Going All the Way (Knights of Passion Book 1) Page 24
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It was eerie walking into the empty stadium. The last time she was here, the place was packed for the Division Series playoff and even before that, armies of workers had swarmed the place, getting ready for a game, cleaning up after a game. Now, it was silent, her heels clicking on the concrete pavement of the parking garage, reminding her of a bad horror movie. Fortunately, there were other cars there or she would have thought the place was deserted. As it was, she felt creeped out by the isolation.
She took the elevator to the offices and then down to her office, which had been conveniently situated near the team offices and locker room. Again, she was struck by the silence, no music blasting, the ground not shaking from the bass, and only an isolated person walking here and there. As she turned the corner to her office, the door was open and the light on.
She stepped in and was greeted by a completely changed interior. The metal desk had been replaced by a dark wood one and a large computer monitor. The walls had a few extra pictures on them beyond the requisite picture of the stadium and team. And behind the desk, Jason Friar was studying a file, his bad shoulder in a sling but looking healthy, happy, and comfortable, a Jason she had never seen before.
She froze, breath caught in her lungs. She started to back out, but he looked up and stood quickly, knocking over the file and a cup of pencils on the desk. He righted everything and strode around the desk, grabbing her hand before she could escape. A spark of awareness darted up her arm from his hand to her heart and she stared at him, eyes wide and uncomprehending.
He drew her into the room and closed the door. She sat in one of the chairs and he perched on the edge of the desk, hand still holding hers. When he noticed, he let it drop. “Thank you for coming, Ms. Kendall. We appreciate you stopping by and hearing our offer.”
She frowned at the formal tone, suspicion blooming. “What the hell is going on? What are you doing here? And where is my stuff?”
“Welcome to the new talent development office.” He spread his good arm and the sling, encompassing the small office. “It’s not much yet, but we’re still new.”
She obligingly glanced around. “You would think they’d offer more. What is a talent development?”
“Well, we’re just getting started. Haven’t hired the staff yet, but we have office supplies. I’ve been asked to come on and help bring some of the young players along in their career. Some of these young guys get distracted by the money, fame, women, and so on. They could use a mentor to help them adjust to life in baseball. That’s where we come in.”
“We?”
“Well, if you want to. See, you and I made such a great team over the past few months, we thought we could expand our scope to help some of the younger players when they’re drafted adjust to life here in the US, on the road. You know, like mentors. I know baseball, you know publicity. The perfect team.”
She let out the breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding. Disappointment coursed through her. Fantasies of Jason declaring his love for her, he needed her for her, disappeared in a flash. He needed her all right, needed her image-consulting skills. What he didn’t need or want was her, in his life, in his bed, anywhere.
Her shoulders slumped and she took a deep breath. That was it then. It was over. Time to cut bait and regain some of her self-respect. She could not work with him again, not after feeling every arrow of pain at the sound of his voice, the sight of his face, the scent of his body. She wanted it all. All or nothing. She deserved no less.
He studied her intently, his amber eyes boring holes in her. She stood. “That’s great, Jason. Really. I’m glad you found a place for yourself, but I don’t belong here. I have another contract.”
He nodded. “That’s what I told them and, selfishly, I’m glad. If you worked for me, I couldn’t do this.” He grabbed her shoulders, pulled her close and kissed her, molding her body to his, lips dancing over hers, igniting a fire she thought she had under control.
After a moment, she let herself sink into the kiss, her hands sliding up his arms, reflexively gripping until he hissed in pain. She sprang away. “Oh, my God, your shoulder! I’m sorry!”
He grimaced. “The surgery is next month. I’ll be laid up for a while, but after that, I’ll be ready for the season.” He pulled her close again, holding her firmly pressed against him, his lips inches from hers. “So, you don’t want the job?”
Emotions swamped her, the room swirling around her. She wasn’t sure what he was saying. The feel of his hard body under her hands, his lips on hers, pushed out all other thoughts.
“What job?” she murmured against his lips.
A knock at the door and its opening had her stepping away.
Cole Hammonds stood in the open door. “Did you make her the offer?”
Jason shrugged. “She turned it down.”
She whirled back around. “Wait a minute. I didn’t turn it down, not exactly.”
He grinned. “She wants to be able to seduce me in the office, which she can’t do if I’m her boss.”
“You, her boss?” Cole snorted. “Not likely. Stacia, we’d be thrilled to have you in publicity and talent development, despite what this Neanderthal says.”
She looked at Jason, surprised. “You were serious?”
“Of course. What did you think I meant when I offered you a job?”
“I thought, I thought,” she stammered, her cheeks heating.
Cole smiled and slipped out the door. “I’ll let you two figure it out. But, Stacia? We’re a little lax on the fraternizing policy here.”
Stacia pushed at Jason, having regained control of her brain, momentarily. “So, what’s the deal with the job?”
“I was hoping you’d come work here in publicity and maybe continue to reform my image, in private of course.”
She eyed him suspiciously, hope beginning to unfurl in her chest. “Are you asking me what I think?”
He grabbed her hand and pulled it to his lips for a kiss. “I’m sorry for being such a bastard about the article. It was way out of line and completely wrong. Not to mention what an ass I was when I hurt my shoulder. And yes, I want you back. I want to see where this can lead. I missed you.”
She arched an eyebrow at him. “Really?”
He scowled. “Guys don’t say these things but fine. You want the words? I love you, okay? I’m in love with you. What more do you want?”
“Nothing at the moment!” She flung her arms around him. “I love you too!”
He hauled her up against him for a deep, drugging kiss. Heat bloomed and she clung to him, pulling him closer. Fairytales did come true.
The End
If you enjoyed Going All the Way, you will love the rest of stories in Megan Ryder’s newest series!
The Knights of Passion Series
Book 1: Going All the Way
Book 2: Love from Left Field
Book 3: The Game Changer
If you enjoyed Going All the Way, you’ll love….
Until You by Jeannie Moon
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Hometown Hero by Dani Collins
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A Deal with the Devil by Lousia George
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Wrecked by Sinclair Jayne
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About the Author
Ever since Megan Ryder discovered Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught while sneaking around the “forbidden” romance section of the library one day after school, she has been voraciously devouring romance novels of all types. Now a romance author in her own right, Megan pens sexy contemporary novels all about family and hot lovin’ with the boy next door. She lives in Connecticut, spending her days as a technical writer and her spare time divided between her addiction to knitting and reading.
Visit her website at MeganRyder.com
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Megan Ryder, Going All the Way (Knights of Passion Book 1)