Going All the Way (Knights of Passion Book 1) (33 page)

Scott leaned over next to him, whispering in his ear. “What do you think?”

He looked Cole and Seamus square in the eyes. “No thanks. I don’t think I’ll sign this.”

Scott made a sound of surprise and protest. Seamus frowned. “It was a good offer, boy. We’re taking a risk on you.”

“I know my shoulder. It’s done,” Jason said, a fatalistic shrug for effect.

Only Cole had a smile on his face, but not of triumph or satisfaction. “I had hoped you would say that. How about another proposition?”

S
tacia twirled her
hair and studied the contract. Why was she hesitating? It was a completely new job, no politics, no business. Her father had made good on his promise to make sure she never had another chance until she apologized, which she had refused to do. Surprisingly, her boss had supported her and stood up for her against her father, finding a completely different option for her.

“What’s the problem, Stacia? You asked me, no, begged me for this contract. So, sign it.”

She sighed, scanning the details again. “I know, Michael.”

He leaned back in his seat and studied her. “Maybe you’re not ready to get back to work.”

She seized on the excuse like a lifeline. “I guess. I’m just tired from two demanding jobs in a row. A few weeks off wouldn’t hurt.”

“They want you next week in New York. If you can’t do it, I’ll have to assign someone else.” He paused. “Are you sure you want this?”

“Of course, what do you mean?”

“You’re just not… you. This last job, the rumors. Stacia, tell me, did something happen between you and Jason? We know the news reports were bullshit.”

“Of course they were. No, it’s nothing. I’m just tired.” She wiped her hand across her brow, feeling the bone-deep fatigue that had plagued her since she had left Jason. Her pain hadn’t lessened but she was glad she had some closure with him. She had kept her dignity, even as her heart was breaking.

He nodded. “The Knights were very happy with your work. They even asked if I would object if they made you an offer of permanent employment.”

She laughed. “Why? Jason Friar is done in baseball. They don’t need me.”

“They liked your brand of public relations and, let’s face it, ballplayers are young and stupid. Why did you assume it was for Friar?”

“Because that was the contract. He’s gone, season’s over, and he doesn’t need me anymore.” He’d made that perfectly clear. She suppressed the sharp bite of anger that he hadn’t bothered to call, email or anything. She was right to have left.

He leaned forward and put his hand on hers. “Stacia, I’ve known you a long time and I would be sorry to see you go, but I think you should hear them out. And maybe call Jason Friar. He’s only called here about a dozen times looking for you. Is that why you changed your cell and home numbers?”

Her mind whirled at the knowledge that he had called Michael looking for her. She glanced away before she could betray any emotion. “He got confused between the job and reality.”

“Really? And did you?” His disbelieving tone had her jerking up. “Call him. Hear him out. Communication is a good thing. Besides, you left things unfinished there and they have said your contract isn’t complete.”

“What? He got a standing ovation by the crowd. The contract is more than finished.”

“Well, someone doesn’t think so. They want to see you in your office at the stadium later today at three. Hear them out, okay?”

She stood and flung her bag over her shoulder. “I’ll do more than hear them out, Michael. Then I’ll sign that contract.” She whipped the paper off the desk and stormed out of the office.

*

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

The Knights of Passion Series

Book 1: Going All the Way

Book 2: Love from Left Field

Book 3: The Game Changer

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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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