Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 78164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
I level my gaze with his, only to receive a barely lifted brow in return.
“That’s not a problem,” Dan says, rocking back in his chair as Tate sits to my right.
I take a deep breath, searching for the notes of his cologne that I’ve longed for all weekend. He leans forward to place his coffee and a notepad on the table. It’s enough movement to fill my senses with amber and vanilla.
Lord, help me.
“Do you want to take the lead on this, or do you want me to explain why we’re here?” Dan asks Tate.
“Why don’t you do the honors?” Tate asks, his gaze sliding back to me.
“Excellent,” Dan says. “Team, as most of you have probably heard by now, Charlie McCabe has taken a leave of absence. There was a family emergency on the West Coast. We hope to have him back once things are situated, but right now, it’s up in the air.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Jackson says.
“Where does that leave us in the rebrand?” Derek asks.
“We’re charging full steam ahead,” Dan says.
Jackson glances at me. “The visual deck just came in from the art department for the logo, colors, and mascot.”
“Charlie saw those come in before he left and made notes. They’re on my desk. I’ll send those to you as soon as we finish here,” I say.
“Great,” Jackson says.
“Do you happen to know when we can expect a final report from Good Day?” Derek asks. “We’ve been waiting on the market research for a week now, and Charlie said we should have it today.”
Tally nods. “Yes. There’s been a slight delay. I checked with Good Day’s project manager this morning. The data has all come in, but it’s still being analyzed. They amended the delivery date to Friday.”
I look at Tate out of the corner of my eye. He’s listening intently, as if this information fascinates him.
“I’m sorry,” Tate says, the corner of his lip twitching. “I missed your name.”
I bite my tongue. “Aurora Johnson.”
“Aurora Johnson.” He says my name slowly, as if tasting it on his tongue. “You seem to have a solid grasp on what’s happening here. What is it you do, exactly?”
“Mr. McCabe hired me to assist in the rebranding of the Raptors, specifically community engagement. While Derek and his team are working on more robust marketing strategies for the community at large, I’m focusing primarily on the fan experience.”
“I’m a big believer in creating a memorable experience,” Tate says, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
I steady myself, refusing to participate in whatever experience he’s striving for now.
“How do we convert an average hockey fan into a Raptors superfan?” I ask. “How can we turn the gameday experience into something special? How can we go into the community and build strong ties with our neighbors so they see us not as a money-grabbing sports franchise but a valuable tool that cares about the community?” I smile at him. “These are the questions I’m asking and hoping to answer.”
“Don’t let Aurora fool you,” Dan says, beaming at me. “She’s doing much more than that. She’s also rebuilding our … what do you call it? Spirit team?”
I nod. “We’re leaning toward The Talon Team but haven’t finalized that decision.”
“Aurora is also McCabe’s unofficial assistant,” Dan says, looking at Tate. “This woman is a sponge. She soaks up everything you give her.”
Tate fights a grin. “That’s great to know.”
I struggle not to roll my eyes.
“Who’s the point of contact now?” Derek asks.
“We’re working on that,” Dan says. “McCabe’s departure blindsided us, but we’ll have an interim marketing director in place as soon as possible. Until then—”
“Actually, Dan,” Tate says. “We’ve already found someone.”
I don’t know if it’s how he says it, if the words are directed at me, or if I’m sensing the bomb that’s dropping from the sky with a target on my lap, but for some reason, I brace myself.
“Really?” Dan asks, surprised.
Tate sits up. “I was just talking to Gannon, and we agreed that I’ll be taking over McCabe’s position for the time being.”
No, he didn’t. “You can’t do that,” I say before I can think it through.
All heads whip my way.
Tate smirks, lifting a brow. “And why not?”
“Aurora,” Dan says, giving me a look that silently chastises me. “Mr. Brewer’s family owns the Raptors. He can do whatever he wants.”
I paste on a smile. “I’m sure he can. But I’m also certain that he has bigger problems than the marketing department we already have handled. I flew home Saturday afternoon and spent the entire evening with Charlie, as well as part of Sunday, taking notes.”
“That’s fantastic, Aurora,” Tate says, making a point to say my first name. “You and I should sit down together so you can share all of that with me.” He feathers his thumb over his kissable lips. “I have so many questions for you.”