’m really sorry, but I’m late for another meeting. I’d blow it off, but it’s with the little missus, and she can get ten kinds of crazy when I piss…um, tick her off,” I said, catching myself too late. “How long are you going to be in town? Can we schedule a follow-up?”
    “Sure,” Marcel said, standing along with Camille and Vale. “We’ll be in town for a bit longer. I can give you my number.”
    “I already have it,” I told him, revealing a card in my hand. Having his number meant I was definitely interested.
    “Okay, fine,” he said, thankfully, not catching the reveal. “Just give me a call when you’re free. Hey, maybe we can even set up a playdate with your wife and son.”
    “Oh, we’re not married, but I’m sure a playdate can be arranged. Sounds like fun,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder as I escorted him to the door.
    Once he and his family were gone, Ben came over to me. “Well, that didn’t last long.”
    “Cassidy’s going to kill me,” I said. “I’m late again for that stupid appointment she insists on dragging me to.”
    “Ah! Couples therapy…what fun,” he said sarcastically.
    “Yeah, no kidding.” Going back to my office, I gathered my things for the day. I really fucking hated the idea of someone else prying into our relationship, and I was almost one hundred percent sure these quacks always sided with the woman anyway. But Cassidy was adamant about this one, so I’d begrudgingly agreed to the damn thing.
    Ben sniggered and started back toward his desk. And since he delighted a little too much in my misery, I decided to give him some work to make sure he didn’t get to leave early just because I was. “Get in touch with API and get Marcel a spot in their training program. I want him in prime shape for the Combine.”
    “So you signed him?”
    “Not officially, but it’s as good as done,” I answered with a smug grin. “I’m going to keep him hanging for a little bit more, though.”
    “As good as done? If he chooses you, you mean.” Ben still hadn’t learned to stop doubting me.
    I clapped him on the back. “He wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t already chosen to sign with me, Ben.” Heading toward the exit, I called over my shoulder, “Make sure you answer your phone if it rings in case I’m calling from jail to get you to bail me out.”
    Yes, I was going into this appointment already on the defensive. And if this asshole started running off at the mouth and putting me down because, in his opinion, I wasn’t a good partner to Cassidy, I was going to put my hands on him in a very brutal way.
    At exactly four o’clock, I was stuck in standstill traffic, thanks to a three-car pileup on the I-5.
    “Shit!” I hit the steering wheel of my Lincoln Continental once, twice, three times before laying on the horn and yelling a string of profanities no one would pay the slightest attention to.
    I’d never hear the end of it from Cassidy. Actually, I probably wouldn’t hear anything at all from her, earning the silent treatment instead. I fucking hated it when she got quiet. I needed her to yell at me, to say something smart-mouthed, something I could argue with.
    My cell rang then and I pushed the Bluetooth control to answer it. “Matthews,” I damn near shouted.
    I expected Cassidy’s subdued voice to be on the other end, asking me where I was, but it wasn’t her. “Ewwweee! Where