“That would certainly define enjoyment. But that’s private and my own business. It has nothing to do with the job. I’ve been successful.” No one could argue her success. Sleeping with Jason shouldn’t matter.
“You have,” he grudgingly admitted. “The client’s happy. Friar’s looking great on paper and is playing better, making everyone happy. But it’s only for a few weeks more, right? What’s your next step?”
“The usual. Interviews, maybe a charity event. We have six more weeks and the contract with the Knights is only for the remainder of the season. After that, it’s up to him. But this can set him up for a better contract next season.”
The subtle reminder that Jason was not going to be around for more than another couple of months or so wasn’t lost on Stacia. It was Michael’s way of telling her not to get too attached, not to lose focus. She appreciated his impartiality most of the time but right now, she didn’t want to hear it.
His tone roughened. “That wasn’t the job. We just had to keep him out of trouble for the Knights, our clients. You’re playing with fire, especially if you’re getting attached.”
“Right, and Jason isn’t my client, so there is no conflict of interest.” Yes, keep telling yourself that, Stacia.
“Semantics, Stacia. Weak argument. I’m not going to argue with you. What’s done is done. I just want to warn you.” His concern came through the line and she felt a rush of gratitude. Yes, he was her boss but he cared too.
“Duly noted. My job is on the line.”
“No, Stacia. I’m more worried about you. You don’t separate the job and personal very well. This is a big risk and I worry for you.”
She smiled, a genuine one. “Michael, I’m going to begin to think you care.”
He grunted. “Of course I do. That’s personal, but business is business. You need to be careful and watch your step. Your father isn’t happy. I’ll support you in this for now, but you’d better deal with him. And if the fallout affects my business, well, you and I will have to deal with it.”
The call disconnected with that final ominous note about her situation. Stacia rested the phone on the desk. She was in over her head, personally not professionally. Any professionalism she had been known for had gone out the window on this case. Itwaspersonal. She’d have to deal with the fallout once the season ended. She had no idea where it would leave her, but she had no illusions. Jason was a short-term relationship, if she could even call it a relationship. It had an expiration date and was more one of convenience than anything else. Someone was going to get hurt.
It was too late to protect her heart, she feared.